Quick reviews/photos from my week.

On Wednesday and Thursday nights I hit up two shows each, seeing 7 bands I had not yet seen. Yay for seeing new bands! I don't have the energy (or expertise) for proper reviews, but here are some photos and words about what I thought.

First up, Medallions at the Horseshoe, part of a bill that also featured new band Authen Heathen, Seedy Ease, and the Sean MacDonald Band. Medallions are an indie rock band which boast members with lots of experience in other indie rock bands. Some of the songs verged on radio-friendly, but not in an annoying way. I liked them, but wasn't blown away. Would see them again. I think I would like them better the second time around.I went to the Horseshoe that night to check out Seedy Ease, a band which includes drummer Robbie Butcher, whom I knew originally from local Brit-pop, post-rock outfit Tin Bangs. Seedy Easy is very different. The three-piece is a vehicle in part for guitarist Daniel Brook's strong pop vocals. They delivered melodic rock with an older vibe, a sound I can definitely see going over well on mainstream radio. Good stuff; a bit less indie than I'm used to seeing, that's all, though I do think they could do well on a bill with more indie-pop bands. I would be happy to take them in again. Have a listen to the MySpace tracks: they're catchy.After Seedy Ease I biked over to the Boat in time to catch most of This is Picture's set. This is another three-piece (that night, at least) with strong vocals. Complicated rythms and ever-changing time signatures meant TIP plays indie pop songs that are difficult to dance to, and for me were therefore better appreciated at home. (I like dancing.) I picked up a demo disk at the show, and have listened to it several times since then. Awesome tunes.Thursday night I went to the Drake to see Olenka & the Autumn Lovers. Wonderful stuff. Polish folk-tinged indie acoustic pop with fantastic instrumentation and meaningful lyrics. A nice treat for me. Olenka is a warm, charming performer (and person, no doubt), and after hearing so many good things about this band---and playing one of Olenka's songs on my own podcast many weeks ago---it was great to finally get to see the group for myself. The Drake was fairly empty that night, but I can see this band serenading much larger groups at folk festivals, outdoor concerts, and the Tranzac's main stage.
It seems most fans at the Drake that night came out for Idle Tigers, a witty, wacky performer with equal amounts charm and comfortable awkwardness. Without knowing how to describe what I saw and heard---both were important---I know that I had a smile on my face the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I left wanting to know more about Ross Hawkins and his music, and will definitely be spending some time listening and thinking. He's putting together a Halloween show at the Boat. Now that should be something. Check out the photos: how could this not have been awesome?I decided to leave shy of the end of Idle Tigers' set, not because of boredom, but because I wanted to make it for at least some of Green Go's set at Rancho Relaxo. I timed things really well, because I heard the Guelph electro outfit starting up as I walked up to the door. Yes! I've danced to these guys (and one gal) a few times before, but this was my favourite performance of theirs. I couldn't believe how packed Rancho was---on a Thursday approaching midnight!---but it's testament to the excellence that is Green Go and the success of the No Shame series. It seemed most of the cool indie kids in town were there that night. (I won't name-drop, but trust me.) Great fun. No photos because although the lighting's good at Rancho, I was too busy dancing mid-crowd to take out my camera. I spotted David Waldman around, so maybe he'll have some shots.

The final act of the night was The Magic, another band originally from Guelph that No Shame first introduced me to several months ago. I think they're great, and had a blast dancing. If I had taken any photos, you'd know---like I do---how cute this band is, too.

Conclusion? Toronto is awesome. The quality and variety of bands/performers I saw in two week nights at four different downtown venues is really something, ain't it?

Woodhands.

I did a lot of dancing this past weekend. After the Cuff the Duke show I went to the Boat for the end of a newish dance party there called Thundercats. Although Keith Hamilton is the main DJ, by the time I got there, he had handed over DJ duties to the guys from boats!! (The exclamation points are part of the band's name.) The band had kicked off the night, but of course I missed them. (Saw them at the Drake a while back, though.) Saturday night more dancing was in the cards for me, and I went to Queen and Bathurst dressed in my version of young hipster best. (Leggings and a long shirt.) Last I saw Woodhands was at Harbourfront Centre back in early July, so it was definitely time for a fix. The night was running late, but then I don't see how the organizers could really have expected the headliner to start at 11pm. It must have been 12:45am or so when they started. Anyways, I'm getting ahead of myself.

First up, Lioness. I heard from a friend that this band had "killed" (actually, he wrote "KILLED") when they played Wavelength. So, well, a good enough reason to hope to catch them. Good thing the show was running late, because after milling about and chatting with friends, the band came on. This three-piece is a showcase for its female vocalist, Vanessa Fischer. They definitely had me dancing, though I must say the songs sounded all the same to me. In a I'm-having-a-great-time kind of way. Could be wrong, and even if I'm not, I don't care at all. What they do, they do well.When Lioness started playing it became immediately apparent that the earplugs I always wear really were necessary, more than usual. It was LOUD in the 3rd floor loft/gallery space in which the show was held. Incredibly loud. And very bassy. The less than stellar sound system was apparent during Woodhands' set. The vocals---not an unimportant part of the songs---were barely audible. Bah. But whatever. Woodhands' shows are about crazy dance parties, and that's what we got.It was very hot and sweaty up by the stage, and I can only imagine most people were dancing in some fashion. (Though a woman and man near me were only swaying. Strange.) My friends and I were letting loose---as much as we could in cramped quarters, and I even didn't mind too much when someone behind me spilled beer on me.

Cuff the Duke.

Friday night I went to the Horseshoe for the Cuff the Duke show. The last time this band played Toronto I didn't go, and have mildly regretted it since. I bought their latest album from Wayne Petti himself back in late 2007, and since then have been waiting for their summer show. They headlined two nights this past weekend; mid way through their set I wanted to come back for the second night, but I knew I couldn't. That's how good they were. My blogger friend agreed that this was one of the best shows of the year for him. For me, it may have been the best I've been to. Ever.

Here's what went down. I missed most of the first opener, but caught enough of the Stables to know that I will see them again. Great stuff! Folky foot-stomping music, complete with incomplete drum kit and a hockey-stick bass. The trio were having a great time and seemed all kinds of thrilled to be playing. The venue wasn't crowded for their set, and there was lots of room at the front. Which is where I was, and where I stayed. Here's a couple shots of their set: The place quickly filled up when the middle act, Bruce Peninsula, started up. I saw this group play their 7"release show at a church on the Toronto Islands earlier this summer. That experience was not matched Friday night. (Hard to be ethereal at the Horseshoe, or without Katie Stelmanis providing back-up vocals.) Still a really good set from the current touring members of the band, including Neil Haverty, Matt Cully, and lead female vocalist Misha Bower. The slightly smaller group meant Misha's vocals stood out more than they did at the church show, which was a good thing. She's great. The band gave a spirited performance which proved to me that they are indeed a special band and not just a choir with rock backing. Here are Neil, Misha, and another vocalist.And then Cuff the Duke took the stage. I haven't seen a band this well-known in such a small venue before, and that by itself made the evening a real treat for me. Excited though I was, I was not expecting to be as impressed as I was by the band's performance. As Bob pointed out to me, these guys know how to rock out like experienced performers who have been on a lot of tours. But they still got the energy of a young band. No jumping off the stage and dancing with audience members like they did a few years back during a Wavelength show, but still. Basia Bulat (and her band members Holly Rancher and Allison Stewart) joined the band on stage for a couple songs, as did the guys from the Stables. The first encore was a great big party with all the opening acts up on stage singing along. So much fun. The sound may not be the best at the Horseshoe, but I'm not sure there's a better place to be right up at the front, seeing an awesome rock band play to a roomful of happy people. It was absolutely thrilling. (And not just because I have a mild crush on lead singer/guitarist Wayne Petti. [Who doesn't?])

Indie Music 49 (25-31 Aug 2008).

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Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto. I try to list as many shows here as I know about, though with a preference for listing those happening at venues I especially like, or featuring performers I know something about. This list is thus not comprehensive. In addition, I rarely list shows that cost $10 or more, and never ones that require advance ticket purchases. If I'm missing something or you have any comments, let me know.

I had a great weekend of shows! Friday was Cuff the Duke (w/ Bruce Peninsula and The Stables) @ The Horseshoe; Saturday was Woodhands (w/ Lioness) @ The Burroughes Building. The Cuff the Duke show was the best show I think I've been to. Like, ever. And Woodhands was a great big sweaty party. Excellent. What did you do?

I've got a few fixes to make to the listings below, but this will more than get you started on the week.

MONDAY (25 aug)

Elvis Mondays presents The People of Canada band (debut and CD release), Boxes & Bags, The Miles, The Human Statues, Witchever, and Needlefoot @ The Drake Underground, 9pm, free.

Shoeless Monday feat. Fish Belly White @ 11:15, Five Star Trailer Park @ 10:15, and Balls Band @ 9:15. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Angela Bower (AKA Christine Bougie & Dafydd Hughes) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7pm, pwyc.

Patrick Collins and Mike Skelton @ The Cameron House (Back Room?), 8-10pm, free/pwyc.

Groovy Mondays feat. Ruth Cassie and Max Cann @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, pwyc.

The Folps @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Phantom Black, Treestar, Siberia, and Polarity @ Clinton's Tavern, 8pm, $5.

