CMW Day 1: Bonfire Ball feat. Jason Collett, Zeus, and Bahamas @ Lee's Palace

My ass is kicked, internet friends. The Bonfire Ball at Lee's Palace did this to me. Thanks to Bahamas, Zeus, and Jason Collett, I would like Canadian Music Fest to be over now.

My plan for the first day of Canadian Music Fest was to take it easy: go to one show, and one show only. Leave the show-hopping for later, in an effort to conserve energy. But 3 hours and 44 songs later, I am spent. The show was put together as a revue, and so other than a short intermission, the band(s) played the entire time, everyone backing up everyone else. It was great! The Bahamas tunes---including many new songs that aren't on his record---sounded awesome, especially when there were 4 guitars going at the same time! The sound set-up (at least from where I was standing) didn't benefit Zeus as much as it should have been. The organ was occasionally too high in the mix, while whoever was singing while playing the keys was usually not mixed high enough. No matter, though. It was awesome how the crowd seemed to love all the artists; Bahamas, Zeus, and Jason Collett all got big cheers. Jason Collett was in fine form . . . and I really do mean that. My goodness, that man is sexy.

Seriously.

This Bonfire Ball tour is heading out to lots of other cities. Go! Three hours of great music and amazing musicianship. But hope for a theatre show. It's a lot to take in.

I'll have a proper review of the show up at Sticky Magazine at some point in the future. Now I must gear up for show-hopping Thursday night.

Video: Audio Blood in Training for CMW

Audio Blood's schedule for CMW is here

The full Canadian Music Fest Schedule is here

Weakerthans All Ages show in Toronto, May 26

The Weakerthans have announced that they will celebrate the release of their new Live at The Burton Cummings Theatre CD/DVD set with an all ages show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto on May 26 with special guest Bahamas. Tickets are $35.00 and go on sale tomorrow at 10 am at the @ Horseshoe Front Bar, Rotate This, Soundscapes, and Ticketmaster.

Toronto: Free Zeus instore @ Soundscapes March 6 (and other tour dates)

The headline alone tells you pretty much all you need to know - on March 6 at Soundscapes (572 College Street) Zeus is playing a free instore at 6 pm. The Facebook event is here. Of course if that doesn't work for you you can also catch them (not for free) at the tour dates below. Zeus' new album Say Us is out on Tuesday.


Zeus on Tour:

Friday February 26th, 2010 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
Saturday February 27th, 2010 New York, NY The Mercury Lounge
Wednesday March 10th, 2010 Toronto, ON Lee's Palace
Thursday March 11th, 2010 Guelph, ON Ebar
Friday March 12th, 2010 London, ON Call The Office
Monday March 15th, 2010 Mexico City, Mexico The Polyforum Siqueiros
Wednesday March 17th, 2010 Austin, TX SXSW
Thursday March 18th, 2010 Austin, TX SXSW
Friday March 19th, 2010 Austin, TX SXSW
Saturday March 20th, 2010 Austin, TX SXSW
Tuesday March 23rd, 2010 San Francisco, CA Cafe Du Nord
Thursday March 25th, 2010 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Friday March 26th, 2010 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret
Monday March 29th, 2010 Canmore, AB Communitea Caf�
Wednesday March 31st, 2010 Edmonton, AB Pawn Shop
Thursday April 1st, 2010 Calgary, AB Legion
Friday April 2nd, 2010 Regina, SK The Exchange
Saturday April 3rd, 2010 Winnipeg, MB West End Cultural Centre
Sunday April 4th, 2010 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
Tuesday April 6th, 2010 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
Wednesday April 7th, 2010 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
Monday April 12th, 2010 Hamilton, ON The Casbah
Tuesday April 13th, 2010 Waterloo, ON Starlight Room
Thursday April 15th, 2010 Montreal, QC Le Petit Campus
Friday April 16th, 2010 Peterborough, ON The Red Dog Tavern
Saturday April 17th, 2010 Kingston, ON The Grad Club
Tuesday April 20th, 2010 Philadelphia, PA The World Cafe
Wednesday April 21st, 2010 Northampton, MA Iron Horse Music Hall
Saturday April 24th, 2010 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall

Largest concert in Toronto history being planned

According to Torontoist, the largest concert in Toronto history is currently being planned. It is being discussed as the "Woodstock for the Green Generation" and hopes to bring together hundreds of thousands of people, musicians, speakers, and advocacy groups in an "effort to let G20 leaders know they need to try harder to change the world for the better." Bands haven't been set yet but the organizer handling the musical side is Woodstock organizer Artie Kornfeld.

