GREG BEHRENDT
He's irreverent, a recovering alcoholic (12 years sober), and a by-fluke relationship expert who penned the bestselling book He's Just Not That Into You (which turned into a rom-com featuring Jennifer Aniston and Scarlett Johansson). Greg Behrendt says he fell into the weird world of couple therapy after scoring a sweet gig as a consultant on the hit show Sex And The City, where he advised one of the writing staff that the guy she was dating clearly was "just not that into you." If you're in the mood for some comedic therapy, catch Mr. Behrendt's stand-up tonight at The Comedy Bar. 945 Bloor St. W. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
CAMERON HOUSE SHOWCASE
Cameron House Records is teaming up with NXNE to host a "pay-what-you-can" indie music and art showcase at The Cameron House. The club's 260-person licensed patio will play host to up-and-coming homegrown musicians such as Devin Cuddy (yes, he's the son of Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, and his sound is a mix of New Orleans blues and country) and scrappy rocker Sam Cash (son of NDP MP Andrew Cash). The two-day event runs daily from noon to midnight. An art installation will festoon the patio, which stays open until 2 a.m. June 15 and 16 at 408 Queen St. West. cameronhouserecords.com.
SHORT FICTION AWARDS
Heiress, philanthropist, painter and writer (oh, and mom of CNN's Anderson Cooper), Gloria Vanderbilt sweeps into town to headline a swish dinner at Turf Lounge. A big supporter of writers through the Gloria Vanderbilt/Exile Short Fiction Awards, she'll be presenting a $10,000 cheque to Sang Kim (When John Lennon Died) and a $5,000 cheque to co-winners Priscila Uppal (Cover Before Striking) and Austin Clarke (They Never Told Me). June 15, 6:45 to 11 p.m. $95. Turf Lounge, 330 Bay St. 416-489-2437.
THE DUMBELLS
They called themselves the Dumbells – 10 soldier entertainers from the Canadian army's Third Division in the First World War who deployed "black trench humour" to lift the spirits of their comrades. They became a vaudeville hit, and after the war ende continued to sing, dance and do sketch comedy that inspired the likes of Monty Python and Wayne and Shuster. Juno award-nominated musician Jason Wilson's new book Soldiers of Song will be launched with a re-enactment of a Dumbells concert.. June 15, 8:30 p.m. Hugh's Room, 2261 Dundas St. $20 or $22.50 at the door. 416-531-6604.
WAR OF 1812 AT FORT YORK
It happened more than 200 years ago, but the War of 1812 still resonates with Canadians. A re-enactment of the Battle of York takes place this weekend at Fort York. Toronto's most wrenching and historic battle will be staged by 250 actors in three sequences. It's the brainchild of Peter Twist (internationally recognized for his battle choreography in the Pirates of the Caribbean films). Fork York National Historic Site is open June 15 and June 16. Re-enactment Saturday, 2:30 and 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Free. Call 416-392-6907 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/fortyork.
Gayle MacDonald