Through the clouds
Memorials + Toronto live music listings
This weekend I’m hosting a large celebration of life, cleaning out a haunted house and burying two beloved people. Which brings me to:
Memorials – All Clouds Bring Not Rain
(Fire)
For all the bullshit talk of ’90s revivals, here’s one for the weirdos. Memorials sounds like the love child of that time when Yo La Tengo and Stereolab toured together, and an ode to your favourite grunge-free campus radio show of the era (whatever that may have been). Recorded in a remote barn in France, All Clouds Bring Not Rain is filled with motorik rhythms, droning organs, big harmonies, psychedelic guitars, some Velvet-y ballads, one obvious ode to Can (“Bell Miner,” which channels “Mushroom”), and at least one genuine anthem (“Dropped in the Well”).
Memorials’ Verity Susman was part of the not-dissimilar Electrelane, a British band on Too Pure in the 2000s. Matthew Simms has been a member of Wire since that band’s reformation. It’s hard to believe all the music here is played by just the two of them, as the rhythm section here sounds like a seasoned unit.
This project started in part with a Toronto connection: they were hired by director Kevin Hegge (She Said Boom: The Story of Fifth Column) for 2022’s Tramps!, his documentary about the New Romantics of Britain in the early ’80s.
All news no snooze
RIP Monica Lewis, a towering figure in Toronto’s history of Caribbean and hip-hop music, a linchpin in the entire scene from her family’s hair salon and record shop in Little Jamaica since the 1970s. Details of her memorial service this weekend are here.
Never-Ending Present readers: Allan Gregg, who discovered the Tragically Hip and was a co-architect of their early success, praises every member of the band individually, yet does so while noting their collective ability to rise above Kingston as a “little dip-shit” town. Hoo-boy. Big patrician energy there, Mr. Gregg.
Joe Pernice, the songwriter, bicyclist and Toronto transplant, is celebrated by Carl Wilson, whose Gen X take compares them both to Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club.
Everything you wanted to know and feel about the opening night of the Rush tour in L.A. is captured by Hank Shteamer. Time does, indeed, stand still — especially when Aimee Mann joins them on stage. Meanwhile, Suzie Ungerleider (fka Oh Susanna) confirms that yes, Rush’s lighting designer of the last 50 years, Howard Ungerleider, is in fact her cousin, who helped her demystify rock stardom from a young age. I was wondering about that while reading Geddy Lee’s excellent memoir.
Power Ballad is a new movie by John Carney, the Irish filmmaker who made Once but also Sing Street; the latter, about an awkward teenage new wave band in ’80s Dublin, is one of my favourite fictional music movies. The plot of Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, revolves around what it means to be “in the room” when a hit song is created. (“Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ,” says the pop star’s manager in the movie.) There are definitely cheeseball moments, but it’s the ultimate “dad rock” trifle in every charming way. Recommended as a Fathers Day outing. Gina Arnold liked it slightly less than I did, but still enjoyed it.
Other film notes: this year’s Oscar winner for best documentary, Mr. Nobody vs. Putin, is now on Kanopy, the free streaming service you get with your library card. Also on Kanopy: Nick Hornby’s Juliet Naked, another of my all-time favourite fictional music movies, and an unusually successful book adaptation that no one seems to know exists.
Why did every little thing have to be so political
Hearts on Fire readers: Corb Lund has successfully obtained the more than 178,000 signatures required to get his “Water Not Coal” initiative on the referendum ballot in Alberta this fall. “Reaching this threshold proves what we've known all along — people care deeply about protecting our headwaters, our Rocky Mountains and our way of life,” he told the CBC.
Apparently there’s some basketball happening in New York City? As good a time as any to remember how Knicks owner James Dolan (who also plays a minor role, alongside the Eagles, in one of my favourite Never-Ending Present anecdotes) has incredibly creepy and dystopic surveillance policies at Madison Square Gardens — perhaps also at the Las Vegas Sphere. Dolan likely studied FIFA tactics, as outlined in this 2022 Wired article.
The City of Toronto really wants homeowners to go solar, which they should, and they’re making it easier to do so, reports the Star. Find out more here.
The Line’s Jen Gerson has an essential pre-referendum read with “some advice for the rest of you on talking to Alberta.”