"Technology will take the festival well beyond the borders of North York with closed-circuit broadcasts in two hundred theatres across the continent, and Kam hopes to exploit the Internet and mobile technology to their utmost. International interactivity will be the name of the game, with plans for a green-oriented, Facebook-style network. Locally, the festival will be looking for volunteers

Kam has partnered with a wide array of charities—Red Cross, Amnesty International, and Save the Children, for starters—and pledged half of the profits to them. Kam also hopes to have ongoing charity efforts after the event."

read the whole thing at Torontoist

Artie Kornfeld, Michael Lang @ Woodstock '69

Toronto: Free Matthew Barber Weekday Lunch Show

On Friday, February 26 at 12:30 Matthew Barber will be playing a Free Show at Chapters, Festival Hall (142 John Street). If you work downtown and want something better to do with your lunch break than stand in line at the salad bar, bring a sandwich and head for Chapters. Matthew will be showing off songs from his new album "True Believer" (available Feb 23). Songs like this one:



Facebook Event is Here

Radio Free Canuckistan Interviews Toronto's Punk Rock Historian Liz Worth

The blog Radio Free Canuckistan has posted part 1 of an interview with Liz Worth, the author of Treat Me Like Dirt: An Oral History Of Punk In Toronto And Beyond

"Is it possible to underestimate how boring Toronto was in 1976?

(laughs)

You couldn’t even buy black jeans, as you point out. And everything changed around the time you’re writing about, with this scene, with the art scene, with the Toronto Film Festival, with CITY-TV all helping to loosen the sphincter of this tight-ass town. What did you know of that time period?

I wish I had a better sense of things. My parents are older; they’re born in 1936. They’ve lived through many decades, but were never tuned into popular culture. They had parties and had fun, but were never a part of any music scene. If I ever asked them details about what things were like at certain times, they’d just say, ‘whatever,’ they didn’t care. But I do remember when I was growing up when Sunday shopping came in and what a huge deal that was for Toronto. People were so mad and divided; some people thought the world was coming to an end if stores were open on Sunday—and that really wasn’t that long ago."

Read the whole thing at http://radiofreecanuckistan.blogspot.com/2010/02/liz-worth-treat-me-like-dirt-pt1.html!

Treat Me Like Dirt is available through better independent book stores and online here.

Update: Part II of the Interview is here.

NxEW.ca Presents Sandman Viper Command's C'est What Residency!

For the next three tuesdays, Sandman Viper Command is taking up residency at C'est what for a series of intimate shows with their friends. On February 9 the Darcys are coming to hand out and play some tunes. Clothes Make the Man and Vacuity are there on Feb 16 and on February 23 they will be joined by another very special guest band that I'm not going to tell you about for national security reasons.

So, special guests, small venue (but with great acoustics), micro-brewed beer created on location that you can't get anywhere else, and a band that is going to do really well as soon as enough people have heard them Sandman Viper Command and (other than that beer I mentioned) it's all FREE!

More info and other goodies soon. The Facebook Event is Here

Download Oh Yeah, It's Fusion (MP3)

Toronto: Sandman Viper Command residency at C'est What in February

One of my favorite new Toronto bands Sandman Viper Command (who you will have heard on a our podcasts) isn't, it turns out, from Toronto at all. They're from Burlington - but they are going to be spending more time here than usual in February. They are taking up a residency at the urm..intimate C'est What (67 Front Street East) but what C'est What lacks in size they make up for in making their own very yummy beer!

