Not only is the beautiful weather giving us a blast of spring early on, but Canadian Music Fest (March 10-14, 2010) is upon us and the city is buzzing. With Twitter feeds trending the #CMW hash tag, music fans across Toronto are planning their schedules to catch ‘the next big thing’ while checking out some old favourites. I guess it also helps that Canadian Music Fest this year happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day and some venues have extended liquor licenses until 4AM. Yep, us dedicated music heads sure love to drink.
So are you feeling intimidated by the CMW music lineup and schedule and don’t know which bands you should go to see? Take it from a pro (me!) and I’ll tell you some of the bands I think you should check out during the Fest:
Wednesday March 10, 1AM at The Elmocombo
Fucked Up
Toronto-based Fucked Up formed in 2002 and is the new wave of hardcore & punk bands on the scene. Their most recent album, The Chemistry Of Common Life earned the band the 2009 Polaris Prize Award.
Wednesday, March 10 at Lee’s Palace
Zeus
Zeus is a Toronto-based Canadian indie rock band, signed to the record label Arts & Crafts. Two of the members use to be part of Jason Collett’s backing band.
Wednesday, March 10, 12AM at Wrongbar
Vivian Girls
This Low-Fi/noise pop group from Brooklyn, NY has been together since 2007 but has just started to make waves touring with Jay Reatard, Sonic Youth and the King Khan & BBQ Show. They’ve since released an album, Mauled By Tigers gaining them critically praise.
Thursday, March 11 at The Social
Star Eyes
Star Eyes is one of the femme fatales bringing down the bass-heavy beats on the Trouble & Bass crew from Brooklyn, NY. She’s coming to represent for all the female DJs and show Toronto she’s not just another girl.
Thursday, March 11, 11PM at Mod Club Theatre
RJD2
Earlier this year, RJD2 release his new album The Colossus and I had the chance to sit down & speak with him. Besides learning that his girlfriend hates his neti pot, I also learned he has amazing taste in music. I’ve seen him live twice and his mix of hip hop, jazz and down tempo is unreal.
Thursday, March 11 at 10:15PM at Opera House
Woodhands
Woodhands is Toronto based indie-tronica band that currently consists of musicians Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt. If you haven’t experienced a live Woodhands show before, then you haven’t experienced life.
Thursday, March 11, 12AM at Wrongbar
Keys N Krates
Toronto-based Keys N Krates have been able to shake up the music scene and return us to the core of what makes a live performance enjoyable. Organic, raw and real are just some of the words that describe one of their performances.
Friday, March 12, 12AM at El Mocombo
Winter Gloves
Montreal-based, indie-rock-based Winter Gloves began as a fun side-project by member Charles F, who began getting positive feedback on the songs he posted to their Myspace page. Three years later, the band has toured all across North America and gained popularity.
Friday, March 12, 10PM at The Hideout
Baptized in Blood
From good ol’ London, ON, Baptized in Blood brings a refreshing sound and live show that refuses to be ignored. Mix a little bit of the 'Gothenburg'-style of metal with the classic anthemic sound of the '80s and this is one show you don’t want to miss.
Friday, March 12, 12:10AM at Horseshoe Tavern
Hot Hot Heat
Hot Hot Heat is an indie band from Victoria, BC. Hot Hot Heat is releasing a new album, Future Breeds, that they worked on with bands from Limblifter and Future Shark! Real Zombie!
Saturday, March 13, 12AM at Lee’s Palace
Electric Six
Detroit’s own Electric Six have a punk new-wave sound with disco and catchy techno-riffic hooks plus random assorted nuggets of ear-candy. Electric Six embrace the bizarre with their own form of forward-thinking entertainment.
Stay tuned for Amanda's post-CMF wrapup. Get out there and hear some of the best music Canada has to offer.
Photo Credit: "marfis75" courtesy Creative Commons.