Danny Lyon: The Bikeriders
He got his motor running, he headed out on the highway, he looked for adventure. He also looked for motorcyclists in the American Midwest in the mid-1960s, and when he found them he chronicled their counterculture with a camera, a bulky tape-recorder and an all-access pass. In addition to the photographs by Danny Lyon on display at the Stephen Bulger Gallery, his short documentary films are screening free at the Camera next door on Saturdays (3 p.m.). To June 15 (opening reception, May 11, 2 to 5 p.m.) Free. 1026 Queen St. W., 416-504-0575.
Al Tuck
Please don't describe him as underrated. Because he's rated, all right. Leslie Feist calls him a living legend. Jason Collett calls him the greatest songwriter of his generation. And Paul Simon might call him Al, if they ever were to meet. Al Tuck, an observer and wry troubadour too hip for this world, celebrates his seventh album, Stranger at the Wake, this weekend. Time to get acquainted, don't you think? May 11, 7 p.m. $10. Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., 416-850-4579.
The Shining / Room 237
Heeere's Stanley! As if Stanley Kubrick's The Shining was not unsettling enough, a handful of obsessive cineastes have developed complicated theories about the secret conceits the late director layered within the Jack Nicholson-starring thriller. The documentary Room 237 deconstructs the classic 1980 film and explores the preoccupied thoughts of the conspiracists. Both films screen through May 16. $10.50 to $13. TIFF Bell Lightbox. 350 King St. W., 416-968-3456 or tiff.net.
Arthur S. Goss: Works and Days
As part of the city-wide and month-long Contact Photography Festival, the precise, eloquent work of the first official photographer of the City of Toronto is showcased. Hired in 1911, Arthur S. Goss created thousands of images that now illustrate in exquisite detail the dusty city's grand re-invention of itself as a modern metropolis. If he were alive today, perhaps Mr. Goss would do us the favour of presenting the transportation debate in time-lapse photo fashion. To June 2 (and again from June 19 to Aug. 25). Ryerson Image Centre, 350 Victoria St., 416-979-5000.
Spelling Bee of Canada
Do I have to spell it out for you? Why, yes – yes, you do. Pint-sized people of letters engage in a time-honoured contest of language and memorization, as loved ones in the audience live and die with every nerve-racking moment of hesitation or uncertainty from the young word masters who don't know from auto-correct. May 12, 9:30 a.m. (opening ceremony). Free. Delta Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard W., spellingbeeofcanada.ca.
Brad Wheeler