* Son/Lumiere & The Ambient Ping present Elika, Holoscene, and Thisquietarmy @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

Jessica Stuart, Octobre's Ending, Sammy D, and The Waveriders @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

Mathias Kom (The Burning Hell; solo), David Simard, and Meg O’Mally @ Bread & Circus, 9pm, $7.

Janet Leigh, Glasgow Grin (ex-Dear Black Diary), August, and tba @ Siesta Nouveaux, 7pm, $8. All ages.

TUESDAY (26 aug)

John Russon Quartet/Quintet @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

The Edge 102.1 Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite feat. Red Elite @ 11:40, Rondon @ 10:50, The Basis @ 10:00, and Golden Girls @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

The Pink & Black Attack presents Hollywood Swank and West End Riot @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

That's What He Said, Deadbeat Dads, Meggi Faya, and Matt Groopie @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $4.

The Holyfields and The Dress Whites @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Ko Kapches w/ Dylan Murray @ Supermarket, 9pm, $5.

For When You Get There feat. Nico Dan, Damian Dobrowolski, Jay Merrow, Steve Ward, and Christopher Willes @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Neil Diamond Tribute feat. Sandro Perri, Basement Cities, PDF Format, Derek Downham, Wolfcow, and more @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $6.

Kaya Fraser & Lazy Dynamite w/ Shawn Clarke @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 7-9pm, $8.

WEDNESDAY (27 aug)

* PWYC Weds feat. The Hots, The Good Soldiers, and Vedette @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc.

Ryan Driver and Castlemusic @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

mByronic Heroes @ The Cadillac Lounge, 9pm, pwyc.

At Odds With Even, Left of Zero, and Uhlan @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 10pm, pwyc.

Local Alternative Rock feat. Sean MacDonald Band @ 11:40, Seedy Ease @ 10:50, Medallions @ 10:00, and Authen Heathen @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $4. I'm planning on being here.

Daniel Field @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

LAUGHstock presents This is Picture, The Birthday Cakes, Meadowlark Lemon, and Joel Beauchamp @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Hotboxxx presents Tok’n @ 10:45, Playdeaf @ 10:00, Boogie Man Jordan @ 9:15, and Clara Engel @ 8:30. Lee's Palace, $5.

Protocol and Amy Pitt @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $?.

Charles Tilden & the Phantom Limbs (CD release) w/ Mandippal Jandu @ Supermarket, 9pm, $5.

Jodi King and Cancel Winter (acoustic) @ C'est What, 10pm, $5.

Paul Newman's Open House @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Mankillsman, Akroid, and Orca @ Siesta Nouveaux (AKA Studio BLR, 15 Lower Sherbourne), 7pm, $8.

Nayekhovichi, Daniel Kahn, and the Painted Bird, as part of Ashkenaz Festival @ The Drake Underground, 9pm, $10.

THURSDAY (28 aug)

Les Singes Bleus @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free. "French cafe songs with a modern twist."

The Wilderness and tba @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Everlea, Aberdeen, Prescription for Protest, and Flatline Endings @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, pwyc.

James Finnerty @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

Local Pop feat. The Artful Vandelays @ 11:15, Life In Vacuum @ 10:15, and tba @ 9:15. Lee's Palace, 8:30pm, $4.

Local Alternative Rock feat. Broken Sons @ 11:40, Jack D & the Non Alcoholics @ 10:50, Playmaker @ 10:00, and LukeNares @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $4.

Stars on 44 feat. Animal Monster, $100, the Pauls, Ryan Driver, Misha (reading), doc dunn and the zen wranglers, Tradition, Heavy Water, and DJ Daniel Vila @ Punchclock Studio (44 Dovercourt), $5. Fundraiser for Punchclock.

* Idle Tigers and Olenka & the Autumn Lovers @ The Drake Underground, 8pm, $5.

The Jessica Stuart Few with Erika Werry @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 10pm, pwyc.

Hummel Entertainment presents Mary Simon, Andy Stedman, Matt Duffin, and Marko & River, w/ DJ Dwight @ Holy Joe's, 8pm, $5.

Black Collar Thursdays feat. Greedyfeedr w/ DJ Stu Dead of Playdead @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* No Shame presents Green Go, The Magic, The Alex Chow Symphony Orchestra w/ the Sinbad Richardson Ensemble, and Europe in Colour @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5.

The Dank, Invasions, The Vestaloynes, and The DGB @ The Silver Dollar, 9pm, $5.

The Away Game. Divine Is Nothing, Tristina, Bella Clava, and Laszlo @ Smiling Buddha, 8pm, $5. Proceeds to the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra.

Burn Down The Capital presents Bulbs, Thrashed Jeans (debut), The Dead Are Those Who Have Died, and Jeremy Strachan's Canaille (debut) @ Teranga, 9pm, $7.

Valery Gore w/ Peter Elkas @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $8.

Black, White & Acoustic feat. Dale Luarca, Heather Schiller & AJ LoPresti, Corrina Keeling, ADA, Breeze Romain, MC FUBB, Her & My (Danya Buonastella & Lea Russel), and Stefan Berrill @ Clinton's Tavern, $10. Black & White dress code.

Inertia Entertainment presents Johnny Truant, Straight Reads The Line, Gone Hollywood, Man With Target, and The Chainsaw Stunt Double @ The Annex WreckRoom, 7pm, $10. All ages.

Rock the Foundation presents Jojeto, Who’s Army, The Red Light Riot, and Dame @ Tattoo Rock Parlour, 8:30pm, $10.

FRIDAY (29 aug)

The Curries @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

Stars on 44 feat. Nif-D, Tropics, Pans rams ghost, Deloro, Underheaven, and DJ Mark Pesci @ Punchclock Studio (44 Dovercourt), $5. Fundraiser for Punchclock.

Signal Magazine Launch Party feat. Cancel Winter, Greys, Rockets!, and DJ Earl Grey @ The Boat, 8pm, $5. "The first few people through the door get some rad loot bags, so don't be late!"

Mark Cassidy @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

Little Miss Higgins @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9:30pm, $?.

* TWM 23 presents Basement Arms, Hot Kid, Terror Lake, and Capital Grass & the No Men @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Local Indie Pop feat. The Paint Movement @ 10:15 and Scarlet Sins @ 9:00. Lee's Palace, 8pm, $5.

Sleep for the Nightlife, My Shaky Jane (?), and tba @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $5.

Hell Yeah Fuck Yeah and Zerg w/ DJ sets by the Darth Virgos AL911 & Billy Geek @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Local Alternative Rock feat. The Shenanigans @ 12:30, Proxy Set @ 11:30, Zuku @ 10:30, and Sleeps Six @ 9:30. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $6.

No Official Capacity presents Aquila, Synastry, and Symbionic @ Duffy's Tavern, 9pm, $8. All ages.

Hotboxxx presents Scott Shepperd, Opal Blue, Broken Sons, and Rockafellers @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $8.

Outtrip (record release) w/ MC niLLA & crew, Twisted Ankles Break Crew, Mike O’Grady Band, and Ernesto Cervini @ Supermarket, 9pm, $8.

Craig Laskey presents Windsor for the Derby and Key Witness @ The Drake Underground, 8pm, $10 (or $8.50 adv tix).

Terminal City Ricochet 2008 (Urban Punk Fest) feat. Random Killing, The ClusterBombs, Snot Rockets, MurderSquad, Punch Drunk, Getwrecked, Dirty Bird, Gin n' Tonixxx, Thrashards, and DJ Jay O'hooligan @ Sneaky Dee's, 8pm, $10.

Macro Fiesta (CD release) w/ tba @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, $10 (includes CD).

SATURDAY (30 aug)

2nd Annual Eric Dolphy Memorial BBQ and Potluck w/ the Association of Improvising Musicians of Toronto feat. Colin Fisher, Ronda Rindone, David Sait, Brandon Valdivia, improvising dancers, and more @ Dufferin Grove Park, noon-5pm, free.

Country Saturdays feat. Laura Repo @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

Lucky 13 & Oddball Clothing present Hot Rod Wasteland feat. The Expos, The Stereohoax, and Madcowboys @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

* Shelby Lamb, Carnival Moon, and the Youngest @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

* Tranquil, Maneli Jamal, Myles Kennedy, and Kevin Ker @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, pwyc. "Donations accepted."

Brothers From Another and Shadows in Red @ The Annex WreckRoom, 7:30pm, $5.

Katie DuTemple & the Stay Toughs and We Are All Kings & Queens @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, pwyc.

* Owle Bird, Basement Arms, and Danger Music @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, $5.

Mount Fuji Soundsystem @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9:30pm, $?.

Animal Names and Hermetic @ The Drake Underground, 8pm, $5.

Local Alternative Rock feat. Dead Ettiquete @ 12:30, Allie Hughes @ 11:30, Silvercade @ 10:30, Rise For Order @ 9:30. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $6.

Oblisk, followed by Kensington Station (dance party) @ Neutral, 10pm, $6.

We Take Lovers, Key Witness, A Sea of Gold & Burgundy, and Hungry Lake @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

What's All This Then?! presents Salon des Musiques Exceptionelles! feat. John Kameel Farah, The Parkdale Revolutionary Orchestra, Rob’s Collision, and The Evan Shaw/Colin Fisher/Robin Buckley Trio @ Somewhere There, 9pm, $10 (or $8 if you e-mail benATparkdalerevolutionaryorchestraDOTcom and request an advance ticket).

