Ghost stories

Richard Laviolette + Toronto live music listings

The closer I get to death—merely by being on the other side of 50—the less amused I am by Hallowe’en, in a world consumed with real-life bloodshed and war. Cartoonish gore and dancing skeletons? No thanks. Go read a headline or two.

That doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t enjoy a good haunting. Especially one as life-affirming as this one, paradoxically coloured as it is by a tragic loss:

Richard Laviolette – All Wild Things Are Shy

(You’ve Changed)

Richard Laviolette made this record while he knew he was dying. It was released one year to the day after he chose a medically assisted death at 41, while ravaged by Huntington’s disease. (Which is godawful: look it up.) That inescapable fact looms over this record. It does not, however, overshadow it.

Laviolette was from Owen Sound, lived most of his life in Guelph and a bit in Sackville, N.B. (We had many mutual friends, but I did not know him. Sadly, nor had I ever seen him perform. My loss.) He’d been releasing music since the mid-2000s, inspired by vintage country music, the Mountain Goats, Jason Molina, the darker side of Neil Young’s ’70s catalogue—and most likely Guelph favourites Royal City. Each release was leaps and bounds better than the last—including this one.

He always had a taste for the morbid yet joyous: “Funeral Song,” “Someone to Tell My Story When I’m Gone.” Behind that was a desire to celebrate the never-ending present, to sing exuberantly with a large group of friends. To live life to its fullest. Until you can’t.

All Wild Things Are Shy is mostly recorded by local legend Scott Merritt, who also brought out the best in Laviolette’s friend Jenny Mitchell on her Bird City album. Work began on this album in January 2023, after Laviolette was too ill to perform. What was expected to take weeks instead took months due to his ailing condition, with the singer-songwriter paying meticulous attention to detail. A small army surrounded him, including a choir of close friends. Backing vocals here are by longtime collaborator Jessy Bell-Smith (Skydiggers). Bry Webb (Constantines) and Steph Yates (Cots) provide lead vocals on the title track, a song that references the final album by Jason Molina’s Magnolia Electric Co.—before that singer-songwriter’s death by organ failure.

And this song features Meredith Grant on the best-sounding accordion I’ve heard recorded in a long time:

This album doesn’t swing. Almost every track is propelled by a metronomic rhythm section, like the ticking of a clock counting precious seconds remaining. Its rigid rhythms, even in 6/8, are somewhat ominous. Or: steady and persistent, focused on the task, letting the lyrics land directly, allowing the layers of guitar and pedal steel to float above, weaving in and out judiciously.

Laviolette was more than aware his body and mind were failing him, that he was on his way out. He wanted every note to be perfect. Mission accomplished. Few artists get to write a final chapter as successful as this.

Two friends then penned afterwords: Matt Horseman wrote about it in the Globe and Mail. Niko Stratis wrote about it here.

All news, no snooze

Hearts on Fire readers: Tegan and Sara won the public vote portion of the Polaris Heritage Prize this year, for their 2004 album So Jealous (the album released on the same September day as Arcade Fire’s Funeral, a past Heritage winner, and Stars’ Set Yourself on Fire, which has not won—yet). Jackie Mittoo’s Macka Fat (an album I’d never heard of, despite having several other Mittoo records) won the critics’ Heritage Prize. Details here.

Never-Ending Present readers: Veteran Kingston arts reporter Peter Hendra talks to Jake Gold about monetizing the Tragically Hip’s legacy, with some quotes from Stephen Dame of fansite the Hip Museum.

Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee is finally getting a physical release, and is also on Bandcamp. I look forward to never listening to it on YouTube again. Wrote about it here.

You don’t need to know or care about One Direction or the death of Liam Payne in order to take a lot away from this excellent essay by Kate Spicer about adult ADHD. Highly recommended if you’re living with the condition or love someone who does, with or without it being compounded by fame and addiction.

