If you're not sure what kind of antics to get up to this week in your city, then why not check out a show. There are tons of summer tours crossing our fine nation, but to help you decide we've got our list of top concert picks for this week in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.
Vancouver
Friday, July 8
In support of his most recent solo effort, Transistor Sister, Shotgun Jimmie has hit the road for an extensive Canadian tour. Having kicked off his trek last month, the New Brunswick musician is spreading his charm and catchy pop songs across the nation and winning over hearts one show at a time. Teaming up with Apollo Ghosts and Ladyhawk frontman Duffy Driediger's band, Duffy and the Doubters, the show will undoubtedly be a good time on a Friday night.
Shotgun Jimmie
Duffy and the Doubters
Apollo Ghosts
TBA at Zoo Zhop
Saturday, July 9
Head on over to the historic Waldorf Hotel and experience what almost never happened. Late last year, Blake Sennett, formerly of Rilo Kiley, decided he had enough of music and wanted to focus on other opportunities, like the film he had brewing. But luckily for us Sennett fell back in love with making music and so a new Elected album surfaced. In support of Bury Me in My Rings, the Elected are playing a few North American shows, with Vancouver being the only Canadian date. You definitely don't want to miss out because who knows when Sennett will go back to that movie of his.
The Elected
$15 advance at the Waldorf
Tuesday, July 12
Although the indie duo of Kelly Crisp and Ivan Howard have divorced, they're not letting that impede their musical success. The fifth album from the Rosebuds, Loud Planes Fly Low, was released early last month, and this summer sees the duo headlining a short North American tour in support of it. This Vancouver show marks the only Canadian stop for the Rosebuds as the main act, so make sure to catch them with openers Other Lives, before they return to Canada with a shorter set at the sold out Toronto Bon Iver show.
The Rosebuds
Other Lives
$15 advance at the Media Club
Calgary
Friday, July 8
Indie darlings Tegan and Sara will be returning to their hometown for a couple of intimate shows at Theatre Junction Grand. Included in the evening is a Q&A session with the duo, and for VIP ticket holders, access to the soundcheck and an exclusive meet and greet. Little can compare to the vibe created when the twins come back to where they grew up so you'll definitely not want to pass on this awesome opportunity to get up close and personal with them.
Tegan and Sara
$75 or $150 VIP at Theatre Junction Grand
Saturday, July 9
The Calgary Stampede is often dismissed as ten days of drunken pseudo-cowboys and cowgirls taking over the downtown core, but the event also manages to put on some awesome outdoor concerts. This Saturday, Mother Mother will be taking over the Coca Cola Stage to perform hits from their new album Eureka, as well as old favourites. Local rockers, the Dudes who are well known for their energetic performances, will be warming up the crowd. So if you're hitting up the Stampede then make sure you check this show out.
Mother Mother
The Dudes
TBA at Coca Cola Stage, Stampede Park
Sunday, July 10
As we previously reported, Red Bull is teaming up with the Stampede to bring you a unique concert experience. The Red Bull Soundclash will see K-os and Dragonette performing at the same time, to one audience, across the room from each other. With the artists completing musical challenges, the ultimate goal is a music collaboration. Either way, it should make for a pretty crazy party.
K-os
Dragonette
Smalltown DJs
Team Canada DJs
$20 advance, $25 door at Wildhorse Saloon
Toronto
Thursday, July 7
It seems like all of a sudden everyone is talking about the Black Keys. The duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, aren't by any means new to the music scene, but at least all of the hype surrounding them has resulted in a North American tour with a good representation of Canadian cities. Bringing along alt-rockers Cage the Elephant, the show has already seen positive feedback from dates passed, so do yourself a favour and check out what all the fuss is about. Chances are you won't be disappointed.
Black Keys
Cage the Elephant
$47.25 to $64.75 at Molson Canadian Ampitheatre
Friday, July 8
Pittsburgh, PA-based Girl Talk (aka Gregg Gillis) has been touring North America intensely since last November when he dropped his album All Day. He must be having a heck of a good time since, as we previously reported, he's decided to extend his tour and added a date in Toronto. Well known for having a memorable live performance, if you're looking to party, you will definitely want to check out the mash-up master at work at Sound Academy.
Girl Talk
Young Empires
$30 advance, $40 advance VIP, $35.50 door at Sound Academy
Saturday, July 9
Co-founder of the Be Good Tanyas, Jollie Holland has also made quite the name for herself as a solo artist. Returning with her newest release Pint of Blood, she's taking to the stage to showcase her unique voice and finely-honed songwriting abilities. Focusing primarily on her eastern audience for now, Holland will undoubtedly be announcing western dates soon, but in the meantime take advantage of the opportunity to catch her live show on behalf of most of Canada.
Jolie Holland
Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
$17 advance, $20 door at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
Montreal
Friday, July 8
After 16 years, this past May saw the reemergence of rock outfit Urge Overkill, with their release Rock & Roll Submarine. Gaining popularity from their cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon," featured in cult-classic Pulp Fiction, the band are back to remind us that they have plenty more to bring to the table. With a relatively small tour running until the end of July, check out their set at Il Motore to see if their power to rock has managed to stay afloat.
Urge Overkill
Elephant Stone
$15 advance, $17 door at Il Motore
Saturday, July 9
Looking to get your dance on this weekend? Well you are definitely needing to experience Brooklyn-based Gang Gang Dance. The experimental dance ensemble are sure to provide the perfect amount of energy and beats to create an atmosphere ideal for ripping up the dance-floor. Playing with L.A. producers Nguzunguzu and Total Freedom, the night should be an unforgettable party, so if you're in Montreal then don't miss out.
Gang Gang Dance
Nguzunguzu
Total Freedom
$15 at Il Motore
Monday, July 11
Former American Analog Set singer/guitarist Andrew Kenny and his more recent musical outfit the Wooden Birds have hit the road to promote their second album Two Matchsticks. Members Leslie Sisson and Matt Pond showcase their vocal talents more on the new album, with the band's live performances having inspired the shift. Catch the show to experience the band's strong musicianship and an inevitable handful of AmAnSet classics to flood you with nostalgia.
Wooden Birds
Folly and the Hunter
$8 advance, $10 door at Casa del Popolo
Vancouver
Friday, July 8
In support of his most recent solo effort, Transistor Sister, Shotgun Jimmie has hit the road for an extensive Canadian tour. Having kicked off his trek last month, the New Brunswick musician is spreading his charm and catchy pop songs across the nation and winning over hearts one show at a time. Teaming up with Apollo Ghosts and Ladyhawk frontman Duffy Driediger's band, Duffy and the Doubters, the show will undoubtedly be a good time on a Friday night.
Shotgun Jimmie
Duffy and the Doubters
Apollo Ghosts
TBA at Zoo Zhop
Saturday, July 9
Head on over to the historic Waldorf Hotel and experience what almost never happened. Late last year, Blake Sennett, formerly of Rilo Kiley, decided he had enough of music and wanted to focus on other opportunities, like the film he had brewing. But luckily for us Sennett fell back in love with making music and so a new Elected album surfaced. In support of Bury Me in My Rings, the Elected are playing a few North American shows, with Vancouver being the only Canadian date. You definitely don't want to miss out because who knows when Sennett will go back to that movie of his.
The Elected
$15 advance at the Waldorf
Tuesday, July 12
Although the indie duo of Kelly Crisp and Ivan Howard have divorced, they're not letting that impede their musical success. The fifth album from the Rosebuds, Loud Planes Fly Low, was released early last month, and this summer sees the duo headlining a short North American tour in support of it. This Vancouver show marks the only Canadian stop for the Rosebuds as the main act, so make sure to catch them with openers Other Lives, before they return to Canada with a shorter set at the sold out Toronto Bon Iver show.
The Rosebuds
Other Lives
$15 advance at the Media Club
Calgary
Friday, July 8
Indie darlings Tegan and Sara will be returning to their hometown for a couple of intimate shows at Theatre Junction Grand. Included in the evening is a Q&A session with the duo, and for VIP ticket holders, access to the soundcheck and an exclusive meet and greet. Little can compare to the vibe created when the twins come back to where they grew up so you'll definitely not want to pass on this awesome opportunity to get up close and personal with them.
Tegan and Sara
$75 or $150 VIP at Theatre Junction Grand
Saturday, July 9
The Calgary Stampede is often dismissed as ten days of drunken pseudo-cowboys and cowgirls taking over the downtown core, but the event also manages to put on some awesome outdoor concerts. This Saturday, Mother Mother will be taking over the Coca Cola Stage to perform hits from their new album Eureka, as well as old favourites. Local rockers, the Dudes who are well known for their energetic performances, will be warming up the crowd. So if you're hitting up the Stampede then make sure you check this show out.
Mother Mother
The Dudes
TBA at Coca Cola Stage, Stampede Park
Sunday, July 10
As we previously reported, Red Bull is teaming up with the Stampede to bring you a unique concert experience. The Red Bull Soundclash will see K-os and Dragonette performing at the same time, to one audience, across the room from each other. With the artists completing musical challenges, the ultimate goal is a music collaboration. Either way, it should make for a pretty crazy party.
K-os
Dragonette
Smalltown DJs
Team Canada DJs
$20 advance, $25 door at Wildhorse Saloon
Toronto
Thursday, July 7
It seems like all of a sudden everyone is talking about the Black Keys. The duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, aren't by any means new to the music scene, but at least all of the hype surrounding them has resulted in a North American tour with a good representation of Canadian cities. Bringing along alt-rockers Cage the Elephant, the show has already seen positive feedback from dates passed, so do yourself a favour and check out what all the fuss is about. Chances are you won't be disappointed.
Black Keys
Cage the Elephant
$47.25 to $64.75 at Molson Canadian Ampitheatre
Friday, July 8
Pittsburgh, PA-based Girl Talk (aka Gregg Gillis) has been touring North America intensely since last November when he dropped his album All Day. He must be having a heck of a good time since, as we previously reported, he's decided to extend his tour and added a date in Toronto. Well known for having a memorable live performance, if you're looking to party, you will definitely want to check out the mash-up master at work at Sound Academy.
Girl Talk
Young Empires
$30 advance, $40 advance VIP, $35.50 door at Sound Academy
Saturday, July 9
Co-founder of the Be Good Tanyas, Jollie Holland has also made quite the name for herself as a solo artist. Returning with her newest release Pint of Blood, she's taking to the stage to showcase her unique voice and finely-honed songwriting abilities. Focusing primarily on her eastern audience for now, Holland will undoubtedly be announcing western dates soon, but in the meantime take advantage of the opportunity to catch her live show on behalf of most of Canada.
Jolie Holland
Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
$17 advance, $20 door at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
Montreal
Friday, July 8
After 16 years, this past May saw the reemergence of rock outfit Urge Overkill, with their release Rock & Roll Submarine. Gaining popularity from their cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon," featured in cult-classic Pulp Fiction, the band are back to remind us that they have plenty more to bring to the table. With a relatively small tour running until the end of July, check out their set at Il Motore to see if their power to rock has managed to stay afloat.
Urge Overkill
Elephant Stone
$15 advance, $17 door at Il Motore
Saturday, July 9
Looking to get your dance on this weekend? Well you are definitely needing to experience Brooklyn-based Gang Gang Dance. The experimental dance ensemble are sure to provide the perfect amount of energy and beats to create an atmosphere ideal for ripping up the dance-floor. Playing with L.A. producers Nguzunguzu and Total Freedom, the night should be an unforgettable party, so if you're in Montreal then don't miss out.
Gang Gang Dance
Nguzunguzu
Total Freedom
$15 at Il Motore
Monday, July 11
Former American Analog Set singer/guitarist Andrew Kenny and his more recent musical outfit the Wooden Birds have hit the road to promote their second album Two Matchsticks. Members Leslie Sisson and Matt Pond showcase their vocal talents more on the new album, with the band's live performances having inspired the shift. Catch the show to experience the band's strong musicianship and an inevitable handful of AmAnSet classics to flood you with nostalgia.
Wooden Birds
Folly and the Hunter
$8 advance, $10 door at Casa del Popolo