Their Shallow Valley (CD release) w/ Rueben de Groot, The Cavaliers, Zoe Thiessen @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $10.

Terminal City Ricochet 2008 (Urban Punk Fest) feat. AB Irato, Bella Bombs, BFG, Subsistance, Class Assassins, PantyChrist, Outbread Inlaws, Terminals, The G-men, The Doom guys, Rapid Decline, Corperation, and DJ Jay O'hooligan @ Sneaky Dee's, 5pm, $10.

SUNDAY (31 aug)

Solar Cycle 24 feat. Alan Glicksman @ The Gladstone Hotel (Art Bar), 2-5pm, free.

White Squirrels @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 5-8pm, free.

Terminal City Ricochet 2008 (Urban Punk Fest) feat. Shitreign, Overpower, Hated, The Bag Ladies, tba, and DJing by Terminals @ 751, 9pm, free.

Wavelength 428 feat. Woodchoppers and Flying Fox & the Hunter Gatherers @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, pwyc. Jazzy stuff.

* Steamboat Monthly Review feat. Andy Swan @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10:30pm, pwyc.

LAUGHstock presents Romins, Fin, Dylan Doren, and Dwarf Star @ Smiling Buddha, 8pm, $5.

The Oxford Hotel presents Oblisk, Joda Clement & Christopher Strickland, and Danger Music @ The Oxford Hotel (117 Oxford St.), 8pm, $5. BYOB.

Jordan Fine and Gypsophelia @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

The Grand Panic, My Flea Circus, Ghost Television, and Adolf Glitter, w/ DJ Errol @ Savage Garden, 9pm, $5.

NOW Series: Geordie Haley's Farewell Party @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Megan Hamilton, Emeen Z @ the Boat.

Sunday night I missed out on an excellent Wavelength bill to take in Megan Hamilton & the Volunteer Canola and Emeen Z at the Boat. I've never seen Megan & band before, but have spent some time with her two albums. I like them, though they require more concentration than I usually like to give to music. Yeah, it's true: I don't spend much time actually listening to music unless I'm at a show.

Back to the point. (I'm distracted today.)

Emeen Z is out of Boston at the moment and he brought his band to Toronto this past weekend for a few shows at the best spots for indie pop-rock, as well as played a solo set at the Tranzac's front room, the best spot Toronto has for that kind of thing. I'd seen a couple of their songs Saturday night, but was outside talking to Flotilla so told the Bostonians that'd I for sure pay attention Sunday night. So I did. And I'm glad that I did. Some definitely good indie pop tunes. (I really like indie pop.) Even better, the people at the Boat had just changed around the sound system earlier that day, and things sounded really good in there. There was a noticeable difference between the way the band sounded on Saturday at Rancho Relaxo and how things were Sunday at the Boat. Good for you, Boat crew. I got Emeen Z's three-song EP and already found myself enjoying it. They reminded me a little of the Bicycles at times, but with longer songs.

Megan Hamilton & the Volunteer Canola played last to a small crowd of well-wishers. And, wow, what a good band! They really should be entertaining many more people. (Too bad Wavelength had a not-dissimilar bill last night.) Less pop and more country-folk, but with lots of rock. The band will start recording a new album this week, and took last night as a chance to play all new songs. It felt special, like something I shouldn't really be hearing. This is a group with experience playing shows and it comes across. And I gotta say that I was completely visually entertained by the band: Megan in a cute prairie dress thing with awesome long red curly hair; a tall guitarist rocking out like he's not playing folk-rock on a Sunday night; a good-looking manly keyboard player with cowboy boots, styled hair, and sunglasses on the top of his head; a bassist who looked like he'd just come from the golf course; and the cute skinny drummer with facial hair and thick-rimmed glasses. They all looked and sounded excellent. I loved it. I want to see them again.

Sorry, no photos. I keep forgetting my camera at home.

SummerWorks music, part 2.

I had intended to go to SummerWorks shows on both Friday and Saturday. This was before I realized that my best friend from grade 4 was bringing her band to town on Saturday. Not sure I've seen her since I was nine, of course I had to go and hang out. No Laura Barrett or Sunparlour Players for me. No biggie. Although I've only seen SPP once before, nearly a year ago, they made an impression. I'll have a chance to see them again. Laura Barrett is one of my favourites (live and on record), and it would have been a nice spot to see her play; I've seen her a bunch, and will undoubtedly see more of her once her album is out in September.

So much for what I didn't do. On Friday I went to Theatre Centre for two acts I had yet to take in: Evalyn Parry and Rock Plaza Central. My friend Steve Fisher's done an excellent job describing them, so I won't. He didn't make it to the show, though. What did he miss? Well, Evalyn Parry was lovely. She's got a great voice, and her band, comprising a woman doing some backup percussion and vocals as well as contributing horns of various kinds, another woman on backup vocals and percussion, and a man playing an upright double bass, complimented her. Her songs were mostly about real-life situations and things she's done. They were lovely, charming, poignant yet still mostly light-hearted. I liked less her spoken-word-like performance of a song about water being the new oil. (I wasn't in the mood to be preached to.) But the earlier songs about Dumpy the Honda dying in Manhattan, a former lover turned stalker, and strange billboards on a US interstate really had me smiling. She'd be great in a folk festival, I'd bet. Some of her theatre colleagues were in the audience, cheering her on like the rest of us. (She performed in two plays during this year's SummerWorks festival.)

The next groups looked equally at home on stage. I've heard a bunch of things about local folk-rockers Rock Plaza Central, including from my young friend who appeared at about 12:20am Friday night. This night RPC was a six-piece, joined for a few songs by someone from the audience with an accordion. (I'm not sure if he knew the band very well or had played with them before . . . I kinda got the impression that not.) All the musicians provided vocals as well as playing instruments. Many of the songs that they played seemed like instrumental and vocal riffs on a single lyric. The band really created an atmosphere with their music in a way that other bands don't (and don't intend to). It was cool, and on a different night with a different opening act, I really could have gotten into it more than I did. I wasn't blown away, but am glad I went and saw and heard.

Indie Music 48 (18-24 Aug. 2008).

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Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto. I try to list as many shows here as I know about, though with a preference for listing those happening at venues I especially like, or featuring performers I know something about. This list is thus not comprehensive. In addition, I rarely list shows that cost $10 or more, and never ones that require advance ticket purchases. If I'm missing something or you have any comments, let me know.

Lots of shows for me this week. Went to SummerWorks music shows three nights, was at Rancho on Saturday, and the Boat on Sunday. Highlights included Flotilla (from Montreal), Megan Hamilton & the Volunteer Canola, the Diableros (!!), the RAA (!!), and Evalyn Parry. At the moment I am show'ed out. Too bad for me there are some good things on this week. I'm gonna take a nap, get some work done, and then think about going out again. You too, right?

I've starred some things below. Have a look. And let me know what I've missed.

MONDAY (18 aug)

Angela Bower (AKA Christine Bougie & Dafydd Hughes) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7pm, pwyc.

Elvis Mondays presents Allie Hughes, Mamabolo, La Case Muerte, zhowndz, Labour Of, and The People of Canada @ The Drake Underground, 9pm, free.

Shoeless Monday feat. The Sweet Mack @ 11:15, For the Wolves @ 10:15, and Consumer Goods @ 9:15. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Groovy Mondays feat. Mandippal Jandu and The Wilkins @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm (start time), pwyc.

New Music Night feat. Gordon Easton, Jeff Beadle, and Yawn Temiseva @ Clinton's, 7:30pm, $5.

No Denture Adventure, Narcotized, Shades of November, DICE, Leviathan, The Fiction in Folklore, and Bite this Rip Off @ Kathedral, 6:30pm (start time), $10. All ages.

TUESDAY (19 aug)

Bitchin' Sessions (free improvisational music; three sets) @ The Gladstone Hotel (Art Bar), 8-11pm, pwyc.

The Phonemes and The Phrenologists @ Tranzac (Tiki Room), 7pm, $5.

The Disco Kid @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

* The Edge 102.1 Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite feat. Dog Day @ 11:40, The Stills (the surprise guest) @ 10:20, and Still Life Still @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Fred Spek's CaMp CoMbO @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

The Calrizians @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, pwyc. These guys play every Sunday at the Bread & Circus in Kensington Market, 3-6pm (except Pedestrian Sundays).

* The Pink & Black Attack presents Christian D & the Hangovers and The Sour Notes @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

Showcho hosted by Derek Forgie, feat. Kathleen Phillips (comedian), Spencer Butt (spoken word), the Williamson Playboys, and Certified Healer @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc/$5.

Best of the Open Stage with Aveena Sams @ Free Times Cafe, 8pm, pwyc.

* No Shame presents Great Bloomers, Conconquidore Truidore, and These Hands @ Silver Dollar, 8pm, $5. I'm planning on going to this.

Minotaur, Brandon Shantz, and Matt Henderson @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

* Pitter Patter Nights presents Olivier Jarda, Aaron Lozynsky, Locomotive 8, and Iain Nabil @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Eve Egoyan, Tilman Lewis, Nilan Perera, Ronda Rindone, and Joe Sorbara @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Coco Love Alcorn, Sarah Noni Metzer, and Janine Stoll @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 8pm, $7.

Ko Kapches w/ Dylan Murray @ Supermarket, 9pm, $5.