Go see them:

Feb. 2 @ C'est What, TORONTO
Feb. 9 @ C'est What, TORONTO
Feb. 16 @ C'est What, TORONTO
Feb. 23 @ C'est What, TORONTO
Feb. 27 @ The Mansion, KINGSTON (w. Wax Mannequin)
Mar. 11 @ El Mocambo, TORONTO (Audio Blood CMW showcase)

Sandman Viper Command - Yo Bobcat (Unofficial Video)

Toronto: Gentleman Reg tells you about his residency at the Drake (Video)

Toronto: Hawksley Workman, the Great Lake Simmers and the Meligrove band playing free in Feb.

Edit: The Hawksley Workman and Great Lake Swimmers shows are on the same day - sad for us, sadder for the artists because people will have to choose.

Two in-stores and a free show at the Horseshoe are coming up in Toronto in early February - So if finances have been holding you back this is your chance to check out some great stuff for free. If cold weather has been holding you back - suck it up. You live in Canada and Toronto has gotten a pass on winter so far (there is no snow at all in my yard.)

First up February 5th at 6:30: The Great Lake Swimmers are playing a free instore at Sonic Boom (512 Bloor Street West) as far as I know there is no new release or anything that they are pushing but it's the Great Lake Swimmers and it's free - you should go. Details on Facebook.



Next, on February 6 5th at 6:00 Hawksley Workman is playing a free instore at Criminal Records (493 Queen St. West) - you may not have heard much for awhile, but Hawksley is back with a new album out (Meat) and another coming out in 2010 (Milk) catch him on the 6th for free and be out in plenty of time to hit New York Subway for dinner (it's great and cheap if you haven't been.) - Facebook.



Then on February 9 at 9 the Meligrove Band are playing a free show at the Horseshoe Tavern:

"We played a free show in December and a lot of people couldn't get in, including our own friends! So we're doing it again, playing at 9:10 PM sharp on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010. Songs from our forthcoming new LP (which we just finished), as well as some old favourites! See you soon!

http://facebook.com/meligroveband

Three other great bands are on the show as well. Those Darlins from Tennessee, Hacienda from Texas and Toronto's Invasions."

Facebook thingy here.

Book Launch: Treat Me Like Dirt - Punk in Toronto tomorrow at This Ain't the Rosedale Library

Tomorrow at This Ain't the Rosedale Library writer Liz Worth will unveil her new book "Treat Me Like Dirt: An Oral History of Punk in Toronto and Beyond, 1977-1981". The book, as you might suspect, revisits the first wave punk scene in and around Toronto (primarily centered around Queen Street West).

According to Exclaim:

"Worth undertook two years of research and conducted close to 200 interviews for the book, which documents the history of such acts as the Diodes, the Viletones, Simply Saucer, Forgotten Rebels and Teenage Head. The first-person recollections spawned the oral history approach of Treat Me Like Dirt, and at the launch she explained, "This wasn't my story to tell. I just wanted to preserve these stories."

Tomorrow's event at This Ain't the Rosedale Library (86 Nassau St. in Kensington Market Toronto) starts at 7 p.m. - admission is free.

For those of you who can't attend the event, or who don't live in Toronto but are interested in the topic - Keep an eye on Liz Worth's web site and/or Trainwreck Press where worth says the book will be available (though it does not appear to be at the moment).

For more info on the book check the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.

Toronto: Julie Fader with Daniel Romano (Attack in Black) and Andrew Sisk (Share) at the El Mocombo Tomorrow night

Attn: Toronto - I deliberately didn't do year end lists this year. If I had though Julie Fader would have featured prominently, at the very least in the Best New Artist category. In addition to her work with Chad Van Gaalen, the Great Lake Swimmers, Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer and other's Julie put out an amazing solo debut ( Outside, In ). Tomorrow night she is playing a special show at the El Macambo (464 Spadina Ave. in Toronto).

Opening up the evening will be Andrew Sisk (a.k.a. Share) - out of the prolific Halifax scene. Share (Myspace) is another artist who first came to my attention in 2009, although if I was from Halifax I'd know he wasn't really new.

