Following up the May two-four weekend (although May 24 itself is a few days yet), this week has a lot to live up to. Whether you're looking for something to shake the post-holiday blues or simply looking for another reason to crack one open, there are plenty of concerts lined up to fill your needs. If these Can't Miss Concerts for the week of May 22 to 28 aren't what the doctor ordered, check our complete Concert Listings for more available prescriptions.
HAIM
Those lucky Ontarians got the chance to see superstar sisters Haim last week, but that doesn't make it any less crucial for west-coasters to give the trio a warm welcome. In case you haven't been keeping up, Haim have been killing it in the five short months since we made them our cover stars, and we'd like to think it's all because of our support; it definitely wasn't how great Days Are Gone is...
05/24 Vancouver, BC – Malkin Bowl
Lady Gaga
In a move that will hopefully make up for her hip surgery-induced show cancellations, Lady Gaga has kicked off a seven-month world tour in support of her fourth album, ARTPOP. Dubbed "Lady Gaga's artRave: The ARTPOP Ball", it is billed as containing music (duh), fashion, dance and party. Given Gaga's flair for the theatrical (and sometimes questionable) dress, the show will certainly be a ball for attendees.
05/22 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
05/25 Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
05/26 Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place
People Under the Stairs
People Under the Stairs label themselves "the most successful bully independent hip-hop cut in the history of Hip-Hop." However, despite self-producing all nine of their LPs, the group has had a little help: Mac Miller freestyled over one of their songs, naming it after them and subsequently taking them on the road. With that K.I.D. on their side, it could just be a matter of time before the younger generation wises up to one of the best rap groups they haven't heard of…yet.
05/22 Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound Club
05/23 Calgary, AB – Commonwealth Bar & Stage
Royal Canoe
Sailing off a 2014 Juno nomination for alternative album of the year, Royal Canoe are now bringing Today We're Believers on the road. This show marks a return to the Winnipeg band's hometown. With upcoming U.S. dates as well, it's only a matter of time before the sextet will be bringing it overseas, and though it might be a tumultuous ride, this Canoe could definitely handle it.
05/24 Winnipeg, MB – The Exchange District
Chad VanGaalen
Chad VanGaalen may like when women inadvertently dress like superheroes, but he's also a bit of one himself. The Calgarian is a longtime purveyor of art rock (both the musical genre and, well, art and rock as separate entities). While he's touring in support of Shrink Dust now, it's only a matter of time before he gets back to creating visuals or finishing off his sci-fi film Tarboz, so see him while you can.
05/24 Toronto, ON – Lee's Palace
05/25 Hamilton, ON – The Casbah
You've Changed Records Showcase
You've Changed Records are marking their fifth birthday with a show with as many artists performing. The Weather Station, Shotgun Jimmie, Baby Eagle, Richard Laviolette and Marine Dreams will take to Ontario's and Canada's capitals to celebrate, along with some potential surprises. Here's to five more!
05/22 Toronto, ON – The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
05/23 Ottawa, ON – St. Alban's Church
For more shows headed your way, click over to Exclaim!'s Concert Listings.
HAIM
Those lucky Ontarians got the chance to see superstar sisters Haim last week, but that doesn't make it any less crucial for west-coasters to give the trio a warm welcome. In case you haven't been keeping up, Haim have been killing it in the five short months since we made them our cover stars, and we'd like to think it's all because of our support; it definitely wasn't how great Days Are Gone is...
05/24 Vancouver, BC – Malkin Bowl
Lady Gaga
In a move that will hopefully make up for her hip surgery-induced show cancellations, Lady Gaga has kicked off a seven-month world tour in support of her fourth album, ARTPOP. Dubbed "Lady Gaga's artRave: The ARTPOP Ball", it is billed as containing music (duh), fashion, dance and party. Given Gaga's flair for the theatrical (and sometimes questionable) dress, the show will certainly be a ball for attendees.
05/22 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
05/25 Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
05/26 Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place
People Under the Stairs
People Under the Stairs label themselves "the most successful bully independent hip-hop cut in the history of Hip-Hop." However, despite self-producing all nine of their LPs, the group has had a little help: Mac Miller freestyled over one of their songs, naming it after them and subsequently taking them on the road. With that K.I.D. on their side, it could just be a matter of time before the younger generation wises up to one of the best rap groups they haven't heard of…yet.
05/22 Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound Club
05/23 Calgary, AB – Commonwealth Bar & Stage
Royal Canoe
Sailing off a 2014 Juno nomination for alternative album of the year, Royal Canoe are now bringing Today We're Believers on the road. This show marks a return to the Winnipeg band's hometown. With upcoming U.S. dates as well, it's only a matter of time before the sextet will be bringing it overseas, and though it might be a tumultuous ride, this Canoe could definitely handle it.
05/24 Winnipeg, MB – The Exchange District
Chad VanGaalen
Chad VanGaalen may like when women inadvertently dress like superheroes, but he's also a bit of one himself. The Calgarian is a longtime purveyor of art rock (both the musical genre and, well, art and rock as separate entities). While he's touring in support of Shrink Dust now, it's only a matter of time before he gets back to creating visuals or finishing off his sci-fi film Tarboz, so see him while you can.
05/24 Toronto, ON – Lee's Palace
05/25 Hamilton, ON – The Casbah
You've Changed Records Showcase
You've Changed Records are marking their fifth birthday with a show with as many artists performing. The Weather Station, Shotgun Jimmie, Baby Eagle, Richard Laviolette and Marine Dreams will take to Ontario's and Canada's capitals to celebrate, along with some potential surprises. Here's to five more!
05/22 Toronto, ON – The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
05/23 Ottawa, ON – St. Alban's Church
For more shows headed your way, click over to Exclaim!'s Concert Listings.