WEDNESDAY (20 aug)

The Bill Grove Quartet @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

PWYC Weds feat. Rendezvous with the Kidnappers, Bill Murray, Sitcom, and Left of Zero @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc.

Mandippal Jandu, Sarah Loucks, Daniel Roth, and Chisai Jackson (The Framework) @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, pwyc.

Arms & Sleepers @ 11:40, Late Night Sanity @ 10:50, Cure Gravity @ 10:00, and John Tayles @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, $4.

Christine Leakey and Dwight Shenk & the Slipper Orchestra @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, $5.

LAUGHstock presents Come Clean, Wishlist, Akroid, and Creeper @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Phusion @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm.

Hotboxxx presents Kris Newby, Scott Mandu, and 85 East @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $5.

* The Superstitions, The Books Elusive, The Lovely Killbots @ The Drake Underground, 8pm, $5. Solid local indie rock.

The AMBiENT PiNG's 9th Annivesary Show feat. Whisper Room (Aidan Baker [Nadja], Neil Wiernik [NAW], Jakob Thiesen [The Reversibles]), Pholde (Alan Bloor [Knurl]), Mara's Torment (Rik Maclean), w/ visuals by General Chaos @ The Central, 8pm, $6/pwyc.

Paul Newman's Open House @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Unsung, The Womb, and tba @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $?.

THURSDAY (21 aug)

Nicole Christian & the Caravan @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

Jason Kennemy @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Stewart Lewis, Betty Dimo, Amy Campbell @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

* Pitter Patter Nights presents Secret Japanese Girlfriend, We're for Barton, and What Seas What Shores @ The Boat, 9pm, $5. I kinda want to go to this.

Cosmic Granola @ Clinton's, 9pm, $5.

Black Collar Thursdays feat. Lifestory:Monologue, Sentient, Car Crash Eyes, w/ DJ Stu Dead of Playdead @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Morning Electric @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $5.

Echo-Riot and more @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

* Over the Top & No Shame present Jana Hunter, Metal Kites (John Tielli's band), Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, and Pete Samples @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5. Folk show!

The Endless Blockade, Winters in Osaka, Eating Glass, and School Jerks @ Siesta Nouveaux, 9pm, $?. BYOB.

* Oh No Forest Fires, Modernboys Moderngirls, Everything All the Time, and Dinosaur Bones @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $5. Serioulsy good Toronto indie rock show.

Fatooth, THe WitHouts (CD release), Paul Leroux & band, and Sleep the Season @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

PDF Format and others @ Silver Dollar, 8:30pm, $5.

The Ocean Buried, Morre, Broken Sons, and Space Is For Stars @ The Annex WreckRoom, 9pm, $6.

The Prodigal Suns w/ The Expos @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $8.

FRIDAY (22 aug)

* Sunbear (Kate Boothman) @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

The Hyena Dog Robbery, Mandeverest, and Bitter Harvest @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, pwyc.

The United Empire Loyalists @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

Eric Chenaux, Chris Cogburn, Martin Arnold, and Ryan Driver (performing together) @ Tranzac (Tiki Room), 9pm, pwyc.

* Idle Tigers and Hank Pine (of Hank & Lily) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

* Thundercats 4 (dance party) feat. Boats! @ The Boat, 10pm, $5.

* The Darcys and Gabe Kastner @ Supermarket, 9:30pm, $5.

LAUGHstock presents Gunnar Rapido (CD release) w/ Villians, August, The Chronic, and PSB @ Siesta Nouveaux (HA4tLD), 8pm, $5. BYOB.

Curb Crawlers & Dmoney present Trouble & Bass (NY dance party) feat. Math Head (AKA Passions), The Captain, Sek One, and St. Mandrew @ The Drake Underground, 11pm, $5.

The Midways, Hillbilly Hellcats (Rockabilly from Colorado), The Walnut kids, w/ DJ sets by the Darth Virgos AL911 & Billy Geek @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Forthwall, Promiserun (CD release), and Tranquile @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5. Free CD for first 50 people.

TWM presents Jewelry Rat, Metz, Crack Mattress, and Dwarf Star @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6. Jewelry Rat is rad.

Tamara Miller, Daniel McKenzie, and Rossif Sutherland @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9:30pm, $6.

Dodger w/ Weybourne Project and DJ Dr Nick @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $7.

Balboa, Social Clash, and Mackenzie King (ex-Ontatio Power Generation) @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $8 ($5 w/ canned food). "Rocky" tribute night.

The Von Drats, The Reverb Syndicate, The Groopies @ The Cadillac Lounge, 9pm, $10.

SATURDAY (23 aug)

Oxford Hotel presents Peace, Loving (Boston, MA); Bass Toads vs. Double Dragon, and Rape Tiger; and Matt Sajn @ The Oxford Hotel (117 Oxford St.), 2-5pm, $5. Bring picnic things.

Country Saturdays feat. The Wanted @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

The History of Petty Crime and Alison Burkett @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $?.

Alexandra Ribera @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm, pwyc.

Grand Parade @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 6pm, pwyc.

Ken Reaume, JM McNab & Cam Malcolm @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

* Picturesound as part of Kensington Station (dance party) @ The Neutral, $6/$5 after 11:30pm.

* Hi-Hat Recordings/TWM Re-Launch Merger Party feat. Whale Tooth, Spookey Ruben (solo), Luxury Bob, Burn Planetarium, and Clouds That Look Like Things @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $10 ($7 before 10pm).

CoexisDance @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6. Improv dance and music.

Return of the Vinyl Tap Villains feat. Golden Girls, Atherton & PBrain, Klip Kuma & Homebased, and Prolific, hosted by Serb Superb @ The Boat, 9pm, $7.

Euphonic Sounds presents Monster America, Bombs, Volition Aire, and Polarcare @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $7.

Bombing Neverland and Maddison w/ DJ Vania @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* Birdweek, Sadie May Crash, and Revolvers @ The Mansion (157 St George St), 9pm, $5.

The Wreck of Zephyr, The Fiction in Folklore, Sleep For The Nightlife, and Hallowed Be @ Duffy's Tavern (1238 Bloor St. W), 8pm, $5.

Cactus, The Good Soldiers, and The Februarys @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $5.

The Scarlett Fever and The Flying Museum Band @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

* Woodhands w/ Lioness, Vitaminsforyou (DJ set), and Ukula DJs @ Burroughes Building (3rd floor), 8:30pm, $5. Adv tix avail. but I don't know if they are required. DANCE!

Buckets Of (CD release) w/ Sam Allemang (of Lunchmeat), and Maureen Littlejohn Sullivan (of The Lava Lamps) @ The Press Club, $5/$8 with CD.

The Human Statues, B & the North, and David Celia, hosted by Eric Toth of the Imponderables @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $8. Guaranteed fun.

Saigon Hookers @ 12:30, Waxmen @ 11:30, tba @ 10:30, and Half Past Four @ 9:30. Lee's Palace, $8.

Vilipend, Snake Mountain, The Illusive Mind Gypsy Crew, and Storm Their Shores @ Kathedral, 8pm, $10. All ages.

SUNDAY (24 aug)

The County Boys @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 6-8pm, free.

Gordon's Acoustic Living Room @ Free Times Cafe, 8pm, free.

* Wavelength 427 feat. Pavlov's Dogs Orchestra, Maylee & Slippers Power Hop, and Cowlick @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, pwyc.

FABRik RECordS Showcase feat. La Case Muerte, Boxes & Bags, Adopted Refugees, Oscar Brown, Chocolate Sunshine, and Ah! La Lettre, hosted by The People of Canada @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $3.

Shade, Jeremy Robinson, and Jack Harlan @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

Solar Crash @ El Mocambo (Upstairs), 7pm, $10. Featuring music, arts, and etc. This is a charity event.

SummerWorks music, part 1.

Wednesday and Thursday nights I was out at the Theatre Centre at Queen and Dovercourt for SummerWorks concerts. The nights featured Will Currie & the Country French, the Diableros (both Wednesday), Claire Jenkins avec Band, and one of my most favourite groups, the Rural Alberta Advantage (Thursday). Overall, Thursday was a better night than Wednesday, but I loved the headliners on both nights.

The venue hosting the shows is usually reserved for theatre, I take it (and the name implies). It's a neat little place, with a high stage, space for a dance floor in front, and then rised seating. The first night, we sat on the risers; the next, there were chairs set up.

Wednesday things got going at about 10:45pm, making things late but not too late. Will Currie and co. had a bunch of sound problems. I couldn't tell, but they were clearly frustrated by it, and I thought could have done a better job at handling the situation. There's no need to let everyone in the room know your troubles. Also, guys, you could really work on your between-show banter. Tell us about your record, about shows you've played out of town, etc. You know, something better than the name of the song and can we please have more vocals in the monitors. But, anyways. They played just fine. I preferred the second half of their set. I've seen this band three times now. They are good, and certainly have a different sound than other indie bands, but they don't really do it for me. At least not this night. Think the record is pretty good, though.