Share - Maybe Always Live with Jenn Grant



Next up will be Daniel Romano of Attack in Black and the recent collaboration with Julie Doiron and Fred Squire titled simply Daniel, Fred & Julie. Daniel will be playing a special set with a band made up of "his Dad, his Aunt, and his special friend Misha".

Attack in Black - 'Young Leaves'



Then, of course there is Julie Fader who CBC Radio 3 called the "Polaris Secret Weapon" because of all of the polaris acts she's backed up in the studio or on the road. Backing Julie up will be Jason Baird, Christine Bougie, Pete Hall, Randy Lee and Graham Walsh.

The Facebook Event is Here

(evil) senoB dna nikS - redaF eiluJ

Broken Social Scene Toronto Island Concert June 18 (with Pavement and Band of Horses)

On June 19, 2010 at 1 p.m. Toronto's own Broken Social Scene will be playing an all ages show on Toronto Island with Pavement and Band of Horses. Last year's cancelled show lead to the free Harbourfront show that Bruce McDonald is making into a film. No word on when the film will be out or what this years BSS lineup will look like. Tickets are (a fairly painful) $50 - not including fees, taxes and the ferry ride but if you're into it you will be able to get them at Ticketmaster, Rotate This, Soundscapes and the Horseshoe Tavern starting January 18.

Further details are at torontoislandconcert.com!

Toronto: Daps All Ages IV with Casey Mecija Jan 16

Daps All Ages - put on by Daps Duo (a.k.a. Dan and April, a.k.a. Tonka & Puma, also of Hut & Hooded Fang) is becoming something of an institution. Previous shows (at the sadly closed Rolly's Garage) have featured people like the Bicycles, Laura Barrett, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, Pick A Piper, Spiral Beach, Bonjay and others.

The 4th show in the series has been set for January 16 - this time at the Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture (167 Augusta) at 2 p.m. The 4th edition is set to feature: Casey Mecija & Jeff, Santa Guerrilla, Sean Nicholas Savage, the Miles and Ruzan Orkestar.

$7 at the door!

More info on the bands, the event and all that good stuff can be found on the Facebook Event Page!!

One Hundred Dollars Drops New 7" Jan 22

Toronto's One Hundred Dollars (Myspace, CBC Radio 3) came a long way last year when 2008's Forest of Tears was long listed for the 2009 polaris prize. The band (which is made up of large parts of ex-Jon Rae and the River people) is now getting ready to drop a new 7", My Father's House on January 22 at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto tickets are available at Soundscapes, Rotate This and the Horseshoe. Helping them celebrate will be the Lonesome Ace String Band and the critically acclaimed "Special Guests".

$100 - live at Elder Schoolhouse

Toronto's Winterfolk Festival Seeks Volunteers

Via Roots Music Canada - Toronto's Winterfolk VIII festival is looking for volunteers. Winterfolk list's it's mission as

"Winterfolk was formed to entertain, educate, enlighten, engage and encourage our community about various folk music styles including roots, blues, folk and more. Winterfolk is presented by ‘The Association of Artists for A Better World’, a registered Non-Profit Organization, in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Winterfolk folk has no paid employees, and maintains no staff. Funds received from submissions are used towards festival expenses, the majority of which is paid to the artists."

and it's 8th annual Winterfolk festival features.

"Al Lerman, Alan Gerber, Alfie Smith, Amy Campbell, Ariana Gillis, Bob Snider, Brian Blain, Brian Gladstone, Brock Zeman, ChoirGirlz, D’Arcy Wickhan, Dan McVeigh, Danny Marks - Darrell Grant, David Celia, David Gillis, David Leask, David Newland, Digging Roots - Eric Fisher, Ewan Dobson, Graydon James, Howard Gladstone, Ian Reid, Joan Beson, Joe Hall, John Jacksion and Steve Paul Simms, Jon Brooks, Julian Fauth, Kim Wempe, Laura Fernandez, Lindsay Ferguson, Lynn Harrison, Marg Stowe, Marianne Girard, Mark Charron, The Max Wollaver Band, Maxim Budnick, Michael Brennan & Steve Briggs, Michael Jerome Browne, Mose Scarlett, Mr Rick, Mr Rick & Biscuits, Noah Zacharin, Nonie Crete, Peter Verity, Philip Brown, Related, Rick Hodgson, Rick Taylor, Rosemary Phelan with Jason LaPrade, Russell Leon, Seb Agnello, Shawn Brush, String Bone, Sue & Dwight, Sultans of String, Suzie Vinnick, Swamp Ward Orchestra, Tim Jackson, Tony Quarrington, Wendell Ferguson, William and Polly"

