The United States isn’t the only land full of citizens looking forward to exercising their franchise this fall. Toronto is gearing up for another riveting municipal election in November.

Saturday, August 19 Toronto's favourite spoken-word concert is back with a comeback feature from Calgary's Wakefield Brewster (formerly of T.O).Toronto Poetry Slam, hosted by Dave Silverberg, returns with another high-energy competition. Cervejaria, 842 College Street, sign-up 8:30pm, slam at 9pm, $5, www.torontopoetryslam.com or 416-312-3865.

See new interesting musicians every Sunday while enjoying the Local Sunday Roast. The Local is located at 396 Roncesvalles Avenue just south of Howard Park Avenue right next door to the Revue Cinema.

On Sunday, August 20, Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, is hosting a fundraiser for Billy Bryans. “As a record producer, musician, promoter and DJ, Billy Bryans is one of the prime movers in the blues, progressive pop and world music scenes in Toronto. However, a recent diagnosis of pneumonia and lung cancer has prevented him from working since April 2006.” The show includes performances by Amanda Martinez, Alberto Alberto, Diego Marulanda, Juan Carlos Bulnes, Molly Johnson Latin Street, Luis Mario Ochoa, Madagascar Slim, Parachute Club, Samba Squad and Son Ache. MC for the evening will be Jowi Taylor. The doors open at 7PM, and the show begins at 8PM. Admission is $20. Dinner reservations guarantee best seating. Call 416- 588-0307.