Next up, the Diableros. This was one of my favourite acts that I saw during NxNE, and just happens to now include (since the winter) two friends of mine. So it's a real treat to see them not only because I love the band's sound---live, and on record with a different lineup---but because I get to see them play! It took a couple songs for me to get really into things, but once I did, wow. What a great set. It was a bit short, at less than 30 minutes, but the last few songs were amazing. The crowd had thinned out a bit, so a few of us had no problem sitting on the floor and looking up at the band on stage. A great way to experience them (for me) but a shame for the band---these guys are awesome! They really should be filling venues. I look forward to seeing them again on a better night. It won't be as intimate, but they energy they'll create with the right crowd will be something else.

Which brings us to Thursday. Another good lineup, this time with a band I'd never seen before followed by a band I've seen a good handful of times. Claire Jenkins et al. got going a good 30 minutes later than they ought to have. Without knowing for sure, I think the band itself is to blame for 20 minutes of that. Usually, this isn't such a problem, but starting an opening set at 11:15pm at a venue not on the subway line isn't really such a smart idea. Good thing I enjoyed the music. Claire herself is a lovely singer and animated performer. Not too over the top, but there were theatrics and props. If it'd been two hours earlier, I would probably have eaten it all up. But as midnight approached and there were candles lit, toasts made, band members introduced, and curtains set up, I started to get a wee bit annoyed. It was well after midnight when they finished playing. Not cool, to my mind. But I'd recommend seeing them if you get a chance. In the right setting they'd be charming. Beautiful songs played by skilled musicians who know how to perform for an audience. I just wish they'd been more aware of the time.

Finally, the RAA. This is a fantastic band. It's three members (Nils Edenloff, Amy Cole, and Paul Banwatt) all are perfect in their roles, and work marvelously together. It really is a treat to see and hear them. Their set list started slow, built up at bit, took a break for a beautiful solo---a cover performed by front-man Nils Edenloff---then got fast again, ending with their goodnight song, performed in the middle of the room to a silent crowd. Awesome, in the true sense of the word. They are at heart a folk-pop trio, but with a real energy that enlivens a room and demands clapping and dancing. Looks like tonight they sold a few records---the 100 percent excellent "Hometowns"---signed autographs, and won over a bunch of new fans. Good. As it should be. (Why are they not signed and selling that disk to people all over the world?) Too bad they were forced into such a late start. Subwayers had to leave a few songs shy of the end.

So, SummerWorks. Good on you for adding a musical component. It's nice to see this kind of crossover between theatre and music, which introduces local indie bands to people who might not know of them otherwise. The lineups for each of the 8 nights of music were all chosen very well. I take it the sound problems are improving, and the light issues that plagued the Diableros' set---why turn the lights completely off a few times? WHY?---had been worked out by Thursday. I look forward to the next two nights, and to next year's festival. By then the technical and scheduling/timing issues should be all fixed, and we can all just enjoy the shows.

Navan Fair, cont'd.

I went back to the fair on Sunday for more horses and to get my fill of rural/suburban activities. My parents' house is close to the fair ground, less than 10 minutes' walk away. So there's really no excuse not to go. (Except I didn't on Friday... wiped out from eating and grocery shopping and seeing my senile/Alzheimers'd granny.) Did I mention that on Saturday my mom and I went and saw the "pet parade"? This was children (12 years and under) with their pets, mostly dogs. There was a baby goat (cute!) and a cat and a hampster thing. We really, really like dogs. Especially big dogs. There were some nice ones. We were like the creepy old people just there to look at strange dogs, without bringing our own. But whatever. DOGS!

Anyways, back to Sunday. My mom and I are not good at leaving the house, apparently. But once we got to the fair, the horse pull competition was still happening. I had never seen one before. There's not much to see. Basically, 2 big horses get to pull concrete blocks. Teams get points for how far the horses pull. And there are different rounds, each one will a heavier load. I don't quite understand the details, but the horses were nice.

There were more horses in the arena. We sat and watched a bit of the western horse show. But it's not really up my alley. Guys (and gals, and kids) on horses trying to gallop ever faster around a few pillars. Glad I saw, but no need to stay very long. Michelle Wright was scheduled to perform at 5pm, so as the hour approached we got some junk food and made our way over to where the music happens . . . and then it started to thunder, and then there was lightening, and then we decided to leave, as did probably everyone else. On our way home it started to pour with rain! I ran most of the way home. The weather cleared up pretty quickly, but we never did hear anything more from the fair grounds, so I didn't head back. Just assumed Michelle Wright never played. But the internet now tells me otherwise. Damn!

Bah, so well for country music. Back to my regular stuff.

Hey, I'm back!

Yup, back in the big city. Got in Monday night, and was back at some of my regular spots today. Kensington Market, Sushi on Bloor, and Rancho Relaxo. Ahhh, it's good to be back. Nothing particularly indie . . . the Rancho thing was an art party of sorts. We decorated album covers for the Hi-Hat Records compilation CD, set to be released later this month. It turned out to be pretty fun. I'm no artist, but it was cool to play with arty things for a bit. And nice to be at Rancho and not have to wear earplugs but still be surrounded by my favourite people (indie kids, etc.)

Wednesday I run errands and then have fun things to do later in the day. I get to see the Diableros, with Will Currie & the Country French. This should be super all kinds of excellent. Yipee!

The Diableros! One of my favourite acts from NxNE, with an album out that I actually paid money for, and featuring a couple of my favourite people. Yay.

Indie Music 47 (11-17 Aug 2008).

Like this list? Join my Google Group to get my weekly Toronto indie music listings. Or, the Facebook group.

Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto. I try to list as many shows here as I know about, though with a preference for listing those happening at venues I especially like, or featuring performers I know something about. This list is thus not comprehensive. In addition, I rarely list shows that cost $10 or more, and never ones that require advance ticket purchases. If I'm missing something or you have any comments, let me know.

I've spent the past week in Ottawa (and I'm still here), so didn't go to any shows in Toronto. I did, hwr, see my brother's band perform at a nice little venue in downtown Ottawa. Polk & the Dots, in case you're wondering.

This week I'm itching to get to some of the SummerWorks music shows, as well as drop by my regular spots for an indie fix. See you out!

MONDAY (11 aug)

Jay Amar @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

Angela Bower (AKA Christine Bougie & Dafydd Hughes) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7pm, pwyc.

Elvis Mondays presents Boxes & Bags, Adopted Refugees, The Hounds, KaraMel, Das Plumas, Royal So & So's, The Paper Makers, and The People Of Canada @ The Drake Underground, 9pm, free.

Shoeless Monday feat. Beyond Ash @ 11:15, Dropjoys @ 10:15, and Cinderellas @ 9:15. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Queen West Acoustic Review feat. Bryan Arcand and Sleep Six @ The Cameron House (Front Room), 9:30pm.

Groovy Mondays feat. Orit Shimoni (Little Birdie) and Christine Tier @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, pwyc.

Laura Burns, Jordan Kanner, Richard Harte, Chelsea O'Connor, Craig Pike, Ben Clost, Emberly Doherty, Allen Bergeron, Alistair Blaik Bundale, and Kjartan Hewitt @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm, pwyc.

Hank & Lily, Darryl & Saam (SUNRiSER; acoustic), and Cancel Winter (acoustic) @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 8:30pm, $5.

New Music Night feat. Fish Tank Dreams, David James Martinez, and Johnny Exxtasy @ Clinton's, 7:30pm, $5.

War Hungry, Swamp Thing, Rah, and This Ship Will Burn @ Siesta Nouveaux (Studio BLR, 15 Lower Sherbourne), 7pm, $10.

TUESDAY (12 aug)

Casablanca Orchestra @ Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre, 7pm, free.

Steph Fraser @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 8-10pm, free.

FANA (Jeremy Strachan, Alia O'Brien, Gabe Levine, John Farah, Nick Storring, Lennie Haggerty, Brandon Valdivia, and Colin Fisher) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 8:30pm, pwyc.

The Edge 102.1 Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite feat. Son Of Dave @ 11:40, The Rivals @ 10:50, The Invasions @ 10:00, and Speakeasies @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Ronley Teper @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Homegrown Tuesdays feat. Jude Haines, Liz May, Matt Empacher, and others @ The Silver Dollar, 7pm, $5.

The Pink & Black Attack presents tba @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

Coco Love Alcorn, Sarah Noni Metzer, and Janine Stoll @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 8pm, $7.

Best of the Open Stage feat. Marcus Walker, Heather Mazhar, David Ward, Kendal Thompson, and Michelle Luxon @ Free Times Cafe, 8pm (start time), pwyc. This is the order, start to finish. According to my sources, at least.

Extreme Animalz, Fortress of Amplitude, Paul B. Davis, Bitch Ass Darius, Pepperminta, and Nif-D, w/ DJs Jenny and Sarah @ Cinecycle (behind 129 Spadina Ave.), 9pm, $5.

Ko Kapches @ Supermarket, 9pm, $5. "Acoustic 'Dylanesque' hip-hop!"

Cam Britton Collective @ C'est What, 9pm. "Creative Modern Jazz."

Lynzie Kent (CD release) @ Smiling Buddha, 8pm, $10. First 50 in get a free copy of the album.

* SummerWorks presents Peter Elkas and Julie Fader @ The Centre Theatre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

WEDNESDAY (13 aug)

Ack! Several good bets tonight. How can I be four places at once?

Shawn Sage @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

Aaron Jensen Quartet and The Felicity Williams Quintet @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

* TWM presents PWYC Wednesday feat. Olenka & the Autumn Lovers, Secret Japanese Girlfriend, and Sleep For the Nightlife @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc. Doc Pickles' 35th bday!

