Grimaud Plays Brahms
"A wrong note that is played out of élan," Hélène Grimaud once said, "you hear it differently than one that is played out of fear." The French pianist is intrepid, a trait that leads to adventurous performance and helps with her passion, which is the raising and studying of wolves. With the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, she'll stare down Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1, an exited, emotional and robust work that is not for the meek. April 19, 8 p.m. $33 to $145. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 416-593-7769 or tso.ca.
Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade
Finally, Rob Ford has received his marching orders. Along with all other politicians, the controversial mayor has been asked not to march in this year's east-end Easter procession. Hoopla-fearing organizers have declared the family-friendly parade a "political-free zone," which leaves the candy-chucking chief magistrate with 10,000 chocolate treats in his basket (by his count), and one more egg on his face. April 20, 2 p.m. Free. Starts at Munro Park, proceeding west on Queen Street East to Woodbine Avenue. beacheslions.com.
Cock
No chicken, the rising-star British playwright Mike Bartlett has a hit on his hand with a raw, prickly comedy involving a gay/straight love triangle. Globe reviewer Martin Morrow praised the production (which plays at the Studio 180 company's home base at the Theatre Centre's brand-new space) as a "no-holds-barred emotional brawl," about the intersection of sexuality and self-identity. To April 27. $30 to $35. Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St. W., 416-872-1212 or studio180theatre.com.
Historiographic
Just because the train has long left the station, doesn't mean we can't take a ride. Exploring the notion that it is history that gives art much of its power, eight artists have created works in various mediums that attempt to question antique assumptions. One of the pieces is Shiver of History (2) Old Union Station, Toronto by Lynne Wynick, who uses architectural references, drawings, photographs and models to explore this city's original travel hub. To June 15. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay. W., 416-973-5379 or harbourfrontcentre.com.
Record Store Day
We still recall their Scarborough record-store signings back in the day. The pop troupe Barenaked Ladies, its members older and wiser (but still playful), celebrate music and rotating vinyl products with a pop-in at an indie record store. There are still some of those places left – including Sunrise Records, at 784 Yonge Street, where BNL will perform and sign at 1 p.m. – and most of them will be selling rare, exclusive merchandise on Saturday. April 19. For a list of one-day-only releases and participating retailers: recordstoreday.com.
Brad Wheeler