Canadian Music Week: Wednesday’s Suggestions and Curiosities
Here we go: Canadian Music Week has arrived! The expansive festival can be found all over Toronto’s clubs and venues for the remainder of the week and there’s plenty to see, so don’t be afraid to get out there and explore. But if you don’t have the time or cash to hit up everything on the schedule, or simply want a couple of recommendations prior to venturing on your own, then look no further! Here’s what we think may be good, or at least looks neat, for Wednesday the 19th.
1. Indies w/ Indie88
Where? Phoenix Concert Theatre
When? Doors 7 PM
How Much? $34.50
If you can still get tickets, then this is absolutely the one to be at. With a lineup packed with The Nursery, Repartee, Dan Mangan, The Wooden Sky, 54-40, and Hollerado, the heftier price tag is absolutely justified – and then some. The Wooden Sky and Hollerado are also both coming off fresh album releases with Swimming In Strange Waters and Born Yesterday respectively, so you can expect the homecoming to be sweet for both these Toronto bands.
2. Good Charlotte
Where? Danforth Music Hall
When? Doors 6 PM (again, all the acts are listed at the same time – expect headliners to go on a few hours after that)
How Much? $42.50
Wasn’t feeling Papa Roach last night? Here’s my next nostalgia recommendation, this one of a different variety. Good Charlotte are on tour supporting their recent album Youth Authority, and the CMW stop is their only one in Toronto. Again, the ticket may be a bit steeper than most others to justify the wayback playback, but this tour is in support of their first new music in six years – and if you’ve got a pass that shouldn’t be a problem.
3. Lost Cousins
Where? Revival
When? 12 AM, doors 7 PM
How Much? $10
Miss going to college shows and exploring local talent? Done exams for the year and want to celebrate? Lost Cousins aren’t necessarily a student band anymore, but I can attest that their live act goes above and beyond filling those criteria. Hailing from Kingston, these were the locals I was always most excited to see during my undergrad at Queen’s – and their soulful indie rock with a flair for the energetic makes them worth a peek. Of course, this might be my bias talking, but I guess you’ll have to see for yourself!
4. The Balconies and Ivory Hours
Where? Adelaide Hall
When? 10:30 PM, doors 7 PM
How Much? $12
Pop-rock from Ottawa and alt-pop from London – here’s the up-and-coming Canadian talent that CMW is all about. Sitting somewhere along the sonic spectrum that Vancouver rockers The Zolas are well-known to occupy, both these bands are some great picks for head-bopping, shoulder-swaying concert vibes. It’s been a while since I’ve last had the pleasure of seeing Ivory Hours and have heard The Balconies mentioned in conversation as well, so this is a show that definitely piques interest.
5. The Kids Will Know It’s Bullshit Tour
Where? Great Hall
When? Doors 7 PM
How Much? $17
Honestly, it’s the name alone that pulled me in for this one. But after a bit of research, it sounds like there will be some classic surf punk provided by Dune Rats and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. And check out these openers, too: Hockey Dad, Surf Dads, and The Dead Love? If that doesn’t scream hazy summer tunes with a side of tongue-in-cheek then I don’t know what does, and something about a sprinkling of west coast vibes makes me think visiting will be worth it.
