Jan 6-17, The Next Stage Festival: January is the New July @ The Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St. Presented by The Fringe, this winter theatre festival has been gaining serious ground. Industry experts selected new and re-worked performances from eight Fringe companies. Also, there is a heated beer tent. http://www.fringetoronto.com/nstf/nstf_shows.html

Jan 6-24, Architecture of Community @ Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen St. W. Emerging Canadian artists on the topic of transformational approaches to architectural spaces and their impact on community. http://g1313.org/

Jan 6-Feb 6, Light & Objecthood @ Ryerson Gallery, 80 Spadina Ave. Suite 305. A photography installation by Ryan Van Der Hout. Opening Jan 7, 5-8 pm. www.ryersongallery.ca, www.ryanvanderhout.com

Jan 6, 8 pm. The Balconies @ The Supermarket, 268 Augusta Ave. The Balconies are known about town for their stripped-down vintage sound and energetic live shows. Hit up PWYC Wednesdays to catch the trio.

Jan 7-18, Salon 4 @ Propellor Centre for the Visual Arts, 984 Queen St. W. The annual Salon show, with an opening on the 8th from 7-10 pm.

Jan 7-Feb 1, Let The Seasons Begin @ Drake Hotel General Store, 1144 Queen St. W. New works by Steven Beckly. Opening reception Jan 7 from 7-9pm.

Jan 8, 7 pm. Hip Hop Mov3m3nt Classes @ Elevation Dancentre Studios, 979 Bloor St. W. Drop in classes presented by SM Dance Crew. $12 a class, discounts if you bring friends, or sign up for passes. For info call Elizabeth: (647) 244 – 9209

Jan 9, 8 pm. Free Liliany Obando @ The Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Help support the work of human rights activists in Colombia, with an evening dedicated to Obando, an activist, filmmaker, sociologist, and single mother. Proceeds will help support her endangered children. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181744418058

Jan 11, 7:30. Trampoline Hall @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. Curated this month by Becky Johnson, crafts, whales, and other lives will be discussed. Tickets $6 at Soundscapes.