Welcoming the world
Hillside Festival preview pt. 1 + Toronto live music listings
First off, Toronto, be sure to see Congolese band Fulu Miziki play Drom Taberna at 11.30 p.m. this Friday night, where they will attempt to bottle the energy of this outdoor crowd at the Montreal Jazz Festival into a tiny Queen West club:
If you can’t get in or if late nights are not your thing, they also play the next day, July 12, in Waterloo at the Kultrun festival, full schedule here.
Sadly, they won’t be playing Hillside next weekend, but there’s more than a few other acts that will (hopefully) help me get over that.
Hillside Festival 2025 (pt. 1)
How much do I love Guelph’s Hillside Festival? I’ve rarely missed one in the past 35 years. I lived nearby for 15 years, which is a big part of the reason; it always feels like a homecoming. What keeps pulling me back is the musical diversity, the discovery factor, the amazing food, and the shady and swim-friendly location.
(That’s despite problems entering and exiting the festival, even with shuttle buses: my advice for out-of-towners is to strap a bicycle to the back of your car, and ride in from the parking lot or your campsite; there’s free bike lockup on site).
A lot of big names have played Hillside over the years—but usually long before they’re big, or long after they were hot. Being a smaller, community-driven festival without major corporate sponsorship, Hillside now has a harder time securing names that the average, non-nerdy ticket buyer might be attracted to. Nerds, however, always have reason to celebrate Hillside—and to convince others to join them.
There’s always lots of Canadian talent, of course; I’ll talk about that next week. This week, here are 10 international acts you’re not likely to see around these parts very often, if ever. Only three of them are American; two of them are definitely part of the Resistance (and the third is a safe bet).
Femi Kuti & Positive Force
Femi Kuti was the first of Fela’s sons to continue one of the greatest legacies in West African music, when he debuted in North America in 2000 (I was there: the Roxy in NYC, with Jurassic 5 on the bill!). But he’s not the only one: Seun Kuti soon followed, and played Hillside back in 2011.
Hardcore Fela fans can split heirs over who does it better: who cares? Both are a guaranteed good time. Musically they’re both on par, though I’d say Femi is the stronger performer. Expect a James Brown-level big-band experience, complete with horns and dancers.
Apparently Femi played Toronto’s Afrofest in 2022; I had no idea. And apparently he wasn’t happy about it.
Playing Saturday main stage 9.30 p.m.
Mexican Institute of Sound
I’m told this band was on Hillside’s wish list for years; I’d never heard of them until now, but they’re now the act I’m most looking forward to. (That’s the Hillside effect!)
The project of DJ Camilo Lara, who performs with a full band, MIS is an electronic mix of cumbia, norteño, dub, and pretty much any other rhythms found between Texas and Colombia. Imagine Manu Chao with Ozomatli, with some Meridian Brothers and Bomba Estéreo in the mix—and arguably better.
I could point to a timely song called “My America is Not Your America” (with Blur’s Graham Coxon) or a cumbia version of Delta 5’s post-punk pop song “Mind Your Own Business,” or their song from the Coco soundtrack, but their 20-year retrospective is what you should have on repeat for the next two weeks (and beyond):
You’ll want to stick around Sunday to see them play the Island Stage at 7.05 p.m.
Son Rompe Pera
The most bad-ass marimba band you’re likely ever to see, this Mexico City crew also play the largest marimba I’ve ever seen, played by the two punk brothers who front the band.
This almost-unrecognizable classic rock cover is an obvious novelty, but I’ll post it here as a gateway drug:
Son Rompe Pera are playing Saturday main stage at 7.45 p.m.
Vieux Farka Touré
The other, considerably more mellow progeny of a West African legend playing Hillside: Ali Farka Touré’s son, whose career was already going well before his 2022 collab with vibe kings Khurangbin.
Playing Sunday main stage 4.30 p.m.
Les Mamans du Congo
Congolese ladies with a French hip-hop producer, playing Friday main stage at 6.55 p.m., just as you’re arriving.
Etran de l’Aïr
One of the premier Saharan guitar bands today, for fans of Mdou Moctar, Tinariwen, Bombino, etc. They tore the roof off Longboat Hall last year; they’re upstairs at the Great Hall with Los Bitchos on July 15, and play Hillside’s Sunday main stage 1.30 p.m. in the great outdoors in the afternoon sun. (U.K. surf-Latin-lounge band Los Bitchos are also playing Hillside.)
Petite Noir
South African / Congolese/ Belgian singer with astounding voice, bridging R&B, indie rock and African pop, playing Saturday night Lake Stage 7.50 p.m. (Also at Collective Brewing in Toronto on July 17.)
Hurray for the Riff Raff
There aren’t a lot of Americans at Hillside this year (does Steve Poltz count? He seems to always be around). But the Bronx-born Alynda Segarra is more American than most, having hopped trains in her youth and lived in New Orleans and now Chicago, slowly building their audience from a DIY indie base to NPR faves, writing choruses like this one on their new album:
Say goodbye to America
I wanna see it dissolve
I can be your poster boy for the great American fall
Segarra’s music is pleasant Americana, not unlike a southern Sarah Harmer, but that disguises their darker stories of the U.S. underbelly told in their lyrics, of those left behind by the oligarchy, and whose lives are no doubt about to get a lot worse.
I used to think I was born
Into the wrong generation
But now I know
I made it right on time
To watch the world burn
With a tear in my eye
To watch the world burn
I'm right on time
Hurray for the Riff Raff are playing Sunday main stage 6.40 p.m.
Eljuri
Ecuadorian/Lebanese lady guitarist from NYC, with an activist bent, playing Sunday Island Stage 3.50 p.m. She’s also at the Hotel Wolfe Island on July 21, and Drom Taberna on July 22.