They are looking for audio mixers, lighting technicians, stage managers, production crew, stage announcers and emcees. If any of this might describe you details are available at http://www.abetterworld.ca/p-winterfolk-viii/p-looking-for-some-good-volunteers/.

Free Julie Doiron Show in Toronto on Saturday

This Satruday (Jan 9) in Toronto at the Coburg (533 Parliament St.) Julie Doiron is playing a free show with Constantines Will Kidman opening. Show starts at 10 p.m.

Facebook Event is Here

Julie Doiron - No More

Wavelength Goes Out With a Bang in February

After 10 years and 500 shows the Wavelength Music Arts Project will come to an end as a weekly thing. There are, as I understand it, still plans for occasional special shows but the music series that has been a Sunday night tradition in Toronto since the days when Broken Social Scene was just a glimmer in Kevin Drew's eye, Leslie Feist was doing sock puppets for Peaches and Arts & Crafts wasn't even an idea yet is coming to an end in February. To celebrate/mourn a 5 day festival is planned featuring old Wavelength Favorites, new acts and bands that are officially not together anymore. According to the Singing Lamb:

Feb. 10, 2010 @ Music Gallery: Bruce Peninsula, Evening Hymns, Pony Da Look, Deep Dark United, Canaille

Feb. 11, 2010 @ Steamwhistle Brewery: Holy Fuck, Russian Futurists, Fembots, Diamond Rings, Professor Fingers

Feb. 12, 2010 @ Sneaky Dee’s: From Fiction, Bicycles, Laura Barrett, Magic Cheezies, Young Mother

Feb. 13, 2010 @ Polish Combatants Hall: Constantines, Rockets Red Glare, Donne Roberts, Picastro, Danger Bay

Feb. 14, 2010 @ The Garrison: Kids On TV, Barcelona Pavilion, Mean Red Spiders, Neck, Boars

Amazing or what! Tickets go on sale Jan. 7th. All shows will have advanced tickets except for Feb. 14th. That will be the usual PWYC rules.

Or, if you prefer visit Mechanical Forest Sound for a musical version of the lineup with Germans and Doc Pickles.

Toronto: Hylozoists Holiday Video Party Tomorrow at Whippersnapper Gallery

Tomorrow (Thursday, December 17) the Hylozoists (Myspace) and guests Muskox will host a holiday party at the Whippersnapper Gallery and debut the new video/short film for the song Bras D'Or Lakes by Julia Deakin.

The Hylozoists music has previously been referred to as "Soundtracks for Imaginary Films" so it is was only a matter of time I suppose before someone got around to making one of those films less imaginary. You can still hear the Fuse show with the Hylozoists and Laura Barrett at cbc.ca/fuse/audio.html if you'd like to get a better sense of them.

The video below will tell you a little more. Tickets are currently on sale at Soundscapes and Rotate This for $10.

Toronto: Nine Mile at the Rivoli on Thursday

Nine Mile are bringing their distinctive “Jahmericana” style to the Rivoli (334 Queen Street West) in Toronto this Thursday night. Not to be confused with the Eminem movie, Nine Mile - who have shared stages with The Black Keys, Joel Plaskett, G. Love and Special Sauce, Gomez, Xavier Rudd, Cowboy Junkies, Blackalicious, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sarah Harmer, Donovan Frankenreiter and Pete Murray. Their recent album "Country Porno Electric Fireplace" will tell you something about the sound and so will the video below. For more sounds, and more tour dates see myspace.com/ninemile.

