1. Local funny dude and proud socialist Charlie Demers asks what the heck happened to the political left since he first wrapped himself in its loving arms during the 1980s. Created with Marcus Youssef of Neworld Theatre, Leftovers is billed as a storytelling tour de force about personal loss, ideology and unfulfilled dreams. It’s at the York Theatre Jan. 26 to 30 as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Details at pushfestival.ca.
2. California’s garage-rock wunderkind Ty Segall rips into town in support of his new album Emotional Mugger Jan. 22 at the Vogue Theatre. Tickets at Red Cat, Neptoon, Zulu and ticketfly.com.
3. Seattle-by-way-of-Virginia’s Car Seat Headrest is the moniker of young buck Will Toledo who’s amassed a loyal following by releasing a staggering 11 albums on the Internet, with vocals recorded in the family car. Toledo now has a band behind him and recently released his excellent Matador Records debut, Teens of Style, marrying the lo-fi anthems of Guided by Voice with the loud-quiet dynamics of the Pixies. Check ’em out Jan. 24 at the Cobalt along with local act Milk. Tickets at Red Cat and ticketmaster.ca.
4. Break out the tissues as the Rio Theatre screens a double bill of David Bowie goodness Jan. 23. At 7 p.m. it’s Labyrinth in which Bowie plays Jareth the Goblin King. Then at 9:30 it’s Tony Scott’s stylish, 1983 New York-set vampire flick The Hunger starring Bowie, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon. Details at riotheatre.ca.
