Documentary: ‘Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan’
Directed by the late Sacha Jenkins (“Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James”), this brilliant Netflix film examines the host of the groundbreaking variety series “The Ed Sullivan Show” through the lens of the legendary Black artists he booked. While Sullivan’s most famous guests, the Beatles, get a mention, Jenkins is more concerned with the host’s role as a kind of undercover civil rights hero. Come for the fascinating history lesson. Stay for the electrifying footage of artists in their prime, including the Ike and Tina Turner Revue’s psychedelic belter “Bold Soul Sister” and the Jackson 5’s supremely creepy “The Love You Save.” —Doug Brod
Music: Dijon, ‘Baby’
The latest album from American alternative R&B artist Dijon is already generating plenty of buzz, with critics and fans calling it a contender for the best album of the year. “Baby” is a densely fragmented but fully absorbing collage of sounds and styles, drawing inspiration from Prince, Frank Ocean and Bon Iver. Arriving at the tail end of a summer in which music feels more siloed than ever, Dijon’s boldly experimental vision feels like a beacon of unity, one that blazes a new path forward for pop. —Richie Assaly
Theatre: Toronto International BuskerFest
Now in its 26th year, the Toronto International BuskerFest returns to Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.) for four days over Labour Day weekend. This summer’s lineup features 100 groups of buskers, including stilt artists, aerial acts, fire throwers and a team of stunt dogs. The performances all take place at seven venues spread across the park. Spare some time to also check out the food vendors and artisans. All ticket proceeds go toward Epilepsy Toronto, and don’t forget to bring spare change to tip the buskers. —Joshua Chong
TV: ‘Happy Valley’
British actor Sarah Lancashire has been excellent in many shows, but none finer than “Happy Valley,” in which she plays a Yorkshire police officer. Her Catherine Cawood juggles a sometimes thankless job with raising her grandson, while she battles, physically and otherwise, the dangerous criminal she blames for her daughter’s suicide. All three seasons come to BritBox beginning Tuesday, alongside Lancashire’s other show from creator Sally Wainwright, “Last Tango in Halifax.” —Debra Yeo