Five key former Pitchfork staffers have started a new online publication called Hearing Things. The NYT profiles it here. Because everyone (apparently) loves a list, one of the first things they posted was “100 songs that define our decade so far.” Because I am who I am, I counted the Canadians and found a whopping total of… five: Cindy Lee, Destroyer, Jayda G, Lido Pimienta, the Weather Station. Discuss.

Meanwhile, guess which Canadian “artist” just announced a 45-date North American arena tour? Including a hometown gig at the Raptors/Leafs arena? This douchebag, the guy the Supreme Court of Canada officially declared an asshole (well, kind of—they told him to take his appeal and stuff it). Wonder if he’ll have backing dancers and lasers.

Back to Hearing Things: my favourite piece they’ve run so far is this LOL exposé of the artist known as Catbreath? (punctuation is his). He pranks Alexa and Siri users by giving all his songs titles like “Chill Vibes,” “Beatles Greatest Hits,” and my personal favourite, an all-time banger: “That Last Track Again.” It’s unsurprisingly lucrative. Writer Andy Cush tracks him down and asks him WTF.

Meanwhile, you may have noticed some suspicious albums appear on your favourite artists’ streaming profiles. Yes, there are fake albums by real artists there and Spotify in particular isn’t doing much about it. Ars Technica reports.

Matthew Sweet suffered a stroke while on tour in Toronto, opening for Hanson. He was treated here before being airlifted to his U.S. home, where he does not have health insurance. There’s a GoFundMe set up by his manager here.

Ben Waldman at the Winnipeg Free Press talks to Joel Plaskett about his sparse new solo album. And for the super nerds, Waldman also talks to John Einsarson, one of the only Canadian music historians with several books—exclusively about Canadian music!—to his name; Einarson just donated all his archives to the University of Manitoba.

Of course you need to read Gina Arnold on PJ Harvey’s live show, here.

Why did every little thing have to be so political

Matt Elliott at the Toronto Star argues that this city’s Airbnb tax revenue should go directly to arts funding, because the arts sector is a major reason tourists come here in the first place.

Consequence of Sound reports: “In what surely comes as a heartbreaking disappointment to Donald Trump, Insane Clown Posse’s Violent J has endorsed Kamala Harris for president. Speaking with comedian Troy Iwata for a recent segment on The Daily Show, Violent J confirmed that Harris is his preferred pick for the White House, saying ‘I want her to win because she’s a Democrat, and I love my mom.’”

Sarah Kendzior, my favourite doyenne of despair, posted a wide-ranging interview here, which includes this retort to “hope-ium” peddlers:

If you’re in a career like journalism or law or government or, I don’t know, climate change scientist, despair is part of the profession. Despair comes with the news cycle. Despair is inevitable. It’s important not to deny that it’s there and that it’s real, but also to do something to keep your reverence of what is good in life alive. To remind yourself that there are still good things and that we should strive to protect them and appreciate them while they're there.

The Black Keys believe that America Loves Crypto, apparently. Which might help elect a Republican senator in Ohio, among other terrible things.

Joni Mitchell will most likely not eat your pets, but during her recent L.A. show—her first in 24 years—the 80-year-old told the audience: “Everybody get out and vote. This is an important one. I wish I could vote—I’m Canadian. I’m one of those lousy immigrants.”

This week I learned (h/t Tina Brown) that the Yiddish word for bedbug is vantz. Just throwing that out there.

A very smart man I know was recently shocked when a historian told him that 2024 feels a lot like 1914. Has this not been evident for years now? Has no one else been losing sleep over this? What, not everyone else is as historically neurotic as me? On the off chance you have intense anxiety about the aftermath of the upcoming U.S. election, maybe don’t read Margaret Atwood’s predictions. Or maybe you should, just so you feel less crazy.

We are going to get through. We sing in stormy weather:

T.O. SHOWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

An entirely subjective and by no means comprehensive look at Toronto’s concert calendar, tailored to musically curious people who are probably (but not necessarily) over 40. My strong recommendations in bold.

