Monday, November 30:
9pm. Matisyahu @ The Phoenix. He’s Orthodox, it’s reggae. $31.50.

Tuesday, December 1:
12pm. Canada Reads…Who? Host Jian Ghomeshi will be joined by all the Canada Reads 2010 panelists and authors, and you can purchase all five books in a box set at discount. 250 Front St. W.

8pm. The Salon Automaton @ The Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. After a sold-out run at Montreal’s Usine C, Nathalie Claude is bringing her show about turn-of-the-century automatons to Toronto. This one-lady show features three authentic human-size automatons: modern robotics meets performance art, not to be missed! Runs Tuesday-Saturday at 8pm. Call 416-975-8555.

8pm. World AIDS Day Fundraiser @ Mood Lounge. An evening of cocktails and poetry/spoken word performances in honour of World AIDS Day. 100% of donations are donated to HIV/AIDS research, you’re challenged to give just one day’s salary. 120 Cumberland St.

Wednesday, December 2:
8pm. Bring It: With the Toronto Alliance of Art Critics @ Double Double Land. 7 of Toronto’s bitchiest art critics talk about what sucks about galleries, artists, art shows and press releases. You’re encouraged to raise your hand and cuss them out in this first annual panel discussion. 209 Augusta Ave.

Thursday, December 3:
5:30am. Sounds of the Season @ The CBC. Join your favourite CBC personalities for a day of live programming at the Glenn Gould Theatre. Come support local food banks while watching live broadcasts of your favourite shows like Metro Morning, Here and Now, and Big City Small World. Last year the event raised more than 8, 500 lbs of food and $300 000!

4pm-9pm. The Burroughes Designer Department Store Holiday Pop-Up Shop. From December 3-6, the original Burroughes showroom will be opened to the public to feature Canadian designs and locally-made goods. There will be clothing and accessories for men and women, housewares and bath and beauty products, so you can find something for several people on your list! Vendors will include Carrie Hayes, Cuffwear, DaLish Cosmetics, le Petit Beret, Philip Sparks and SOOS Jewelry. Visit torontohabitat.ca to order your kit and book a building time.

12:30pm-5:30m. Pillbox Hat Felting Workshop. Your Jackie Kennedy dreams are finally coming true! $95 includes material. To register, visit handworkstudio.ca.

3pm. Director Little X Speaks @ Innis Town Hall. In a rare lecture series, Director X, one of the most renowned music video directors in the industry, will be talking about the art of the music video. He’s done videos for Kanye West, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, Usher, and many more. Tickets are $10, available at Lavish & Squalor (253 Queen St. W), Proper Reserve (498 Queen St. W) and Banu (777 Queen St. W).

8pm. Hidden Cameras @ The Opera House. Delightful indie pop that frontman Joel Gibb likens to “gay church music”. $15, tickets available at Rotate This.