The fight against the expansion of Toronto’s island airport is taking off. Richard Warnica at the Star writes about how this will alter the waterfront forever. He writes: “Quintupling the traffic at Billy Bishop would put the airport on par with Indianapolis International and other mid-sized regional airports across North America, like Pittsburgh international, which saw just under 10 million passengers last year in a facility that sits on 8,800 acres of land.” Billy Bishop currently sits on 210 acres. Transport Canada, who has the authority to halt this is asking for your opinions. Environmental Defence is partnering with NoJetsTO and taking donations.
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.
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)
Cut Flowers: June 23 at Bell & Beacon. Featuring ex-members of King Cobb Steelie
Jim E. Brown: July 11 at the Garrison. Apparently this is already sold out?! What will this do to this miserablist’s rock-bottom low self-esteem?
PARC benefit with 9 Million, S.H.I.T., Siyahkal, Duchess, DJ Meg Remy: July 23 at Parkdale Hall. Details here. Proceeds to assist the most vulnerable residents of Parkdale.
Toronto Folk Festival: Aug 21-23 on Ward’s Island. Featuring Abigail Lapell, Ahmed Moneka, Bobby Dove, Burs, Kobo Town, Meredith Moon, Mia Kelly, Divka, Jadea Kelly, more.
Quicksand, Bane: Aug 29 at East End United
Paris Jackson (yes, that one): Sept 11 at Hard Luck Bar
Mariel Buckley: Sept 11 at Drake Underground
Sara Bareilles: Sept 15-16 at Massey Hall. Girls5Eva forever!
Charlie XCX: Sept 21 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Peaches: Sept 26 at the Concert Hall #HeartsOnFire
Phoebe Bridgers, Alex G: Oct 1-2 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Sylvan Esso: Oct 19 at History
Bela Fleck: Nov 13 at Koerner Hall
Punch Brothers (feat. Chris Thile): Nov 17 at Koerner Hall
Dweezil Zappa: Nov 18 at Danforth Music Hall
Jean-Michel Blais: Nov 28 at Koerner Hall
Moneen: Nov 28 at Massey Hall. Anyone see this coming 25 years ago?
L7: Nov 29 at Danforth Music Hall. “Farewell” tour.
Rufus Wainwright does Judy Garland: Dec 11 at Koerner Hall
The Good Lovelies: Dec 17 at Massey Hall. Celebrating 20th anniversary.
Bang on a Can All-Stars doing Philip Glass and Steve Reich: Jan 29 at Koerner Hall
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble: Jan 30 at Koerner Hall
Jim Cuddy with orchestra: Feb 12 at Koerner Hall #HaveNotBeentheSame
Tonight and ev-er-y night!:
The Tranzac, Drom Taberna, Cameron House and the Rex Hotel all have several great acts a night — just go! JazzInToronto.ca’s Instagram page has essential daily jazz listings at various venues. East-enders: always something on at Castro’s or Sauce on the Danforth or jazz at Hirut. Latin and Caribbean scene: Lula Lounge. Check out the eclectic lineup at the micro-intimate Sellers & Newel bookstore. The Whole Note lists classical events and more. Fans of experimental music, report to Earlobe. Hamiltonians need HamOntLive.
Coming this week:
Socalled: June 11 at Al Green Theatre 1.30 p.m.
United Jewish People’s Order’s 100th anniversary with Naomi Klein; Toronto Jewish Folk Choir, Geoff Berner, Rae Spoon: June 11 at Trinity St Paul’s United Church
Springtide Music Festival (Uxbridge): June 11-13, featuring Dan Mangan, Yukon Blonde, Shakura S’Aida, Natalie MacMaster, more.
NXNE: June 11-14 at various venues.
Dan Bern and Orit Shimoni: June 12 at Amelia’s Market (Westmoreland/Geary). Presented by West End Phoenix.
Luge, So Perfect, Bag: June 12 at St. Anne’s Parish (Wavelength). Presented by Tone Festival. Album release for Luge.
Madfolk: June 12 at Monarch Tavern. Album release.
Pukka Orchestra: June 12 at Redwood Theatre
Orkestar Kriminal: June 13 at Drom Taberna 11.30 p.m. Most recent album reviewed here.
Echo and the Bunnymen: June 13 at History. Be prepared to sing along, because apparently Ian McCulloch can’t.