Suggestions welcome. So are advertisers! Each post gets more than 1K unique views. Drop me a line.

Don’t live in Toronto? Most of these artists are on tour, so check your local listings. Just kidding! There are no local listings anymore. Check the artists’ websites.

JUST ANNOUNCED (mark your calendars):

Jason Collett’s Basement Revue: Dec 5, 12, 19, 21 & 28 at Paradise Theatre

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists: Feb 28 at Great Hall. Performing the 2004 album Shake the Sheets.

Leif Vollebekk: March 1 at Massey Hall

Pom Pom Squad, Caroline Kingsbury: March 3 at Lee’s Palace

Suzanne Vega: March 11-12 at Lula Lounge

Billy Joel: March 15 at Skydome

Darkside: March 15 at History

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Teskey Brothers: March 21 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Stereophonics: March 22 at Massey Hall. They’re the Tragically Hip of Britain!

Tamino: April 8 at Concert Hall

Mercury Rev: April 19 at Longboat Hall

The Linda Lindas, Pinkshift: April 26 at Opera House

Tyler the Creator: July 26 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Tonight and every night!:

The Tranzac and Drom Taberna, the two venues closest to my heart, boast several acts a night and have the most eclectic lineups — just go! The equally busy Cameron Househas mostly roots vibes; jazz is always happening at the Rex Hotel. Jazzintoronto.ca’s Instagram page has daily jazz listings at various venues. For the best in Toronto’s Latin and Caribbean scene, check Lula Lounge. Are you an east-ender? Always something on at Castro’s or Sauce on the Danforth.

Coming this week:

Dave Clark’s Woodshed Orchestra: Oct 24 at Cameron House 10 p.m.

Cadence Weapon’s “The Entertainer” feat. Lido Pimienta: Oct 24 at Standard Time (Geary Ave.). Salon series of conversation and DJ sets.

Clairo, Alice Phoebe Lou: Oct 24-25 at Massey Hall

Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets: Oct 24-25 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)

David Cross: Oct 25 at Danforth Music Hall

BA Johnston, Wax Mannequin, Block Parent: Oct 25 at Bovine Sex Club

Tom Rush: Oct 25-26 at Hugh’s Room

Sisters of Mercy: Oct 26 at History. Yes, five days before Hallowe’en, and no, Public Enemy will not be opening.

Dwayne Gretzky: Oct 26 at Massey Hall

Dave Clark’s Western Slang: Oct 26 at the Mezz (1546 Queen W.)

Lynne Hanson: Oct 26 at 183 Gallery. Info here.

Stop Making Sense: Oct 26 at Hot Docs Cinema (yes, it’s somewhat open again)

Iron Maiden: Oct 26 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Tenille Townes: Oct 26 at Danforth Music Hall

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story: Oct 27 at Revue Cinema 12.30 p.m. Wrote about it here.

Arc du Soleil: Oct 27 at Great Hall Phoenix

Jon Langford: Oct 27 at Horseshoe Tavern

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn: Oct 27 at Lula Lounge

Leon Bridges, Hermanos Gutiérrez: Oct 27-28 at Massey Hall

Chris Cohen: Oct 28 at the Garrison

Ben Caplan: Oct 29 at Allied Music Centre (inside Massey Hall)

Carolyn Mark, NQ Arbuckle: Oct 29 at Sellers & Newel

Sunset Rubdown, Sister Ray: Oct 30 at Concert Hall. New album coming. #HeartsOnFire

Traitrs, Bonnie Trash: Oct 30 at Baby G

Fucked Up: Oct 31 at Great Hall #HeartsOnFire

Thee Sacred Souls: Oct 31 at History

Brownman’s Hallowe’en Thriller: Oct 31 at Drom Taberna 8 p.m.

Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas: Oct 31 at the Phoenix. Two giants of ’70s Afrobeat!

Here come the regulars

Second Monday of every month: Martin Loomer & Orange Devils (big band swing) at Monarch Tavern

Third Monday of every month (Oct 21): Whitney Smith BigSteam 17 (big band swing) at Monarch Tavern

Every Monday: Tranzac open stage, 7 p.m. (Sign up before 6.30 p.m.)

Every Tuesday: Julian Fauth at Sauce on the Danforth 6.30 p.m.

Wednesdays in October: Justin Rutledge at Cameron House, 6 p.m.

Thursdays in October: Corin Raymond at Cameron House, 6 p.m.

Fridays in October: Dave Clark 4 at Jazz Bistro 5 p.m.

Saturdays in October: Neon Eagle at the Rex, 5.30 p.m.

Every Saturday: Michael Louis Johnson and the Red Rhythm at Communist’s Daughter 4 p.m.

Every Sunday: John Borra at Communist’s Daughter 5 p.m.

Every Sunday: Dave Clark (Woodshed Orchestra) presents new songwriters at Tranzac, 7.30 p.m.

Every Sunday: Doghouse Orchestra at Cameron House, 10 p.m.

Coming sooner than later

Teenage Head: Nov 1 at the Phoenix. The Hamilton punk originators are celebrating their 50th anniversary. The Headstones’ Trent Carr will be filling in for the late Gord Lewis.

The Tragically Hip: This is Our Life book launch: Nov 1 at Massey Hall. On-stage interview by Tara Slone with the surviving members. Ticket includes copy of book. Don’t mention my name.

Skye Wallace: Nov 1 at Great Hall

Devonté Hynes with Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Nov 1 at Roy Thomson Hall

Patrick Watson with Orchestre FILMharmonique: Nov 2 at Meridian Hall

Mickey Guyton: Nov 2 at… the Velvet Underground? That’s an odd choice for an Opry artist.

Ace of Wands, Not a Band: Nov 2 at Baby G

Labyrinth Ensemble with Maliheh Moradi: Nov 2 at Aga Khan Museum. Evening of Iranian music.

James Vincent McMorrow: Nov 3 at Danforth Music Hall

Timber Timbre: Nov 3 at Great Hall

Carsie Blanton, the Burning Hell: Nov 3 at Hugh’s Room

Destroyer (solo): Nov 3 at the Casbah in Hamilton #HeartsOnFire

King Diamond, Overkill: Nov 3 at Great Canadian Casino (Woodbine, in Rexdale)

Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band: Nov 3 & 6 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Rescheduled from Nov 14 & 16, 2023.

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox: Nov 4 at Horseshoe Tavern. Two shows, 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m., by the guy whose Boss can’t play two shows in two days anymore!

Tom Waits Appreciation Society: Nov 4 at Castro’s 7.30 p.m.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Kee Avil: Nov 5 at Concert Hall History. #HeartsOnFire

Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story: Nov 5 at Royal Cinema, with Q&A and performance by Eugene Hütz and Sergey Ryabtsev

The Dip: Nov 6 at Concert Hall

Pantayo in conversation with—me!: Nov 6 at Massey College

Engelbert Humperdinck: Nov 6 at Massey Hall. FWIW this is “The Last Waltz” for Mr. Humperdinck (not his real name).

Tamar Ilana & Ventanas: Nov 6 at Lula Lounge. Album release for this local artist exploring flamenco, Mediterranean music and Sephardic love songs.

West End Phoenix presents Torn from the Pages: Nov 7 at Paradise Theatre, featuring Peter Dreimanis, Sameer Cash, Shakura S’Aida, José Contreras, Dorothea Paas and more.

