Heavy MTL and T.O., Khatsahlano!, and Calgary Folk Fest Lead This Week's Can't Miss Concerts

Little can compare to the atmosphere of a live show. So if being able to experience your favourite music using most of your senses appeals to you, then why not check out our list of top concert picks for this week in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

Vancouver

Thursday, July 21
Manhattan duo Cults have come a long way in a short time since their music was first discovered. Following the release of their self-titled debut and appearances at NXNE and Glastonbury, the act are hitting up Vancouver. With haunting undertones to their seemingly innocent brand of '60s-influenced pop, you won't want to miss what all the buzz is about.

Cults
Guards
Writer
$13 at Venue Nightclub

Friday, July 22
With Wolf Parade taking a break, Dan Boeckner can concentrate fully on his musical project with wife Alexei Perry, Handsome Furs. The duo are taking to the road to promote their recent release Sound Kapital and are bringing along their high-energy pals in Les Savy Fav. With this winning combo, the show should be one you won't soon forget.

Handsome Furs
Les Savy Fav
$24.50 at the Commodore Ballroom

Saturday, July 23
This Saturday will see people flocking to West 4th Avenue to enjoy the free festivities of the Khatsahlano! Block Party. Curated by the city's Zulu Records, the street will house performances from Frog Eyes, Yukon Blonde, Mode Moderne and others, across five stages. Aside from the great music, sidewalk sales and patio parties will also be in full swing.

Khatsahlano! Block Party
Frog Eyes
Yukon Blonde
Louise Burns
Free at West 4th Avenue, between Burrard Street and MacDonald Street

Calgary

Thursday, July 21
Influential Canadian punk band SNFU are back on the road to celebrate their most recent reformation. Ken Chinn (aka Chi Pig) may be the only original member left, but your favourite tracks are still sure to sound exactly how you remember them. So if you're hoping to catch a great show, as well as ride a wave of nostalgia, then you won't want to pass this opportunity up.

SNFU
$15 at Republik

Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24
July 21 to 24 finds music fans inhabiting the scenic Prince's Island Park to take in the sights and sounds of the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Welcoming artists such as Braids, Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Patrick Watson, the fest also boasts an impressive selection of international food, an artisan market and even a place for kids to play. For all schedule information and a complete list of artists, head here.

Calgary Folk Music Festival
Braids
Patrick Watson
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
City and Colour
$57 at Prince's Island Park

Toronto

Friday, July 22
Fresh off of a European tour, Disappears will be bringing their mix of shoegaze and garage rock to Sneaky Dee's. Having recently acquired a new member, in the form of Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth fame, the band are supporting their most recent musical offering, Guider. Be sure to check out the show to hear tracks from their upcoming album.

Disappears
Psychic Paramount
Aim Low
$11 advance, $13 door at Sneaky Dee's

Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24
Following the success of the yearly Heavy MTL festival, it was decided to bring the hard-rocking party to the GTA area. The first ever Heavy T.O. will see Downsview park play host to the likes of Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer, Billy Talent and Rob Zombie over July 23 and 24. So if you were always putting off attending the festival because of the distance, now you have no excuse for missing such a spectacular lineup.

Heavy T.O.
As I Lay Dying
Opeth
Megadeth
Motörhead
Slayer
Anthrax
Billy Talent
Rob Zombie
$72.50 to $275 at Downsview Park

Saturday, July 23
Members of Stars, the Stills and the Sam Roberts Band are coming together to help raise funds for War Child. The best part is that they'll be performing as Tommy Youngsteen and paying tribute to the classic rock anthems of Tom Petty, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. You know you want to experience this, and it's for a great cause too.

Tommy Youngsteen
$15 at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

Montreal

Saturday, July 23
Teaming up with psych rockers Psychic Paramount, Disappears will be stopping in Montreal for their last Canadian show before heading west with the Obits. Remember to arrive early so you don't miss local act Aim Low warming up the crowd with their brand of experimental noise rock.

Disappears
Psychic Paramount
Aim Low
$10 advance, $12 door at Casa del Popolo

Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24
Now in its third edition, Heavy MTL will once again be taking over Parc Jean-Drapeau and bringing together fans of heavy music from all across Canada. International metal and hard rock acts such as In Flames, Machine Head and Godsmack will be keeping fans moshing throughout the weekend.

Heavy MTL
In Flames
Trivium
Machine Head
Motörhead
Godsmack
KISS
Disturbed
Children of Bodom
$83 to $202.50 at Parc Jean-Drapeau