Mumford and Sons, Caamp, Dylan Gossett: June 13 at Downsview Stadium
Dale Morningstar: June 13 at Lola (Kensington Market) #HaveNotBeentheSame #NeverEndingPresent
Dave Clark’s Woodshed Orchestra: June 13 at the Rex 11 p.m.
Goose (not Geese), Julian Lage: June 13 at Ontario Place Amphitheatre
The Flashing Lights(!), Absolute Losers: June 13 at Lee’s Palace #HaveNotBeentheSame. RIP Henri Sangalang; Sloan’s Chris Murphy will be filling in on bass. Easily the best power-pop double bill of the year, Maritime or otherwise. I know someone with an extra ticket they’re looking to sell; message me if you’re interested.
Lovin’ You: The Minnie Riperton Story feat. Divine Brown, Glenn Lewis: June 13 at Harbourfront
Rosália: June 13 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Good luck!
Mike McKenna book launch feat. Luke & the Apostles: June 13 at Hugh’s Room
The World Provider, Theremin Man (Stephen Hamm), Wax Mannequin, Junior Dad: June 14 at Bovine Sex Club
Stephen Stanley: June 14 at the Local (Roncesvalles) 2 p.m.
Kevin Breit’s Better Days: June 14 at the Rex 8 p.m.
You Had to Be There: June 14 at Hot Docs Cinema, 8 p.m. Excellent documentary on the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell, which I’ve always thought was ground zero for the past 50 years of the intersection of cool, weird Toronto and future Hollywood royalty. The film is much, much better than this trailer would suggest:
Rostam: June 15 at Opera House
Derya Yıldırım and Grup Şimşek: June 15 at Dance Cave (Lee’s)
Marcus King Band: June 16 at Massey Hall
Kurt Vile & the Violators: June 16 at History
Afrorack, Phèdre, Arc & Texture: June 16 at Bsmt254. Presented by Tone Festival.
Black Country New Road, Horsegirl: June 17 at History
Toronto Klezmer Society Epic Jam: June 17 at Tranzac 9.30 p.m. Come join! Sheet music and more info here.
Son Little: June 17 at Longboat Hall
Arkells: June 17 at Lee’s Palace; June 18 at History; June 19 at Ontario Place Amphitheatre. No word on a guest appearance by Jay McCarroll.
Prewn: June 18 at Monarch. Wrote about her here: “What if Fiona Apple played the cello and listened to a lot of Thalia Zedek?”
Yehra: June 18 at Drake Underground. TNIT reader’s new project has live debut.
The Boojums, the Bug Club: June 18 at the Garrison.
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco: June 18 at Hot Docs 6.30 p.m.
Birthday Squirrel, Analogue Sympathizer: June 18 at the the Bell & Beacon. Headliner features Yawd Sylvester (Wayne Omaha) and my old Exclaim! pal Chuck Molgat; opener features former Now columnist Graham Duncan.
Roddy Bottum: June 18 at Standard Time (Geary). Book launch for San Francisco keyboardist of Faith No More and Imperial Teen, a queer punk history.
Don Kerr’s Communism: June 18 at Cameron House 10 p.m.
Key spring dates
Toronto Jazz Festival: June 19-28. Ticketed shows here. Also many free shows! Schedule here.
David Murray and Kahil El Zabar Duo: June 19-20 at Contxt by Trane
Wavelength Block Party with Ahmed Moneka, High Alpine Hut Network, Grdina/Lillinger, MMXKLS (Mark Marczyk and Kristi Lane Sinclair), more: June 20-21 in parking lot of St. Anne’s Parish. Details here.
Lambrini Girls, Big Special, Big Girl: June 20 at Concert Hall. Postponed from April 28.
More Toronto concert listings until April 2027 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.
Mondays in June (but not June 1): Meredith Moon at the Horseshoe
Every Tuesday: Julian Fauth at Sauce on the Danforth 6.30 p.m.
Every Tuesday: swing night at Drom Taberna
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.
Every Saturday: The Happy Pals at Grossman’s, 3.30 p.m. 56 years strong!
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.
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: Colonel Tom at Cameron House 6 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 March 2027—are here for paid subscribers, and updated weekly.
Be kind to each other.
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