Mustafa: Nov 7 at Roy Thomson Hall

Kacey Musgraves, Lord Huron, Nickel Creek: Nov 7 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Jerry Leger, Lori Yates: Nov 7 at Hugh’s Room

Blue Moon Marquee, Kaeley Jade, Sebastian Gaskin: Nov 7 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)

Jayhawks: Nov 7-8 at Great Hall

Ratboys, Ducks Ltd.: Nov 8 at Lee’s Palace. Hey ’90s campus-radio indie rockers, here’s a next-gen gig for you. Get there early for the home team.

Elisapie: Nov 8 at Opera House

The Halluci Nation: Nov 8 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)

The Jitters: Nov 8 at Hugh’s Room

Forgotten Rebels: Nov 9 at Horseshoe Tavern

Chantal Kreviazuk: Nov 9 at Massey Hall. Celebrating 25 years of her second album, Colour Moving and Still, to be re-released on vinyl.

Golden Feather: Nov 9 at the Dance Cave

Tanya Tagaq, Evan Redsky, Kristi Lane Sinclair: Nov 9 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)

Haley Fohr (Circuit des Yeux), Bill Nace: Nov 11 at Standard Time

Danny Michel, Steve Poltz: Nov 11 at Great Hall. Together again—they’re the new Steve Martin and Martin Short!

John Francis Flynn: Nov 12 at Monarch Tavern

Downchild Blues Band: Nov 13 at Hugh’s Room. Farewell tour for the original Blues Brothers (apparently).

It Was All a Dream (A Dream Hampton Film): Nov 13 at the Royal. Featuring the filmmaker/groundbreaking music writer in conversation with Amanda Parris. Details here.

La Femme: Nov 13 at Opera House

Suzie Ungerleider & friends: Nov 14 at Hugh’s Room

Tycho: Nov 14 at History

Joel Plaskett: Nov 14-15 at Great Hall #HeartsOnFire

Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams: November 14-16, 21-23, 2024 at Skydome. Good luck! Death to Ticketmaster!

The Way Light, Kashka (Kat Burns of Forest City Lovers): Nov 15 at Monarch Tavern

Menno Versteeg (Hollerado, Anyway Gang): Nov 16 at Monarch Tavern

Eric Bachmann: Nov 16 (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at house shows, details here (Pearson airport-area house show) and here (Little India house show). One of my all-time favourite living songwriters. Cannot recommend this enough. Might already be sold out.

Vypers, Kali Horse, Low Animal: Nov 16 at Expo 1978 (1978 Dundas W.). Local psych rock explosion.

Life is a Carnival: Last Waltz feat. Mike Campbell, John Medeski, Don Was, Benmont Tench, more: Nov 16 at Meridian Hall

Rich Aucoin: Nov 16 at Longboat Hall

Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief): Nov 16 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Grievous Angels: Nov 17 at Horseshoe Tavern, where bandleader/MP Charlie Angus will also be launching his new book

Sparta: Nov 17 at Axis Club

Wendy Eisenberg, Bernice, Pete Johnston’s Stranger Still: Nov 17 at Collective Arts (Dundas W. at Markham)

Modest Mouse, Black Heart Procession: Nov 17 at History

Pond: Nov 19 at Danforth Music Hall

Morrissey: Nov 19 at Fallsview Casino

Dead Bob (NoMeansNo’s John Wright), Lung, USA Out of Vietnam: Nov 19 at Horseshoe Tavern

Rufus Wainwright: Nov 20 at Koerner Hall

Reuben & the Dark, Housewife: Nov 20 at Great Hall. Presented by No Music on a Dead Planet campaign.

Sturgill Simpson: Nov 20-21 at Massey Hall

Geoffroy: Nov 20-21 at Drake Underground

Skinny Dyck, Aladean Kheroufi: Nov 21 at Baby G

Swollen Members, Moka Only: Nov 21 at Lee’s Palace #HeartsOnFire

Ombiigizi: Nov 22 at Monarch Tavern

The Watchmen, Kane/Potvin (Grapes of Wrath, Northern Pikes): Nov 23 at Danforth Music Hall #HaveNotBeentheSame

The Songs of Nick Drake: Nov 23 at Hugh’s Room

Honeymoon Suite, A Flock of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, the Spoons: Nov 23 at History

Stop Making Sense: Nov 23 at Hot Docs Cinema (yes, it’s somewhat open again)

Caribou: Nov 23 at Massey Hall. #HeartsOnFire

Caribou: Nov 24 at History #HeartsOnFire

Kids in the Hall: Nov 25 at Danforth Music Hall. Billed as “a show for the great [Paul] Bellini,” their co-writer who is struggling with cancer.

Pat Metheny: Nov 26 at Massey Hall

Jane Siberry: Nov 26-27 at Hugh’s Room #HaveNotBeentheSame

Jim Cuddy: Nov 27 at Massey Hall. Non-Torontonians: He’s also playing every possible town in Ontario this year, to promote sixth solo album. #HaveNotBeentheSame

Tokyo Police Club: Nov 27-29 at History. Final shows (apparently).

Bibi Club: Nov 28 at St. Anne’s Lower Hall. Wrote about them here.

Zoobombs: Nov 28 at Monarch Tavern (also Nov 21 at Casbah in Hamilton)

Women’s Blues Revue: Nov 29 at Massey Hall. Featuring Diana Braithwaite, Tanika Charles, Kellylee Evans, Rebecca Hennessy, Meghan Parnell, Crystal Shawanda, more.

Le Couleur: Nov 29 at Velvet Underground

Bob Sumner, Doug Paisley: Nov 29 at Horseshoe

Myk Freedman: Nov 29 at Drom Taberna 8 p.m.

Sloan plays Smeared: Nov 29-30 at Concert Hall #HaveNotBeentheSame

Cuff the Duke: Nov 30 at Longboat Hall.

Ahi: Nov 30 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)

Shakira: Nov 30 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

54-40, Limblifter: Nov 30 at Danforth Music Hall #HaveNotBeentheSame

Sister Sledge: Nov 30 at Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

Looking ahead

Andy Kim Christmas Show: Dec 4 at Massey Hall. 20th anniversary, featuring Barenaked Ladies, Alex Lifeson, Broken Social Scene, Billy Talent, Dan Hill, William Prince and more TBA. Also marks 30 years since Kim’s comeback began when Molly Johnson invited him to play the Kumbaya Festival with BNL. Had the privilege of profiling him here.

Donovan Woods: Dec 5 at Massey Hall

Alvvays: Dec 5-7 at Concert Hall

Snotty Nose Rez Kids: Dec 6 at Opera House

Jonah Yano: Dec 6 at the Garrison

D.D. Jackson: Dec 6-7 at Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard Street East)

Junkhouse, The Commune: Dec 6-7 at Horseshoe Tavern

The Dead South: Dec 7 at Massey Hall

The Trews: Dec 7 at Danforth Music Hall

Goblin: Dec 9 at Horseshoe Tavern

Great Lake Swimmers: Dec 12 at Longboat Hall.

Tim Baker: Dec 12 at Danforth Music Hall

Dead Letter Office: Dec 13 at Horseshoe Tavern. R.E.M. tribute band celebrates 40 years of Reckoning.

Bedouin Soundclash: Dec 13 at Opera House

The Flatliners: Dec 14 at Danforth Music Hall

Skydiggers: Dec 21 at Danforth Music Hall #HaveNotBeentheSame

Choir! Choir! Choir!: Unsilent Night: Dec 21 at Massey Hall (2 p.m. & 8 p.m.)

Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars: Jan 8 at Revue Cinema 7 p.m.

Jamie XX: Jan 14-15 at History

Joy Oladokun: Jan 23 at Axis

Jersey: Jan 23 at Concert Hall

The Musical Box (theatrical Genesis tribute): Jan 25 at Danforth Music Hall

Sum 41: Jan 28 & 30 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Final shows of final tour (apparently)

Porridge Radio: Jan 28 at the Garrison

Frank Black: Jan 29 at History. Celebrating 30 years of solo debut Teenager of the Year.

David Gray: Jan 31 at Massey Hall

Soccer Mommy, Tomberlin: Feb 4 at Concert Hall

Chuck Prophet: Feb 4 at Longboat Hall

Branford Marsalis: Feb 8 at Koerner Hall

Toro Y Moi, Panda Bear: Feb 10 at Danforth Music Hall

Travis: Feb 12 at Concert Hall

Apocalyptica (Metallica string quartet): Feb 13 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas: Feb 14 at Koerner Hall

Colin James, Terra Lightfoot: Feb 14 at Massey Hall

Silverstein: Feb 14 at History

Nouvelle Vague: Feb 15 at Concert Hall

Molchat Doma: Feb 19 at History. Big in Belarus!

Benjamin Booker: Feb 21 at Longboat Hall

FemBots: Feb 22 at the Brockton. Info here.

Peter Dreams (Peter Dreimanis of July Talk), Moonriivr: Feb 26 at Axis

Jorja Smith: March 4 at Massey Hall

Rosanne Cash: March 7 at Koerner Hall

Los Lobos (acoustic): March 8 at Koerner Hall

Big Smoke Brass: March 11 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)

Dream Theater: March 11 at CNE Coliseum

Kodo Drummers: March 15 at Roy Thomson Hall

Refused, Quicksand: March 23 at History

Mary J. Blige: March 24 at Raptors/Leafs arena

Anoushka Shankar: March 25 at Massey Hall

Angélique Kidjo: March 25 at Koerner Hall

We Are Busy Bodies festival: March 25-29 at various venues. Toronto label celebrates 20 years of everything from indie rock to Japanese jazz to children’s music. Details here.

Maya Hawke: March 27 at History

Kylie Minogue: March 29 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Snow Patrol: April 3 at History

Tindersticks: April 4 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Jeremie Albino: April 4 at Danforth Music Hall

Zakir Hussain & Masters of Percussion: April 5 at Massey Hall

Bright Eyes: April 10 at History

Heart: April 10 at CNE Coliseum

Rose Cousins: April 11 at Concert Hall

Mogwai: April 14 at Danforth Music Hall

Franz Ferdinand: April 15 at History

Chilly Gonzales: April 22 at Massey Hall. #HeartsOnFire

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: April 23 at Meridian Hall

Gang of Four: April 23 at Axis

Joseph Arthur: April 23 at Horseshoe

Metallica, Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies: April 24 at SkyDome

Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Ice Nine Kills: April 26 at SkyDome

Max Richter: April 29 at Massey Hall

Talib Kweli: May 2 at Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

Bruce Hornsby with yMusic: May 3 at Koerner Hall

Alison Moyet: May 5 at Danforth Music Hall. This woman’s music changed my life.

MJ Lenderman: May 8-9 at Danforth Music Hall

Samara Joy: May 16 at Massey Hall

Father John Misty, Destroyer: May 21 at Massey Hall

Basia Bulat: May 22 at Great Hall

Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle: May 22 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre

James Blunt: June 12 at Massey Hall

Oscar Peterson at 100: feat. Joe Sealy, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Robi Botos, Caity Gyorgy, Colleen Allen, much more: June 14 at Massey Hall

Jazz at Lincoln Center feat. Wynton Marsalis: June 20 at Massey Hall

OMD: July 3 at History (postponed from Oct 8)

Coldplay: July 7-8, 11-12 at Downsview Stadium

“Weird Al” Yankovic, Puddles Pity Party: July 9 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre

Oasis, Cage the Elephant: August 24-25 at Downsview Stadium.

Dua Lipa: Sept 1-2, 2025 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Polaris Music Prize gala: Sept 16, 2025, at Massey Hall

Be kind to each other.

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