Local Alternative feat. Urban Preacher @ 11:40, Brittlestar @ 10:50, Make Your Exit @ 10:00, and Harm @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, $4

LAUGHstock presents The Spookey Scarecrows, Broken Bricks, and tba @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

* Octoberman, Culture Reject, and Evening Hymns @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $?.

The Knifings, Flatline Endings, and A Science Primitive @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $7.

Hotboxxx presents Above It All @ 10:45, Opal Blue @ 10:00, Falling Trees @ 9:15, and Twenty6Hundred @ 8:30. Lee's Palace, $5.

* Dead Sexy Sheila, Sadie May Crash, and Clouds That Look Like Things @ Clinton's, 9pm, $5.

Toronto Dramatic Society presents The Boy From E.T. w/ Ajay Mehra and Peter Mansbridge & the CBCs @ Tranzac (Main Hall), 8pm, $7. Lecture starts at 9pm; music, 10-10:30pm.

Sioux Newberry @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

Henry Taylor, Craig Smith, and Romney Getty @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm.

Holzkopf, Roman Pilates, and Doom Tickler @ 7/24 Video (1530 Queen St W; porno section, in the basement), 9pm, $tba.

* SummerWorks presents The Diableros and Will Currie & The Country French @ The Centre Theatre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

John Moore and Paul Price @ Supermarket, 8:30pm, $10.

Eros, Thanatos & The Avant-Garde: The Cabaret Series feat. The Calrizians, plus dance, film, theatre, and other arty things @ The Rivoli, 8:30pm, $10. Performances by Marnie Cooke, Olivia Davies, Julye Huggins, Shantell "The Shan Monster" Powell, Jannine Saarinen, and Kelly Winterson, and films by Ballet Espressivo and PedestrianThrash.

THURSDAY (14 aug)

Cecilia String Quartet, as part of Summer Music In The Garden @ Toronto Music Garden, 7pm, free.

Jazz Thursdays feat. Beverly Taft @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

Lethbridge Lodge w/ Gabe Levine @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

This Note feat. Special Noise and Consumer Alert @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Morgan Finlay and Jennifer MacDonald @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

Two Foot Falls w/ Michael Moone & the Shivertones @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm, $5.

Pitter Patter Nights presents The Paperbacks, Jetset Motel, and Laura Merimen @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

x_x media presents Economix feat. The Antitheory, Marienbad, Operon, and Montreal Lumberjacks @ Clinton's, 9pm, $5.

* To Downcast Your Eyes (CD release), Sleeping Kings of Iona, The Youngest, w/ projections by Exploding Motor Car @ The Press Club, 9pm, $5.

The Northwest Division, Little Foot Long Foot, and Jawbone @ Supermarket, 9pm, $5. Roots rock.

tba @ 11:15, First Person Shooter @ 10:15, and Jay & The Lovebirds @ 9:15. Lee's Palace, $5.

BLUDwash, The Mercy Now, and tba @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $6.

Darkside presents Horror Night (launch) feat. a band tba and DJ Gorry Lori @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5. This monthly night features "a band in the front [and] a movie in the back." This month's movie is "Double Feature."

"Grilled Cheese Sandwich" Toronto Premier followed by Just Like the Movies (Chris Miller, Kids on TV), Matias Rozenberg, Holzkopf, The Suicide Pilots, and DJ Machine @ Smiling Buddha, 7:30pm, $?.

Audio Blood Zine presents The Balconies, The Big City Nights, Simon Borer (Entire Cities; acoustic), and Brett Caswell @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5.

Russell Leon Band, Trish Kerr & the Divas, and Keith Shiner (acoustic) @ C'est What, 8:30pm, $5.

Mandibles, The Hunting Horns @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $5.

Local Alternative Rock feat. Ivory Tree Observatory @ 11:40, Isoceles Project @ 10:50, Lint @ 10:00, and Street Corner Scandal @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, $4.

Metalux, Zaimph, Wasted Nymph, Celine Beyond, and Gastric Female Reflex, w/ DJ Longhorn Tavern @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $7.

Rock The Foundation hosted by Stacey Prieur, w/ comedians The Distractions, Richard Ryder, Mike Moses, Laurie Elliott, Katie Crown, Jon Dore, Ron Sparks, and Craig Brown, and music by Red Light Riot (opening) and The Forty Five Tension (headlining) @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $10. Proceeds to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region.

Three Legged Galaxy presents Make Your Organ Dance feat. A.M., Marty Smyth, and Andrea Wappel @ Tranzac (Main Hall), 8pm, $10.

Fundraiser for People's Global Scholarship feat. Max Galactic & The Cloud of Evil, William The Conqueror, Stagehands, and DJs Vaneska and Cobra Cut @ El Mocambo (Upstairs), 9pm, $10 ($7 after midnight).

* SummerWorks presents Claire Jenkins Avec Band and The Rural Alberta Advantage @ The Centre Theatre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

FRIDAY (15 aug)

Dave Ward Band @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 7-10pm, free.

Owl Eyes and Tea For One @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Rehka Paterl, Laura Sales, and Jadea Kelly @ Free Times Cafe, 8pm, pwyc/$5.

My People Sleeping @ The Drake Underground, $5.

Buck Starball (CD release) w/ The Church of Miss Walker and The Salarymen @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, pwyc.

Scotty Campbell & His Wardenaires @ The Cadillac Lounge, 10pm, $?.

Boppa Do Down Records presents Tyranna (EP release), ZRO4, Let's Dance, and Boulevard Trash @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $?.

TWM 22 presents Hank & Lily, The Burning Hell, and The Skirt Chasers@ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $7.

Polyester Heart w/ Tanya Philipovich @ The Press Club, 9pm, pwyc.

The Wilderness, Insurgentlemen, and The Redux @ The Blue Moon (725 Queen St E), 9pm, $5.

All the Brightness (CD release) w/ Ill Of Day, The Green Room (debut), and Mary Rose Obsession @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9:30pm, $5.

Here's My Card Records presents The Office Party (5th anniversary party) feat. Holzkopf, Adolf Glitter, Jubal Brown & Nwodtlem, The First Seed, Hinder, and Kablonskaneuille @ Concord Cafe, 9pm, $5.

Pterodactyl, TONNN, and This is Picture @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

Machetes and Vicious Guns w/ DJ sets by the Darth Virgos AL911 & Billy Geek @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Oneida, Lullabye Arkestra, and Tropics @ Lee's Palace, 7:30pm (early show), $8.50 (adv tix avail.).

Teenage Bottle Rocket @ 12:30, Riptides @ 11:30, Sidekicks @ 10:50, and Roman Line @ 10:00. The Horseshoe Tavern, $10 (or $9 adv).

Global Rhythms Fundraiser feat. Japhy, A Fourth World, Minus the Royals, My Own Empire, and Divine Is Nothing @ Clinton's, 8pm, $10.

Grande Junction Entertainment presents the 4th Annual Kings of Music Showcase feat. S. Davis, the Othello, Ayatollah Jaxx, Esskei, and Human Record, w/ DJ Mike Stoan @ The Rivoli, 10pm (start time), $10.

* SummerWorks presents Rock Plaza Central and Evalyn Perry @ The Centre Theatre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

SATURDAY (16 aug)

Country Saturday feat. Joanne Mackell & The Paradise Rangers @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 6-9pm, free.

Kasper, The Drunken Trees, and Ministry of the Environment @ Mitzi's Sister, 9pm, pwyc.

* Emeen Z and Shelby Lamb @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 6pm, pwyc.

* The Weather Station, Ryan Driver, and Eiyn Sof @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Jordan Faye and tba @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5.

The Knockout, Monster Beach, Vinny Vigiliante @ The Press Club, 9pm, $?.

Hollowphonic, as part of Kensington Station @ The Neutral, 10pm, $6/$5 after 11:30pm.

* TWM presents Bellevue, Emeen Z, Flotilla, and The Lesson @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Bongo Beat Records presents The Franco Proietti Morph-Tet and Plunt @ The Gladstone Hotel (Art Bar), 9pm-midnight, $7/pwyc.

Alejandro Chavez, Butcher Something, Bruno Capinan, Flakko, and Bomba, as part of Rhyme The Image Festival @ Tranzac (Main Hall), 8:45pm, $5.

PDF Format, Liar's Rosebush, John Kameel Farah, and Hmmm @ Bread and Circus, $7

Pace the Stairs, TurboTurbo, Pirate/Rock, and Malaka @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9:30pm, $5.

Local Rock N Roll feat. Latefallen @ 12:30, Moore @ 11:30, Heavy @ 10:30, and Six O’Clock News @ 9:30. The Horseshoe Tavern, $6.

Loco Zydeco (CD release) w/ Cheryl Lescom & The Tucson Choir Boys @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $10 (or $20 and you get the CD too).

Loud & Metal feat. Poisonous Glass @ 12:30, APE @ 11:30, Archea @ 10:30, and Fire & Black @ 9:30. Lee's Palace, $7.

Curses!, Fire Hydrant, and The Hungry Ghost Festival @ Siesta Nouveaux (15 Lower Sherbourne), 9pm, $5/pwyc. BYOB.

Proof of Ghosts, The Four Corners, and tba @ The Mansion (157 St George St), 9pm, $5.

Bradley Boy and Catl (feat. David McMorrow) @ The Dakota Tavern, 10pm, $5. Each will play 2 sets.

Human Eye, Ancestors, and Ghostlight @ Siesta Nouveaux (15 Lower Sherbourne), 9 pm, $8. BYOB.

Double Birthday Bash feat. The Blue Demons and The Goddamn Goddamns w/ DJ Misty Rock n Roll @ The Cadillac Lounge, 9pm, $8.

Rehab For Quitters, Hollywood Swank, Oklahoma Bomb Squad, Nagasaki, and The Blackouts @ The Reverb, 8pm, $8 ($15 and you get the CD too). Afterparty at the Bovine.

The Resurrection feat. Jemini, Tru-Paz, and King Jus, w/ music by DJ O-Nonymous and DJ Unknown Steppa @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $10. Show starts at 11pm.

* SummerWorks presents Sunparlour Players and Laura Barrett @ The Centre Theatre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

SUNDAY (17 aug)

Oldtime Sundays feat. The Wayside Ramblers @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 5-8pm, free.

CraveFest Music Video Awards feat. Semi Precious Weapons, The Flatliners, Amos The Transparent, Hexes & Ohs, and Webster Death @ Tattoo Rock Parlour, 7pm, RSVP at rsvp@cravefest.com. The afterparty features The i Spies.

The Stormalongs, Legendary Weapons, Tungda Browne, and Skint @ Clinton's, 8pm, pwyc.

* Emeen Z, Megan Hamilton & The Volunteer Canola, and Lisa Bozikovic @ The Boat, 9pm, $5/pwyc.

Wavelength 426 feat. Sandro Perri, Ghost Bees, and Mel M'rabet @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, pwyc.

Lifestory:Monologue, Carcrasheyes, Stations, and Arthur Imperial @ Smiling Buddha, 7:30pm, $5.

Burn Down The Capital presents U.S. Girls, The Pink Noise, Flynns, and tba @ Teranga, 9pm, $7.

Ceremony (Bridge 9), Urban Blight, Regiment, Come Clean, and Red Inside @ Siesta Nouveaux (Studio BLR, 15 Lower Sherbourne), 6pm, $10.

Navan Fair.

On Thursday and Saturday I spent some time at the Navan Fair. This once-a-year 4-day event happens just down the street from where my parents live. It was the reason I picked this weekend to come visit. I didn't grow up in Navan, and I don't know much about rural culture (nor was I ever into carnival things), so the fair is a weird thing for me. But I do enjoy the glimpse into agricultural life, especially the various exhibits and competitions that get people excited. Like the antique tractor pull, the various horse shows, the demolition derbys, and the agricultural and bakery exhibits. I especially like the horse shows, and the heavy horse competition most especially. Not that I get it, but it's really something to see a few 8-horse hitches moving around a dirt-filled hockey arena.

Here's a few photos I took so you too can get a taste of the agricultural life. First, the demolition derby (well, one of them). A woman won.Second, this is the antique tractor pull competition. I didn't stay long. Third, a shot of the competitors in the 3-horse hitch. There were 8 teams, so many that even from the top of the bleachers I couldn't get them all in a shot.Fourth, the 8-horse hitch was something to behold. There were a couple rough spots, which nearly gave me a heart attack. Those horses move fast, and those turns are tight. This year there were only three competitors. One year I saw 8 teams of 8 all lined up in this arena at the same time. They haven't done that since. It's just too dangerous. But wow, was it ever something to see.
Fifth, a shot from the midway.

Polk & the Dots.

Thursday night I went with my sister, my dad, and a neighbour to see my brother's band perform a lengthy set at Mavericks. The show was to benefit a charity, so we each shilled out $10 for cover, and didn't grumble too much about it.

My brother---Polk, of Polk & the Dots---is the vocalist for the band, and doesn't play an instrument. He is backed up by excellent musicians on six-string bass, electric guitar, keyboard, and drums. These guys know what they're doing. They are a young rock band, mostly of the straight-up variety, though there's some funk and some indie inflection of a few tunes. The covers were well handled, if not far off from the original arrangements. My brother's got a great voice for this kind of stuff, and everything sounded as it should have, with perhaps moments where I'd wished for louder keys or guitar. I understand the choice to go for only one guitarist, but I wonder whether a second one would improve their sound. But overall, fun! It was neat to see my brother in the role of "rock star," something I've never seen before.

Some photos from the show:

Ottawa break.

I didn't blog about my weekend at all, and here we are nearing the next weekend. My bad. Rest assured that I enjoyed No Shame, OPOPO, and Wavelength (the music bits), and was pleasantly surprised by excellent live music on Friday at a party completely unrelated to my indie life. (I promise a few more details about that when I get back to Toronto.)

I'm in Ottawa at the moment . . . well, a suburb called Navan, southeast of the city centre, visiting my parents, the dog (Xena), and itching to hit up the Navan Fair.

I didn't hit up any shows Monday or Tuesday, and travelled on Wednesday, but tonight my brother's band is playing a set at Maverick's, a downtown Ottawa venue. I've never seen him perform before, so yippee!

Indie Music 46 (4-10 Aug 2008).

Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto. I try to list as many shows here as I know about, though with a preference for listing those happening at venues I especially like, or featuring performers I know something about. This list is thus not comprehensive. In addition, I rarely list shows that cost $10 or more, and never ones that require advance ticket purchases. If I'm missing something or you have any comments, let me know.

My week: No Shame on Thursday, Opopo on Friday, and Wavelength on Sunday. I really like No Shame. The vibe is always great, no matter the bands. Last week there were unexpected treats in Montreal's The Receivers and Buffalo's Sleeping Kings of Iona. Opopo played as part of a DJ night at the Boat called Room Party. (I was at the Boat again late Saturday night for an hour and a half of 80s fun. It's my favourite place to dance, for sure.) A fun night, with a slightly younger crowd than I'm used to. Wavelength was weird, hipster-filled, and kinda good.

Tyler and I are recording the podcast on Monday. I'm missing everything this week---will be in Ottawa---so be sure to go out and stand at the front for me, ok? Saturday is especially good for music. All day. Lots of choices. And the SummerWorks music series starts on Friday. Get tickets at the door ($10), in advance ($12), or buy a pass to get in for cheaper. All the shows are good. More next week, too.

MONDAY (4 aug)

Angela Bower (Christine Bougie & Dafydd Hughes) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7pm, pwyc.

Shoeless Monday feat. You Yourselves @ 11:15, Mayfield @ 10:15, and 7th Circle @ 9:15. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Groovy Mondays feat. Scott B. Sympathy and Brian Blain @ Mitzi's Sister, 9pm, pwyc.

Ministry of Industry presents H2O Afterparty w/ DJ Soulstice and live performance by The Operation M.D. (11pm) @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

Abriato, Liquid Vilence, The Omen, Rusted Dawn, UTI, and From Parts Unknown @ Kathedral, 7pm, $10. All ages. Hardcore bands.

TUESDAY (5 aug)

Unplugged show feat. Infinite Moksha, the DGB, and Jay Spectre @ The Gladstone Hotel (Art Bar), 8pm, $2.

The Edge 102.1 Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite feat. Fiddlestix @ 11:40, Sleeper Car @ 10:50, Songs From A Room @ 10:00, and Matt Bauer @ 9:10. The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Chloe Victoria w/ Nathan Legare, Little O, and James Hagger @ The Concord Cafe, 8-11pm, pwyc.

Great Aunt Ida @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

The Calrizians @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, pwyc.

Pink and Black presents Toads and Fancy Girls Market @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

Jenny Sardone and Scott Baragar @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, $5/pwyc.

Home Grown Tuesday w/ Matt Empacher, Blair Packham, Lindsay Louise, Michael-Angelo, and Trick of Disaster @ Silver Dollar, 7pm, $5/pwyc.

A Wonderful (Rochester); Hello Shark (Vermont); Dustin & the Furniture (US); Hello Halebopp (Syracuse), and Milkbagbrother (Kitchener) @ The Oxford Hotel (117 Oxford St.), 7pm, $5.

Nice Cat, Nadja, and Orn @ The Boat, 9pm, $5. "An evening of stoner/sludge/dream/doom."

Wintage Records & Tapes presents Realicide, Often, Hell Horn, and Roman Pilates @ Pete's House of Blues (193 Dowling Ave.), $5.

Steph Fraser, Chris Golden, Elise LeGrow, Slow Motion Explosion, and SoKey @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5.

Automan.ca (CD release) w/ tba @ Lee's Palace, 8:30pm, $5.

Good Sounds Good presents Sarah Shafey, Tanika Charles, and Marinda Lavut @ Supermarket, 9pm, $6.

Ken Aldcroft (guitar) Claire Elizabeth Barratt (movement) Allison Cameron (special items) Jean Martin (misc.) @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Rembetika Hipsters @ Tranzac (Main Hall), 8pm, $10.

WEDNESDAY (6 aug)

Party Time, Erica Mah, and Elisha Lim @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

LAUGHstock presents The Paper Makers, Kings Without, and The In Between @ The Boat, 9pm, $5. Kings Without (from Vancouver) are also playing on Monday at the Cadillac Lounge, and Tuesday at the Dakota Tavern.

Thee Infinint Godzillas, Michael Keith, and New Black @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

Emilie Mover and Shelby Lamb (solo) @ The Drake Underground, 8pm, $5.

New Music Night feat. DaySleeper, wordPEOPLE, and Jaime et quoi @ Clinton's, 7:30pm, $5.

Toolshed, The Short & Curlies, and Wordburglar @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Paul Newman's Open House with Evan Shaw, Michael Herring, Dave Fish, Scott Thomson @ Somewhere There, 8-10pm, $6.

Janine Stoll, Sarah Noni Metzner, and tba @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 8pm, $7.

Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, Teenanger, and The Pink Noise @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $8.

Iain Leslie, Vagabond, Paper Saw, Miasmata, and The Wackness Monsters @ Reverb, 7pm, free.

THURSDAY (7 aug)

The Woodshed Orchestra @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Kit Soden and Paisley Jura @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm, pwyc.

* Pitter Patter Nights presents Archipelagos (Montreal; formerly Dukes of the Archipelago), Terror Lake, and Colorlist (Chicago) @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

The Low Tides w/ tba @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm, $tba.

The Cunninghams and James Clark @ C'est What, 9pm, $5.

* Steam Whistle Unsigned and Unplugged feat. Nils Edenloff (The Rural Alberta Advantage) and Henry Fletcher (Henri Faberge & the Adorables) @ The Gladstone Hotel (Ballroom), 9pm, $5. Proceeds to the Artists’ Health Centre Foundation. I would be here if I was in town!!

October Ending, A!dan (Toronto CD release), The Unsound Souls, and The Sherbourne Canons @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

The Paper Makers @ 11:15, HUGO @ 10:15, and tba @ 9:15. Lee's Palace, $6.

LLIONS, Stanley, Garen, and Kid Metropolis @ El Mocambo (Upstairs), 9pm, $8.

Public w/ Iain Nabil and Whisky Foxes @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $6.

Black Collar Thursdays feat. Birthday Boys (members of Money Moneyand Argyle) w/ DJ Stu Dead of Playdead @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* NO SHAME presents Spookey Ruben, Hooded Fang, Steve Singh @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5. I heart No Shame. Plus, these are all acts worth your five bucks.

Local Alternative Rock feat. Virtue & Vice @ 11:40, Stone River @ 10:50, Bella Clava @ 10:00, and Three Star Seed @ 9:10. @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $4.

Wintage Records & Tapes presents Hair Police, Disguises, Piss Horn, and Fossils @ Savage Garden, 9pm, $8.

No Official Capacity presents Darkness Rites, Stalingrad, and Adversary @ Holy Joe's, 8pm, $8. All ages.

Half Beat Mishap and two other bands @ The Concord Cafe, 9pm, $9.

* Jessie Kussin (Cry Rumble), The Saffron Sect, Sun Bear, The Hoa Hoa's, and Ken Reaume, w/ DJ Christian Hamilton @ Sneaky Dee's, 10pm, $10. "The Saffron Sect are raising funds for their UK tour later this summer."

TorontoMusicScene.ca presents The Epic Rock Party feat. Farewell To Freeway, Burning The Day, and Kathleen Turner Overdrive @ The Annex WreckRoom, 9pm, $10 (or $7 adv).

Global Rhythms Fundraiser feat. Plastics Inc., A Self, UHLAN, Lorne Hine, and Mark Martyre (w/ Laura Rodie) @ Clinton's, 7:30pm, $10.

Insurrection Entertainment presents King of Kings, A Distance From, Speak of the Devil, Caper In Kasady, Charitys, Caldwell, The Diverse Attraction, and Scotch Goodbyes @ Kathedral, 6:30pm, $10. Proceeds to Give Hope charity.

FRIDAY (8 aug)

Moth Ring @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Remotely Controlled, Honest I's, Videotape, and Hunt Chant @ The Press Club, 9pm, pwyc.

* Jungle Dance Party feat. The Eradicators, The Calrizians, and Luau or Die @ Smiling Buddha, 9:30pm, $5?

* Place Hands, A History of, Feuermusik, and Metz @ Teranga, 9pm, $5.

David St. Bernard @ Free Times Cafe, 8:30pm.

The Glass and Modele, followed by Dopplehertz DJs @ The Drake Underground, 9pm, $5.

TWM 21 presents The Stables, Boys Who Say No, and Streetlight Light @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5.

Burn to Black, Rusted Dawn, Aggresor, and Spewgore @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm.

Ariel, the short film "Broken Tulips" (Brandon Cronenberg), The 5th Project, Chris Alexander & Carrie Eliza, and Farheen Beg @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $5.

Local Alternative Rock feat. Tenth Planet @ 12:30, Slave To The Square Wave @ 11:30, Struggle Fish @ 10:30, and Purge @ 9:30. The Horseshoe Tavern, $6.

Union City @ 10:15 and tba @ 9:15. Lee's Palace, 8:30pm, $6.

Shotgun Rules, Del Asher, Cities Between Us w/ DJ sets by the Darth Virgos AL911 & Billy Geek @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* SummerWorks presents Matthew Barber and Bob Wiseman @ The Theatre Centre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

Sisters Cherry w/ Stokka @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $10.

Danny Marks @ Silver Dollar, 9:30pm, $10.

The Dirty 30's, SkyeHook, Audio To Mute, Pyramid Theorem, and tba @ Kathedral, 7pm, $10.

SATURDAY (9 aug)

No complaints about there being nothing good to do today, ok?

* ALL CAPS! Outdoor Show feat. Hooded Fang, The Youngest, Feuermusik, Huckleberry Friends, LAL, Wordburglar, Colours... Brothers, and The Miles @ Dufferin Grove Park, 2-8pm, free. There will also be a BBQ and mixed CD trade.

Blood Ceremony, The Saffron Sect, The Battleship Ethel, Ghostlight, and Oliver Haddo & Aurang Zeb @ Trash Palace (89B Niagara), 3-6pm, $10. "The Saffron Sect are raising funds for their UK tour later this summer."

* Drug Bike 2 feat. $100, Muskox Jr., Ken Reaume, Alex Lukashevsky, Ghostlight, Bonzai Forestry, Chris Worden, Not the Wind Not the Flag, Ayal Senior, Amy C. Lam, Kado, Wolfcow, Shahin Plays 'Octophenia', High Colour, Heavywater, Shit Sweat 2, Wodwos, Juanita Dark, DJ oG, Under Heaven, VFU, Transcendental Rodeo Mothership, Picnicboy, and more. Meet by the Edward VII statue in Queen's Park from 7pm on for details. I'm thinking you get on your bike and ride around looking for the performers.

The Dress Whites, The Cheap Speakers, and Garen @ The Central, 9pm, $5. Solid indie pop-rock.

Soozie Schlanger @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 6pm, pwyc.

Paul Linklater and The Violet Archers @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Machetes and Diemonds @ The Velvet Underground, 8:30pm, $4.

Armen Bazarian, La Casa Muerte, The Paint Movment, Still Life Still, 10000 Watt Head, and Boxes & Bags @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5. This is a charity event, with proceeds going to a medical centre in Tibet. See http://www.medicinefortibet.org for more information.

Edward & Rachenne, Peter James Fox, and Tom Eastland @ Free Times Cafe, 8pm, $5.

Chris Miller, Owl Eyes, and Urban Symphony @ The Concord Cafe, 8pm, $5.

Borealis, Hammersmith w/ DJ Vania @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Modele (CD release), followed by Kensington Station (dance party) @ The Neutral, 10pm, $5.

Hollywood Swank (CD release) w/ West End Riot, El Riot, and The Hymen Smashers @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

Hardtail, Nothing Else, Loki, and blueorange @ Reverb, 8pm, $5.

The Wilderness @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 10pm, $tba. These guys play there every second Saturday.

Ashley Newall CD Release + Kate Rogers @ C'est What, 10pm, $6.

* The Speaking Tongues, The Golden Hands Before God, and The Schomberg Fair @ Silver Dollar, 9pm, $tba. Amazing lineup. I don't know the order of bands, but you'll want to be there for all of them.

John & Jenny's Rock 'n' Roll Party presents The Ronnie Hayward feat. Clayton Yates and Washboard Hank @ The Cadillac Lounge, 9pm, $7.

The Ethers @ 12:00, The Famous Framus Band @ 11:00, and Hi8tus @ 10:00. Lee's Palace, $7.

The Habit w/ Sienna Dahlen and Lori Nuic @ The Savannah Room, 9pm, $8.

* NO SHAME presents Bruce Peninsula, The Got To Get Got, and One Heart Many Hands, hosted by Chris Locke @ The Whipper Snapper Gallery, 9pm, $10 (or 8 adv).

* SummerWorks presents The Two Koreas and Gentleman Reg @ The Theatre Centre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.

Trish & The Tangents, Octobre's Ending @ Holy Joe's, 8pm.

SUNDAY (10 aug)

1st Annual Roost Round Up feat. The Rizdales, The Royal Crowns, Lickin' Good Fried, and Ancient Chinese Secret @ Cadillac Lounge, 3-7pm, pwyc. Proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Elizabeth Bruce @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 5pm, pwyc.

Hobson's Choice w/ Felicity Williams @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Wavelength 425 feat. Rockenspiel, Hank & Lily, and Walter Haul @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, pwyc.

AySes & friends @ The Boat, 9pm.

* SummerWorks presents The Bicycles and Young Rival @ The Theatre Centre (The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W), 10:30pm, $10. More info here: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/home.php.