Lucius
American duo, like a rootsier Haim, who were part of the Joni Jam with Brandi Carlile, collaborate with War on Drugs, and get Fred Armisen to dance in a white room for them:
Playing Sunday main stage 8.20 p.m.
Hillside tickets are here, full schedule here. Next week I’ll talk about the homegrown talent.
All news no snooze
RIP Alan Davis, a man who was instrumental in bringing international acts to Toronto, starting out at CKLN and then the Music Gallery and then founding Small World Music in 1997. The promoter died of cancer last week, age 63. Billboard collects tributes.
The Polaris Prize shortlist will be announced today (Thursday) live on CBC Music at 3 p.m. Eastern, one album at a time. Also check the Polaris socials between 3-5 p.m. I dove into the long list and shared my shortlist prediction here.
Chandler Levack’s second feature film, Mile End Kicks, is one of the first five films announced for TIFF 2025. The film by the writer/director behind 2022’s I Like Movies (the greatest awkward teen Canadian film since New Waterford Girl — and also just one of the greatest Canadian movies ever) is set in the music scene of 2011 Montreal, so naturally I can’t wait for jokes about Arcade Fire, Godspeed and Grimes.
Josh O’Kane at the Globe and Mail investigates the FACTOR heist of 2024, in which a hacker almost wiped out the entire budget of a key Canadian music-granting organization, while Scotiabank turned a blind eye.
Toronto artist Stephanie Comilang, who started out doing live projections for Owen Pallett’s live show in the mid-2000s and later won the 2019 Sobey Art Award, has her first show in the U.S. and was covered in the New York Times.
Did you know the online guitar-tutorial world just experienced a massive Milli-Vanilli-level scandal? I sure didn’t. Andrew Potter explains.
Nice to see more Substacks covering Canadian music, which means we get not one but two recent deep dives into Martha and the Muffins’ 1981 album This is the Ice Age. I did not know that Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak, Bon Iver) covered “One Day in Paris”—while in Paris.
Headline of the week, from Wired: “From Sensual Butt Songs to Santa’s Alleged Coke Habit: AI Slop Music Is Getting Harder to Avoid.”
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):
Gentlemen Reg feat. Kelly McMichael, Dave Bidini: July 25 at West End Phoenix 7 p.m.
Nadja: Aug 8 at Tranzac. 20th anniversary show. Two decades of doom!
It’s OK* World festival: Aug 16-17 at Trillium Park (Ontario Place). Featuring Kalisway and more.
Kiesza: Aug 23 at Velvet Underground
Dry Cleaning, Bria Salmena, JayWood, Slash Need, DJ Born Ruffians: Sept 24 at Lee’s Palace. Hot Brits headline the debut of the Second Summer festival, which promises to be more than just one club night next year.
The Rapture: Oct 5 at Danforth Music Hall. Yes, two months after TV on the Radio and LCD Soundsystem are both in town.
Hayden: Oct 5 at Lee’s Palace #HaveNotBeentheSame
Mappe Of: Oct 9 at Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)
Blood Orange: Nov 19 at History
Billiane: Dec 9 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:
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. New album out tomorrow (July 11). The opening act features members of King Cobb Steelie.
Bob Wiseman, Mike Boguski: July 10 at Sellers & Newel. “Two pianos, no Rodeo.” #HaveNotBeentheSame. Sold out.
Kurt Vile & the Violators: July 11 at Danforth Music Hall
Fulu Miziki: July 11 at Drom Taberna 11.30 p.m. HOLY SHIT DO NOT MISS THIS CONGOLESE BAND. See the top of the newsletter.
Tripping Daisy: July 11 at Lee’s Palace
Kyp Harness, David Picco: July 11 at Lola (Kensington Market)
Anvil: July 11 at the Phoenix
Coldplay: July 11-12 at Downsview Stadium
Four Winds MusicFest: July 11-13 in Durham, Ontario. The Weather Station, Jeremie Albino, Strumbellas, Sadies, Cat Clyde, Skye Wallace, Stephen Stanley and more. Details here.
Charlotte Cardin: July 12 at Fallsview Casino
Kestrels: July 12 at the Monarch
Nicolette and the Nobodies, Hobby, Brock Mattsson: July 13 at 1978 Dundas St. W.
Pup: July 14-19 at increasingly larger Toronto venues, with different openers. July 14 is at Sneaky Dee’s with Bad Waitress; July 15 at Lee’s Palace with Solids; July 17 is at the Concert Hall with Jeff Rosenstock (solo); July 18 is at Danforth Music Hall with Cadence Weapon; July 19 is at History with NoBro. Now THAT’s how a popular Toronto band should launch a new album! Details here. Pretty much entirely sold out.
Wu-Tang Clan, Run the Jewels: July 14 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Final tour (apparently).
Los Bitchos, Etran de l’Aïr: July 15 at Great Hall. Both are also playing Hillside.
Rose City Band: July 16 at the Garrison. Reviewed their dreamy new album, ideal for Dead-dog-days of summer, here.
Jolie Laide, Marlaena Moore: July 16 at Baby G. Jolie Laide is also playing Hillside.
Fantastic Negrito: July 17 at Longboat Hall
Tom Morello: July 15, 17 at Danforth Music Hall
Matt Andersen, Terra Lightfoot: July 17 at at Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
Petite Noir: July 17 at Collective Arts Brewing. Also playing Hillside.
Key summer dates
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.
Festival of Friends: Aug 1-3 at Gage Park, Hamilton. 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
Start Making Sense: Sept 13 at 1655 Dupont. West End Phoenix fundraiser featuring all-stars covering the Talking Heads live album. Details here.
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.
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