Out of This Spark's 3rd Birthday Party Scheduled for January

Out of This Spark is turning three in January and is having a party at the Garrison in Toronto to Celebrate. It's hard to believe that Stuart Duncan's little label, which brought us Timber Timbre last year and signed a distribution deal with Arts and Crafts is only 3 but apparently that's the case. The party will feature OOTS artists Forest City Lovers, the D'urbervilles, Evening Hymns and Jenny Omnichord - The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West – Toronto ON) Doors at 9 PM - $8 advance / $10 at the door - Tickets on sale next week (doesn't say where but Soundscapes (572 College Street) is probably a safe bet.

Toronto: Everything Is Wow on December 14

Just in Time for Xmas: NxNE Early Bird Passes on Sale

Know what will make you feel better this winter? Thinking about spring! The North by Northeast festival is still a long ways off (June 16-20, 2010), but if you buy your passes now you can save big. You could also buy a whole lot of fun for someone for Christmas (or whatever holiday you are voting for this month.) Where are you going to get a deal better than 5 days & nights of live music featuring over 625 local & international artists, 35 music-related films, Conference Village Sessions for $99?

Click Here for Details

Via NxNE

Contest: A Very Bloody Xmas (Win prize packs from Audio Blood)

Audio Blood and the Third Estate are having a holiday party at the Horseshoe tavern on December 12 and you could be the one getting presents. Attending the party will be Oh No Forest Fires, Make Your Exit, Clothes Make the Man and the Balconies and one person is going to win a prize pack with a CD from each of the bands playing, a mini screen printed poster for the event, an Exclaim tee from the Third Estate and two tickets to the show!

Not only that but a runner up will win CDs from the Balconies and Make your Exit!

For a chance to win send an email to northbyeastwest@gmail.com so that we can get ahold of you if you win. (We won't spam you, we won't even keep your email address when the contest is over. We just need to be able to get ahold of you if you win.)

The Winner (and runner up) will be chosen at random next Wednesday (December 9)!

For more information on the party visit the FACEBOOK EVENT

Toronto: Early Evening Fundraiser for Uganda on December 10 w/ Ex~Po, Lovely Killbots & more

Join Ex~Po, Little Foot, Long Foot, Lovely Killbots and J.M. McNab at the Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue, Toronto) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 10 for an early evening fundraiser to help send Lesley Marino to Uganda where she will be volunteering her services as a photographer to the Ryan's Well Foundation. For more information on Ryan's Well and what they do visit RyansWell.ca.

Admission is $10 and the last band is on at 10 p.m. - so it will be an early evening. For more details see: the Facebook Event!

Toronto: Free Evening Hymns In-Store Tomorrow

Your new favorite band (or the band that will be your new favorite next year) Evening Hymns will be playing a free in-store tomorrow at Soundscapes (572 College Street in Toronto) starting at 7 pm. The Facebook Event Page is here.

If you haven't been following along, or Evening Hymns doesn't sound familiar you can check out our Spotlight from a few weeks ago and/or read the reviews at Soundscapes, Hour.ca and Chromewaves:

SPIRITlive and the Third Floor Sessions

Spiritlive is the 24/7 student run internet radio station of Ryerson Universities School of Radio and Telvision Arts a list of the available shows is here. It is the latest station to be added to NxEW's I Heart Radio project. In case you've somehow missed it, I heart radio shows you how to get access to 120+ campus, community and public radio stations all over Canada on your computer's media player. All free, and largely commercial free. There are also links to software that will let you record mp3s of your favorite shows when you aren't able to listen live.

One of the many programs run on Spiritlive is the Third Floor Sessions which brings you weekly in house sessions from artists like DD/MM/YYYY, Kay Pettigrew, Gravity Wave and coming up at 3 PM EST on December 5 the crazy amazing Ohbijou and Dec 15th at 8 pm everyone's new favorite The Wooden Sky. After the live sessions are aired they are served up as mp3s that you can download and save.

I'll do my best to keep you posted, but if you want to make sure, you can follow @spiritlive on Twitter.