Lust for Live, Aug-Sep 2026
An update on Toronto-area live shows for August & early September
Selected shows, mostly music, in and around Toronto to the first week of September. On each date, the top event listed would be my likely first choice. Weekly series listed at the end. Submit listings and corrections to carlwilson@substack.com, or in the comments. Updates as new info/mistakes emerge, so check back on web page. See bottom for sources.
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See some of you some of there!
Toronto & Ontario Summer Festivals
FULL NOON FEST (Hamilton), indie-rock matinees; Ferguson Station, Saturdays in August
PROMISE CHERRY BEACH, electronic music Sundays (and Mon Aug 3) to Labour Day wknd
SUMMERWORKS, multi-genre performance festival, including dance, music, performance, art, and participatory “jams,” Aug 6-16
HABARI AFRICA FESTIVAL w/ Lorraine Klassen, Maryem Tollar, Hassan El Hadi, Fethi Nadjem, Naghmeh Farahmand, Girma Woldemichael ft Melat Mengesha, more; Harbourfront, Aug 7-9
WOLFE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL (Kingston) w/ Shad, Ken Yates, Georgia Harmer, Rachel Bobbitt, more; Wolfe Island, Aug 7-8
ELECTRIC ISLAND (electronic music); South River in the Portlands, Aug 7-8
BOOTS AND HEARTS FESTIVAL (Medonte) w/ the Chicks, Rascal Flatts, Jonas Bros, Ashley Cooke, many more; Burl’s Creek, Medonte, Aug 7-9
IT’S OK* WORLD FESTIVAL w/ Gena (Live.e + Karriem Riggins), KeiyaA, Clairmont the Second, Kwincy Dvyn, more; Trillium Park (Ontario Place), Aug 8
AFROFEST; Woodbine Park, Aug 14-16CANCELLED due to safety concernsWAVELENGTH SUMMER THING w/ Shad, Absolute Treat, CJ Wiley, Tauro, Janette King, Sister Ray, Bells Larsen, Diar (دْيَار ), Maracatu Mar Aberto, art, vendors, more; Trillium Park (Ontario Place), Aug 16
PETERBOROUGH FOLK FESTIVAL (Peterborough) w/ Bahamas, Shad, Begonia, Georgia Harmer, Kelly McMichael, Slow Leaves, Burs, more; Aug 13-16
UpFRONT FESTIVAL OF INDIGENOUS ARTS w/ Drezus, Crystal Shawanda, Tom Wilson Tehohàhake Trio, REI, Electric Religious, Adrian Sutherland, Quique Escamilla, Lacey Hill, Mâmawin’towin, Don Amero, Semiah, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Zeegwon Shilling, Rabbit & Bear Paws, DJ Jay Mak, and Tribal Vision Dance; Scott Street and Berczy Park, Aug 14-16
ON THE WAY FESTIVAL w/ the Dare, Ross From Friends, Doss, Patrick Holland, Bbngal Chester, Brux, Young Teesh, Rabzi; the Bentway, 1 pm, Aug 15
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL TAP DANCE FESTIVAL w/ performances, workshops, etc.; various venues, Aug 21-23
SUMMERFOLK (Owen Sound) w/ Dan Mangan, Jane Siberry, Tom Wilson, Empanadas Illegales, Julian Taylor, Good Lovelies, more; Owen Sound, Aug 21-23
TORONTO FOLK FESTIVAL w/ Abigail Lapell, Ahmed Moneka, Bobby Dove, Burs, Kobo Town, Meredith Moon, Mia Kelly, Divka, Jadea Kelly, more; Ward’s Island, Aug 21-23
STRANGEWAVES PRESENTS: STRANGE SPELL (Hamilton) four-day outdoor concert series, lineup TBA; Ferguson Station, Hamilton, Aug 27-30
ASHKENAZ FESTIVAL w/ The Klezmatics, Queen Kong, Alejandra Czarny, Susana Behar, Lenka Lichtenberg, Ethel Raim & the Socalled Band, Michael Winograd, more; Kensington Market, Lula Lounge, “Shul Crawl,” Earl Bales Park, Honey and Barry Park on Sherman Campus, Aug 30-Sep 6
GUELPH JAZZ FESTIVAL (Guelph) w/ Nicole Mitchell & Slow Pitch Sound, Francois Houle’s Secret Lives of Colour, Gerry Hemingway, Joëlle Léandre, Myra Melford, Gord Grdina, Tania Gill, Oksavango African Orchestra, more; Guelph, Sep 11-13
SUPERCRAWL (Hamilton) w/ Population II, Aysanabee, Mariel Buckley, Grapes of Wrath, William Prince, Reuben & Bullhorn Singers, Gizmo, Golden Feather, Chore, more; downtown Hamilton, Sep 11-13
GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL (Mississauga) w/ John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Mike Birbiglia, Fred Armisen, Hasan Minhaj, Ronnie Chieng, Ms. Pat, Grace O’Malley, more; Erindale Park, Sep 11-13
Mon Aug 3: Lilly Hiatt; the Horseshoe, 7 pm
- Daniel Caesar, Faye Webster; Scotiabank Arena
- Duck Society; the Rex, 8 pm
- Poetry of Torch (Japan); Demo Memo, Hamilton
- Tom Waits Appreciation Congregation; Castro’s Lounge, 7:30 pm
- Patrick Smith & Co; Dina’s Tavern, 8:30 pm
Tue Aug 4: Nick Fraser’s Peripheral Vision (The Adjacence: Karen Ng, Lina Allemano, Nick Fraser, plus special guest Brodie West); Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Track Could Bend #119: An Evening of Graphic Scores w/ Public Library: Mira Riselli, Elisabeth Dorion, Liz Anthonisen, Pat O’Reilly, Jackson Welchner, Robert Diack & guests; Wenona Lodge, pwyc (monthly)
- Blank Hellscape, Cute, Not a Band, Greydini; Osler Records, 8 pm
- Justin Orok presents... Simone Hope w/ Anna Atkinson, Tiffany Wu, Audrey Mae, Ryan Dugre, Justin Orok; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- Olivia Dean, Baby Rose; Scotiabank Arena
- Lame (Madrid), Desiccate, One More Lane, Autonomy; Demo Memo, Hamilton
- Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Mannequin Pussy; Rogers Stadium (Downsview)
- Old Crow Medicine Show; History
- Train, Barenaked Ladies, Matt Nathanson; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6:45 pm
- The Victor Bateman Trio; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Cell Rot, Hyperwar, Dream, Bedlam; Seescape, 7 pm
- Dennis Duffin (flamenco, Seville); Drom Taberna, 7 pm
- Chiara Urban, Ephraim Hildebrand; Burdock, 8:30 pm
Wed Aug 5: Holy Oak Family Singers present: Madeline Ertel w/ Michael Davidson & Thom Gill, Alex Samaras (solo), Nate Renner (solo), Fan Wu & Friends; Tranzac, 7 pm, pwyc (monthly, arrive early for seats)
- Colson Whitehead: Cool Machine, reading; Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 7 pm (free but make reservations)
- Tommy Stinson, Little Venom, Rocket & The Renegades; the Corktown, Hamilton
- Summerworks presents the Lemon Bucket Orchestra, TD Union Summer Stage, 5:30 pm
- Evidence 3 w/ Soga (Mexico City), Dermabrasion, Xodkaar, Kerub, David Hodgson, Trustfall; Jama, 8:30 pm
- Olivia Dean, Baby Rose; Scotiabank Arena
- 5 Seconds Of Summer; RBC Amphitheatre, 8 pm
- Guns N’ Roses, Public Enemy; Rogers Stadium (Downsview)
- Cee.Reality, Lee Reed, Tarek Funk, D.Liberate, Dj Abolish; BSMT254, 8 pm
- Kai Korven, Josie Smith, Curran McConnell, Julia DeMarchi; Burdock, 8 pm
- Virginia MacDonald & Todd Marcus Quintet; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Teenage Wasp; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Robbie Proudlove & The C Street Band (songs inspired by Coronation Street), Ken Bennett; Tranzac, 9:30 pm
Thu Aug 6: Big Thief, Meridian Hall (sold out)
- Tommy Stinson, Little Venom, Karla Rose; Bovine Sex Club, 9 pm
- Chris Stapleton; Rogers Stadium (Downsview), 6 pm
- Some Become Hollow Tubes (featuring Aidan Girt of Godspeed You! Black Emperor), Cute, Your Winters Are Like Summers Here, Barbaric Slaptonne x Jack Pine; Demo Memo, Hamilton
- Institut 015: LeWolf, DJ Brigadier Shazbad, David Sait, A Day Off, films, more; St. Volodmyr Institut, 620 Spadina Ave., back door, 5 pm-midnight (RSVP at website recommended)
- Free Improvisation Thursdays w/ Brent Tanemura, Max Stover, Andrew Frost, Nick Fraser; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm, pwyc
- The Heavyweights Brass Band; Harbourfront Center, 7 pm
- More Noise Please! benefit for upcoming new noise fest w/ Secrétaire Particulière, Fossils, Twin Mask, Irradiated Sac, Harmpit, Miracle Blade (visuals by Tender Prey); BSMT254, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
- Virginia MacDonald & Todd Marcus Quintet; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Avenged Sevenfold, Good Charlotte; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6 pm
- Free Edwards Summer Music Series: the Michael Shand Trio; Toronto Botanical Gardens, 7 pm
- Fabio Ragnelli Quartet; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
Fri Aug 7: Zoh Amba, Picastro; Sound Garage, doors 7 pm
- Metric, Broken Social Scene, Stars; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Humbucker Music (Nick Storring, Colin Cudmore, Mira Martin-Gray, Jason Doell), Sandy Ewen; Tranzac, 9:30 pm, pwyc (monthly)
- Tania Gill presents ... Tania Gill (piano), Victor Bateman (bass), Lina Allemano (trumpet) (first time as a trio); Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- Rush; Scotiabank Arena (Aug 7-13, every second day)
- Yung Bae, Six5tar; Lee’s Palace, 8 pm
- Virginia MacDonald & Todd Marcus Quintet; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Daniel Lanois; Westdale, Hamilton
- Donnybrook + 1 ft. Pat LaBarbera (Night 1 of 2); Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Razmatello, Emil, Oray; BSMT254, 10 pm
Sat Aug 8: It’s OK World Festival; Trillium Park (see Festivals, above)
- Ultrabomb (Greg Norton of Hüsker Dü; Ryan Smith, Soul Asylum; Derek O’Brien, Social Distortion, Adolescents), Mad Ones; Horseshoe, 8:30 pm doors
- Two duo album releases: Steve Sladkowski & Joe Sorbara, and Richard Marsella (aka Friendly Rich) & Joe Sorbara, w/ the Lollipop People; the Rex, 11 pm
- Glum (record release), Dolly Sods (Buffalo), Output 1:1:1, Depends Who You Ask (mems. of Cootie Catcher, Only God Forgives, Leona Hell); BSMT 254, 9 pm
- For Sonny Rollins series (four weeks) w/ Rob Christian Quartet; Contxt by Trane, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
- Hammer Slammer w/ Bonnie Trash, Greber, Absorb, Laser Mountain, Loversteeth, Droning, Grandmother, Nasu, Evil Age, Eden Will Burn, The 49th Parallel, Kvrida; Corktown Tavern, Hamilton
- Daaam! the Hip Hop Party w/ Tha Alkaholiks; the Phoenix, 10 pm
- American Football, Afternoon Bike Ride; Concert Hall
- Opera Queens (opera/drag residency); Tranzac, 5-7 pm (monthly)
- Dameer & friends (Bangladesh); Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- John Borra Band, Cameron House, 6 pm (monthly)
- Virginia MacDonald & Todd Marcus Quintet; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Donnybrook + 1 ft. Pat LaBarbera (Night 2 of 2); Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Rushcon: The Convention For Rush Fans; El Mocambo, 11 am
- Moneka Arabic Jazz, Zale Seck; Adelaide Hall, 7:30 pm
- LinkMusicLab w/ Dastgâmachine, Farbod Maeen, Ester Shiner, Sina Shoaie, Amir Parsa + Parallel, Ali Phi, Oyl; Mooi Space, 75 Pelham Ave., 9 pm
- Stupid Wish Girls, Erin Corbett, Alba Rose, Ensh, Nihilistfolk; the Arcade (house show, 6 pm doors)
Sun Aug 9: Union Summer: Rudy Ray Show w/ Waleed Abdulhamid’s AfroKush Jazz, TD Union Stage, 6-9 pm
- Hickoids (early Austin cowpunk band); Horseshoe Tavern, 8 pm
- The Academy presents Soulquarians in the Park; Trillium Park (Ontario Place), 4 pm
- Ayal Senior & Friends (Ayal Senior & Kurt Newman, Nick Flanagan, Del Stephen, Jessie Ecklerlin, Harold’s Snack Shack); Tranzac, 2:30 pm (monthly)
- Cabaret; Revue Cinema, 4 pm
- Sonido Toronotonica: Cumbia Lab; Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- Rush; Scotiabank Arena (Aug 7-13, every second day)
- Spells (Denver), Audio Viscoral, Seth Anderson (Alberta), Prospect Nelson, Nothing Serious; the Dock Ellis, 7 pm
- Fink, Maggie Koerner; Adelaide Hall, 8 pm
- Jonathan Challoner, the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Fuat Tuaç; the Rex, 2 pm (Global Jazz Sunday matinee)
- Summer Music in the Garden: Tara Kannangara and Chris Pruden; Toronto Music Garden, 4 pm, free (outdoors, all ages + family-friendly)
- Brenda Earle Stokes; Jazz Bistro, 6 pm
- Lenny Graf Orchestra; Mel Lastman Square, 7 pm
Mon Aug 10: Josh Cole: New Works for Improvising Musicians w/ Josh Cole, Jaron Freeman-Fox, Nick Storring, Lina Allemano, Owen Kurtz; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Ashkenaz Summer Jam “Celebrating Bob Dylan at 85” w/ Daniel Kahn, New Morning, Paul James; Earl Bales Park, 7-10 pm
- Martin Loomer And His Orange Devils Orchestra; the Monarch Tavern, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Jonathan Challoner; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Dimmu Borgir; History
Tue Aug 11: Cheater Slicks, Retail Simps, Thee Terrible Threes; the Monarch Tavern
- Rush; Scotiabank Arena (Aug 7-13, every second day)
- Usher, C***s B***n; Rogers Stadium (Downsview), 7 pm
- Ethan Ardelli Trio; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- JB Piano Bar: Julian Belray; Jazz Bistro, 5 pm
Wed Aug 12: Bonnie Raitt; FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton
- Kiwi Jr.; Sonic Boom Records, 6 pm, free (all ages)
- Brodie West Quintet; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- Never Was (Brandon Davis, Bea Labikova, Racha Moukalled, Patrick O’Reilly, Adrian Russouw, and Joe Sorbara); Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Fiddlehead, Narrow Head, Knumears, Sissy Boys; Lithuanian House
- Hilary Duff; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 7:30 pm
- Usher, C***s B***n; Rogers Stadium (Downsview), 7 pm
- Artie Roth Quartet album release; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Taylor Maslin Quartet; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
Thu Aug 13: [NOTE DATE CHANGE] Kurt Newman presents Post-Bluegrass Bluegrass w/ Binoculars (Brooklyn); Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Daughters Of Donbas; Harbourfront Centre, 7 pm- Karen Ng presents … TBA; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)- Cut Flowers album release (former members of King Cobb Steelie), Long Branch; BSMT 254, 7:30 pm
- Institut 016 w/ Kryva Kosa, Tamar Ilana, Tarek Funk, Natasia Y, Shaunt Raffi, films, etc.; St Volodmyr Institut, 620 Spadina Ave., back door, 5 pm-midnight (RSVP at website recommended)
- Return of the 90s: A Cultural History of the Present launch w/ editor Sean O’Brien and contributor Shama Rangwala, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave., 7 pm-8:30 pm
- Top Shelf Burlesque w/ The Rayettes, hosted by Sassy Ray; Oxigin, Hamilton
- Rush; Scotiabank Arena (Aug 7-13, every second day)
- Hilary Duff; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 7:30 pm
- Artie Roth Quartet album release; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Free Improvisation Thursdays w/ Brent Tanemura, Lauchlin Wood, Mason Wallington, Nick Fraser; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm, pwyc
- Mark Eisenman’s Zero Carbon Footprint Trio; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- AfroPunk Night w/ The Checkerboards, Jayniac Jr., One Night Stand; andthenyou, Hamilton
Fri Aug 14: Alex Lukashevsky, Jack Johnston, Blake Howard, Thom Gill, Christopher Whitley, Brodie West; Grossman’s, 6:30-9:30 pm (three sets)
- Nolan Hildebrand (album release), Veronica Zupanic, Wesley Shen, Patrick O’Reilly; Array Space, 8 pm (doors 7:30 pm)
- Colette Savard; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- Noor e Dastan, Bhuwin; Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 7 pm
- Noise Night w/ Nimahh, Some Exercise; Demo Memo, Hamilton
- Ammy Vrik, Sonam Bajwa; Scotiabank Arena, 8 pm
- Sebastien Leger; Coda, 10 pm
- Jazz Night at the Aquarium; Ripley’s Aquarium, 7-11 pm (monthly)
- Alexisonfire, Underoath; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 7 pm
- Artie Roth Quartet album release; the Rex, 8 pm
- Colin Hunter & the Joe Sealy Quartet (Night 1 of 2); Jazz Bistro, 8 pm
- Ivy Hollivana, Escobutt, Cherry Chip, more; the Baby G, 8 pm
- Shaaane, Battle Milk, Sound Effects, Dame Cook (noise); Tranzac (Living Room), 8 pm
- Mount Wolfe, Droning, With Sincerity; the Arcade (DIY house show, 7 pm doors)
Sat Aug 15: Bonnie Raitt; Massey Hall
- Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer); Lola (Kensington Market), 8 pm
- Grievous Angels (Charlie Angus); the Corktown, Hamilton
- Kevin Breit & Don Rooke (of The Henrys); Tranzac, 7:30-9:30 pm (monthly)
- For Sonny Rollins series (four weeks) w/ Joel Harbans Quartet; Contxt by Trane, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
- Riff Raff; the Underground, Hamilton
- Liver, Ancient Teeth (Montreal), Deer Fang (Philadelphia), Soft No, Seas; Monarch Tavern, doors 6 pm
- Anh Fung; the Rex, 11 pm
- Toronto Dark Arts Market: ‘Beach Party’; Ground Control, 1279 Queen St. W., 11:00 am-5:00 pm
- Artie Roth Quartet album release; the Rex, 8 pm
- Alexisonfire, Underoath, RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Colin Hunter & the Joe Sealy Quartet; Jazz Bistro, 8 pm
- Diane Roblin’s Life Force (Diane Roblin, George Koller, Tim Shia, John Johnson, Alex Dean, John MacLeod); the Rex, 2 pm, pwyc
- Motus, Lower Dubs, Avydubz, Momay, Kill_9, Music.In.Hd, Michael Wojcik; Lee’s Palace, 6 pm
- Babymorocco, Harmony Tividad; the Garrison, 7 pm
Sun Aug 16: Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Country Flash; the Horseshoe
- Wavelength Summer Thing (see Festivals, above)
- Kehlani; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6:30 pm
- Chance the Rapper; History
- Dean Johnson; Drake Underground
- Mâmawin’towin: A Métis Kitchen Party w/ Alyssa Katrine & Amanda Rheaume; St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts & Meridian Hall, 3 pm
- Butcher’s Porterhouse: A Tribute to Cole Porter w/ Shannon Butcher & Mark Eisenman; Jazz Bistro, 6 pm
- Holy Shit An Underground Rap Show! w/ Steelo G, no god, Jorden, B1g Z, Hester Valentine, Sasco, K33G; BSMT 254, 7 pm
- Rebecca Hennessy’s Singer‑Songwriter Circle w/ TBA; Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Alex Goodman; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- SEU; the Rex, 2 pm (Global Jazz Sunday matinee)
- Donné Roberts; Village of Yorkville Park, 1:30 pm
- ToQue (trad Québécois jam); Tranzac, noon (monthly)
Mon Aug 17: John Fogerty; Great Canadian Casino
- Chance Peña; History, 7 pm
- Alex Goodman; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
Tue Aug 18: Eagles of Death Metal; Danforth Music Hall
- Deep Purple, Kansas, Jefferson Starship; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Jack Harlow; History, 6:30 pm
- Ale Nuñez Quintet: A Farewell Show; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
Wed Aug 19: Voces del Bullerengue, Lido Pimienta; Lula Lounge, 7 pm
- Toronto Klezmer Society Epic Jam; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Allison Au; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Chiodos, Sace6, Calva Louise, 156/Silence; the Concert Hall, 7 pm
- Faouzia: The Film Noir Tour; Danforth Music Hall
- Andrew Scott Quintet; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
Thu Aug 20: Summer Music in the Garden: Persian Psychedelia w/ Neda Mohamadpour with Chris Pruden, Caleb Klager, Mack Longpre; Toronto Music Garden, 7 pm, free, outdoors, all ages
- Institut 017 w/ Theatre Salon, Banned Ukrainian Poetic Cinema, Adewolf, Johny Westcoast; St Volodmyr Institut, 620 Spadina Ave., back door, 5 pm-midnight (RSVP at website recommended)
- China Crisis, Big Country, the Icicle Works, the Vapors; the Phoenix, 7 pm
- Honey Jam (new artists showcase); Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)
- Badbadnotgood; Royal Botanical Gardens (Hendrie Park), Hamilton
- Anciients, Unreqvited, Dawn of Ouroboros; The Garrison
- Free Improvisation Thursdays w/ Brent Tanemura, Tania Gill, Lauchlin Wood, Aidan Miller; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm, pwyc
- Allison Au; the Rex, 8 pm
- Django at Tranzac w/ Chris Bezant, guests; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Hear Me Out (Nashville-style songwriters’ circle, w/ house band); Root Down Studio, 225 Geary Ave, 7 pm doors, show 8 pm
- Ed Sheeran; Rogers Centre, 5:30 pm
- Simple Plan; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6 pm
- Grooveyard; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Garden of Love, Automania; the Rat’s Nest
Fri Aug 21: Where There’s Smoke (benefit for the people of Namaygoosisagagun aka Collins First Nation, after the wildfires in northern Ontario) w/ NQ Arbuckle, Jose Contreras, Angie Hilts, John Borra, Sarah Greene, more; the Baby G, 7 pm doors, 8 pm show
- Lupe Fiasco; CNE Bandshell
- Swervedriver, Slow Fiction; the Phoenix, 7 pm
- Masahiro Takahashi presents Chanoyu w/ TBA; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Corpusse, Banananananana, Sailboats Are White; Demo Memo, Hamilton
- Allison Au; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Conducting Music w/ TBA; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- The Wallflowers; Danforth Music Hall
- PJ Morton; Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 8 pm
- The Evan Miles Trio; Jazz Bistro, 5 pm
- Sam Gellaitry; the Axis Club, 8 pm
- Jabfung (L.A./Toronto); Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Nuovo Testamento, Mecha Maiko; Longboat Hall
- Ed Sheeran; Rogers Centre, 5:30 pm
Sat Aug 22: BTS; Rogers Stadium (Downsview), 8 pm
- For Sonny Rollins series (four weeks) w/ Mark Hundevad Quartet; Contxt by Trane, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
- Allison Au; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Pomplamoose; the Concert Hall, 7 pm
- Pinkshift; St. Stephen-in-the-Fields
- Mau Maus, High Society, B.A.L.M. Squad, Skull N Bone; See-Scape, 7 pm
- Asake; Scotiabank Arena, 8:30 pm
- Ichi-Bons, Queens & Kings; Monarch Tavern
- Michael Bruzzese Quartet, album release; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Tim Shia; the Rex, 11 pm
- Lights; CNE Bandshell
- Ed Sheeran; Rogers Center, 5:30 pm
Sun Aug 23: Yvette Tollar sings Joni Mitchell; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets; also Monday)
- Howard Jones, Wang Chung, the English Beat, Modern English; Sobeys Stadium (York University)
- Sympathetic String Band & friends; Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- BTS; Rogers Stadium (Downsview), 8 pm
- Jimmy Eat World, Pup; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6 pm
- Shaggy; CNE Bandshell
- Melat Mengesha; the Rex, 2 pm (Global Jazz Sunday matinee)
- Julien Bradley-Combs Quartet ft. Kalya Ramu; Jazz Bistro, 6 pm
Mon Aug 24: Kacey Musgraves; Scotiabank Arena
- Yvette Tollar sings Joni Mitchell; the Rex, 8 pm (two sets)
- Ashkenaz Summer Jam “Soul/Pop/RnB Night” w/ AvevA Dese, The Intentions; Earl Bales Park, 7-10 pm
- Whitney Smith Big Steam Band; Monarch Tavern (monthly)
Tue Aug 25: Nick Fraser presents TBA; Tranzac, 9:30 pm
- Eighth Street Orchestra; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Empire of the Sun; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Cake; Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Wed Aug 26: Bif Naked, Bran Van 3000; CNE Bandstand
- Mark Kelso’s Mystic Isle Project; the Rex, 8 pm
- The Fray, Dashboard Confessional; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Colin Story Quartet; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
Thu Aug 27: Wavelength presents A Concert in the Ruins of St. Anne’s Church w/ Völur (“doom supergroup” w/ members of Blood Ceremony, Trent Severn, Do Make Say Think), Charles Spearin (Do Make Say Think, Broken Social Scene) & the Local Singers, Fleshtone Aura (Andrew Zuckerman). A Horse Named Friday (Kitchener), DJ BODY////GRAVE (Justin G. Small of Do Make Say Think), in association with the exhibition “Where Walls Meet Sky,” Wavelength at St. Anne’s, 270 Gladstone Ave., doors 8 pm, all ages
- Institut 018 w/ Kryva Kosa, Taras Moneka, Juana Gogo, more; St. Volodmyr Institut, 620 Spadina Ave., back door, 5 pm-midnight (RSVP at website recommended)
- Peter Hook & the Light (ex-Joy Division, New Order); History
- Karen Ng presents TBA; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Yacht Rock: The Complete Series; Revue, 9:30 pm
- The Trews; CNE Bandshell
- Free Improvisation Thursdays w/ Brent Tanemura, Lauchlin Wood, Brodie West, Mateos Labbe-Phelan; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm, pwyc
- Mark Kelso’s Mystic Isle Project; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Joel Bracken album release; Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Faetooth (“fairy doom” band); the Garrison
Fri Aug 28: Ryan Driver Sextet; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- All-Set (Mike Smith (electronics), Pete Johnston (bass), Jake Oelrichs (drums)) and friends; Tranzac, 7-9 pm (monthly)
- Empanadas Ilegales; Lula Lounge
- Sean Paul, Farruko; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6 pm
- Ali Sethi’s Harmonium: A Roots Residency; Aga Khan Museum, 8 pm
- Mark Kelso’s Mystic Isle Project; the Rex, 8 pm
- Emmett Hodgins Coast Group; Drom Taberna, 2 am
- Señor McNasty’s Soul Jazz Experience (Night 1 of 2); Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- Spike Hellis, Belly Hatcher, Grief Debt, Real Silk, Slash Need (DJ); BSMT254
Sat Aug 29: Blue Rodeo, William Prince, Billianep; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 6:45 pm
- Lori Yates & the Velvetinas; Cameron House, 6 pm (monthly)
- For Sonny Rollins series (four weeks) w/ The Bridge Quartet; Contxt by Trane, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
- Mark Kelso’s Mystic Isle Project; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Iron Maiden 50th Anniversary, Megadeth; Scotiabank Arena
- Wooden Wisdom, Elijah Wood, Zach Cowie; the Opera House, 7 pm
- Masego; Massey Hall, 8 pm
- Ali Sethi’s Harmonium: A Roots Residency; Aga Khan Museum, 8 pm
- