Surviving America

Tune-Yards + Toronto live music listings

It’s July 4 weekend and I have this song in my head. Stay safe, neighbours.

Or:

On a more positive note, an ebullient new American record by a woman who started her career in Montreal.

Tune-Yards – Better Dreaming

(4AD)

Life moves fast, especially for music that’s only ever existed in your MP3 collection or DSP playlists. Do you remember your favourite band of last year? How about 2012?

Many things slipped through the cracks during the pandemic. For me, I just learned that the incredibly inventive Tune-Yards—one of my favourite acts of the 2010s, who put on two of the greatest Toronto shows I’ve seen in my life (at the Horseshoe and the Phoenix, in 2011-12 )—put out an album in 2021 that somehow completely passed me by. There certainly wasn’t a tour. I do recall that there were soundtracks for Boots Riley movies, but I also just learned that the duo of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner have a three-year-old kid, so this all tracks.

Better Dreaming is a completely joyous return, peeling back some of the sonic layers that made later records slightly overwrought. Garbus is by nature a maximalist, a master of the live loop pedal, an extraordinary singer whose melodies push in all directions, a woman of wide tastes who tries to accommodate them all.

At her best, it all works. This is her at her best, primarily because it’s the most relatively stripped-down Tune-Yards record since perhaps the debut. Fewer layers means more joy—joy that’s badly needed in 2025, for reasons Garbus is certainly not blind to while she is “dreaming of life without the noise.”

Both she and Brenner are also, obviously, older, and so much of Better Dreaming is a mature refinement of the creative explosion they stumbled upon 15 years ago. They don’t act like they have to prove everything on every single song. Many of the best moments here are the most subtle.

That said, the banger “Limelight” has a Liquid Liquid-y bassline and lyrically is an odd cross between two Talking Heads songs, “Stay Up Late” and “Life During Wartime”—because that’s what being a parent feels like these days.

Garbus told Clash Music how she’s “been trying to grapple with music being enough of a force for good in the world, and this state we exist in … The idea of hope has been on my mind recently and I have been wondering: what if we didn’t need hope? What if all I needed was wonder and a will to live? Wondering is something that I have to practice, so I hope our albums give listeners the ability to do that. Energy and nourishment is what I hope listeners take away.”

Amen.

Tune-Yards play their only Canadian date at Elora Riverfest on August 16, opening for Fitz and the Tantrums. Their routing suggests they’re not coming to Toronto in the fall.

All news no snooze

Personal plug: I wrote a piece for the Globe and Mail about the fate of festivals this summer, with a lede referencing Art D’Ecco’s stunning performance at Do West Fest last month. Mariposa is in Orillia this weekend. Sunfest in London is this weekend (though some key acts are also playing Drom Taberna here, including Fulu Miziki). Hillside is in Guelph in two weeks. You should go to at least one, especially if you’ve never been. I’ll have a Hillside preview next week.

Maybe your summer concert dollars are reserved for Coldplay or Oasis or anything else at the new Downsview Stadium? At least you’ll get a free ride home on either TTC or GO Transit, Live Nation announced. On show dates, both agencies will also have increased service to the stadium (actually called Rogers Stadium, not to be confused with the Rogers Centre f.k.a. SkyDome). How will that work? The Toronto Star reviewed the stadium’s opening night. Live Nation is already making adjustments. Josh O’Kane at the Globe took a tour beforehand and found out how they built a 50,000-capacity stadium from scratch in less than a year (clearly Metrolinx wasn’t involved). His piece has this hilarious (to me) kicker about the downfalls of Rogers wanting to Rogersize everything:

Staff are working with their colleagues at the similarly named Rogers Centre baseball stadium downtown, to make sure its staff can turn around fans who might actually go to the wrong venue on concert nights. They’re also making sure to remind fans of the Rogers Stadium’s location as much as possible.

“It is becoming comical – not really – but we certainly don’t want people to end up at Rogers Centre,” Ms. Burri said.

Never-Ending Present readers: Kevin Hearn (MVP for Secret Path, Barenaked Ladies, Rheostatics, Lou Reed) celebrated a legal victory last week, when one of the biggest art fraud cases in Canadian history, involving the work of Indigenous icon Norval Morriseau, concluded this month with a guilty plea. The story is a lot darker than just fraud, as detailed in the riveting documentary There Are No Fakes; you can and should stream it on TVO. The story began in 2005 when Hearn, a Canadian art collector, questioned the provenance of a purchase, and the story got weirder from there. He’d already won a civil case in 2019; this one was criminal, concluding a 20-year journey.

Hearts on Fire readers: Steve Bays of Hot Hot Heat has launched his new solo project, reports Range.

The late Nash the Slash is about to have a moment: a 1997 unpublished memoir is about to be released, as is a long-in-the-works documentary co-written by King Cobb Steelie’s Kevan Byrne. Peter Crighton writes for the Star about Nash’s queer history, which was new to me. Nash the Slash, a.k.a. Jeff Plewman, died in 2014.

Here’s a tribute record I never saw coming: material by the long-running London, Ontario, absurdist improvisatory noise band the Nihilist Spasm Band is the subject of a new full-length tribute by Friendly Rich and the Lollipop People. I’m not remotely surprised, however, that this is something Friendly Rich would do. More power to him.

Northern Irish writer Sara Morrison writes about how Kneecap, for all their strengths, is “the joke that doesn’t travel” outside of the very specific Northern Irish context.

Luc Rinaldi at the Walrus goes deep on “the death of the middle-class musician”—which, I would argue, is a construct that only existed for 50 years in all of history anyway. My favourite quote is from SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown, who says, “I don’t want us to get into an era where you need a benefactor or a trust fund to be an artist. That’s not what artistry is about.” Except in the history of classical music, for starters. Or the major-label system.

Left-wing comedian W. Kamau Bell takes major issue with the idea that right-wing “comedians” in the Rogansphere should be taken seriously as political journalists: “The reason that they don’t hold politicians’ feet to the fire is simple. They aren’t smart enough to do that. They don’t do any significant show-prep. They aren’t even holding notes to refer to. It is just like a bunch of dudes bro-ing out.”

Adrian Lee at the Globe and Mail writes about how we can make all the jokes we want about the Bezos wedding, but it’s just indicative of The White Lotus paradox: we can feel smug about the follies of the rich but most of us dream of vacationing like they do. Ever since the birth of The Daily Show I’ve worried that an excess of satire would lead to nihilism, and now here we are. What Lee doesn’t say: you know what’s even easier and considerably more effective than Bezos jokes? Boycotting Amazon.

O Canada: You’re now allowed to say “Go Habs!”

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 1.5K 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):

Mixto Festival feat. Empanadas Ilegales, Orbital Ensemble, more: July 12-13 at Trillium Park (Ontario Place)

Labyrinth Ensemble presents Roa Lee, Aysel Taghi-Zada and Sasan Salaseli: July 13 at Music Garden (Harbourfront) 4 p.m. Iranian, Turkish, Arabic repertoire.

Skye Wallace: July 18 at the Baby G

Valérie Ékoumè: July 18 at Drom Taberna 11.30 p.m.

Eljuri: July 22 at Drom Taberna 5.30 p.m. Latina power rock trio.

Indigenous Sounds Now feat. Adrian Sutherland, Murray Porter, more: July 26 at Trillium Park (Ontario Place)

Kelly McMichael: July 31 at Tranzac

Festival of Friends: Aug 1-3 at Gage Park, Hamilton. Featuring Sister Sledge, Sugarhill Gang w/ Melle Mel & Scorpio, the Trews, Dan Mangan, Pete Elkas Band, Brett Kissell.

Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule: Sept 3 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre

We Are Scientists: Sept 13 at Longboat Hall

Shuyler Jansen: Oct 27 at Great Hall

Tonight and every night!:

The Tranzac and Drom Taberna boast several acts a night and have the most eclectic lineups — just go! The equally busy Cameron House has mostly roots vibes; jazz is always happening at the Rex Hotel. Jazzintoronto.ca’s Instagram page has essential daily jazz listings at various venues. Check out the eclectic lineup at the micro-intimate Sellers & Newel bookstore. For the best in Toronto’s Latin and Caribbean scene, check Lula Lounge. East-enders: always something on at Castro’s or Sauce on the Danforth or jazz at Hirut.

Coming this week:

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: July 3 at History (postponed from Oct 8). Wrote about their most recent record here, which includes a song that gets timelier by the day:

Queen Kong: July 3 at Linsmore Tavern. East-end klezmer!

Dazed and Confused: July 3 at Corktown Common, presented by Toronto Outdoor Picture Show

Klô Pelgag: July 3 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall). Shockingly, this is the arty Montreal performer’s first Toronto performance. Her 2024 album is on this year’s Polaris long list.

Les Hay Babies: July 3 at Horseshoe Tavern

Rock Plaza Central, Neil Haverty: July 3 at Baby G. Rare reunion for this Toronto folk-rock breakout of the late 2000s. Can’t believe it’s not at the Tranzac! Warm-up gig before their Mariposa slot that weekend. Neil Haverty of Bruce Peninsula debuts his new solo material in the opening slot.

Sunfest: July 3-6 in London. Featuring Fulu Miziki Kollectiv, Empanadas Ilegales, Kaïa Kater, Kimmortal, Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Tanika Charles, Killabeatmaker, Warsaw Village Band, Les Mamans du Congo. Details here.

The Psychedelic Furs, Chameleons: July 4 at Casino Rama

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley: July 4 at Lee’s Palace. 78-year-old Ghanaian highlife star.

The Surfrajettes: July 4 at the Horseshoe

Mariposa Festival: July 4-6 at Tudhope Park, Orillia. Waxahatchee, Iron & Wine, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith, Basia Bulat, Elisapie, Serena Ryder w/ Martha Wainwright and Julian Taylor, Hayden, Born Ruffians, Cuff the Duke, Bria Salmena, Charlotte Cornfield, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Klô Pelgag, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Bob Snider, Rock Plaza Central and, unbelievably, even more. Details here.

Afrofest: July 4-6 at Woodbine Park. Details here.

Boxcutter: July 5 at Revue Cinema 3.30 p.m. (also July 9 at 9.30 p.m.)

Eraserhead: July 5 at Revue Cinema 11.59 p.m.

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

Dave Matthews Band: July 8 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre

Wavves: July 8 at Lee’s Palace

Bess Atwell, Housewife: July 8 at Sound Garage

Warsaw Village Band, Polky: July 9 at Lula Lounge. Clearly, the Polish place to be this month.

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

Long Branch, Ada Lea, This is How We Die: July 10 at Sound Garage. The headliner features Sally Lee of Venus Cures All and Don Pyle of Shadowy Men. The opening act features members of King Cobb Steelie.

Bob Wiseman, Mike Boguski: July 10 at Sellers & Newel. “Two pianos, no Rodeo.” #HaveNotBeentheSame. Don’t expect to hear “Piranha Pool.”

Key summer dates

Fulu Miziki: July 11 at Drom Taberna 11.30 p.m.

Four Winds MusicFest: July 11-13 in Durham, Ontario. Details here.

Pup: July 14-19 at increasingly larger Toronto venues, with different openers. Details here.

Wu-Tang Clan, Run the Jewels: July 14 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Farewell tour (apparently).

Beck with Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Molly Lewis: July 18-19 at Roy Thomson Hall.

Hillside Festival: July 18-20 at Guelph Island. Daily schedule here.

Wavelength Summer Thing (Scarborough): July 19 at Prairie Drive Park (near Victoria Park subway station). Details here.

Cyndi Lauper: July 27 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre. Final leg of final tour (apparently).

Cymande: July 29 at Concert Hall.

TV on the Radio: Aug 1 at History

Electric Eclectics Festival: Aug 1-3 in Meaford. Details here.

Wavelength Summer Thing (downtown): Aug 9-10 at Trillium Park (Ontario Place). Details here.

CNE: Aug 15 - Sept 1. Full Bandshell lineup here.

Summerfolk: Aug 15-17 in Owen Sound. Details here.

Peterborough Folk Festival: Aug 15-17. Details here.

Elora Riverfest: Aug 15-17 in Elora. Details here.

Neil Young & Chrome Hearts: Aug 17 & 19 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre

LCD Soundsystem: Aug 22-24 at History.

Nine Inch Nails: Aug 23 at Raptors/Leafs Arena

Blue Rodeo, Allison Russell, Aysanabee: Aug 23 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre #HaveNotBeentheSame

Do Make Say Think: Aug 23 at the Concert Hall #HeartsOnFire

Sloan, Kathleen Edwards: Aug 28 at Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington #HaveNotBeentheSame #HeartsOnFire

More Toronto concert listings until May 2026 are here and updated weekly for paid subscribers.

Here come the regulars

Every Monday: Tranzac open stage, 6.30 p.m. (Sign up at 6 p.m.)

Every Monday: Sean McCarthy’s Taproom Gang (trad jazz) at Steadfast Brewing 7 p.m.

2nd Monday of every month: Martin Loomer & His Orange Devils (big band swing) at Monarch Tavern

3rd Monday of every month: Whitney Smith BigSteam 17 (big band swing) at Monarch Tavern

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

Every Tuesday: swing night at Drom Taberna

1st Tuesday of every month: Nick Fraser’s Peripheral Vision at Tranzac 9.30 p.m.

1st Wednesday of every month: Holy Oak Family Singers at Tranzac 7 p.m.

3rd Wednesday of every month: Toronto Klezmer Society Epic Jam at Tranzac 9.30 p.m. Come join! Details here.

Every Thursday: Strangetooth (bluegrass) at Tranzac 7 p.m.

Every Thursday: Good Enough Karaoke (live band) at Wheat Sheaf Tavern

Every Thursday: Corin Raymond at Cameron House, 6 p.m.

1st Thursday of every month: Run with the Kittens at Cameron House 10 p.m.

2nd Thursday of every month: Jesse Greene & Jay Bleus with Terry Wilkins & Al Cross at Grossman’s 9.30 p.m.

Last Thursday of every month: Karen Ng presents at Tranzac 9.30 p.m.

Last Thursday of every month: Lori Yates at Motel (Dufferin/Queen) 9 p.m.

Last Thursday of every month: Open stage at Grossman’s 8.30 p.m. (sign up at 7 p.m.)

1st Friday of every month: Alex Samaras at Tranzac 7.30 p.m.

2nd Friday of every month: Colette Savard & the Savants at Tranzac 7.30 p.m.

Last Friday of every month: Ryan Driver Sextet at Tranzac 9.30 p.m.

Every Saturday: 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 Saturday: Robertson & Kerr at Cameron House 8.30 p.m.

1st Saturday of every month: John Borra at Cameron House 6 p.m.

1st Saturday of every month: Lori Yates and Soozi Schlanger at Tranzac 7:30 p.m.

1st Saturday of every month: The Lyrical Living Room feat. Wordburglar at Tranzac 10 p.m.

3rd Saturday of every month: Don Rooke & Kevin Breit at Tranzac 7.30 p.m.

1st Sunday of every month: Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Woodshed Orchestra) presents new songwriters at Tranzac, 7.30 p.m.

Last Sunday of every month: Sympathetic String Band (Isla Craig and Carl Didur) at Tranzac 7.30 p.m.

Last Sunday of every month: Friendly Rich & the Lollipop People at Cameron House 7 p.m.

Every Sunday: Eastern European Brunch at Drom Taberna 1-4 p.m.

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

Every Sunday: Paul Reddick at the Rex 5.30 p.m.

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

Are you over 40 and/or did you grow up with freeform radio?

If so, curated Toronto concert listings from now until May 2026—are here for paid subscribers, and updated weekly.

Be kind to each other.

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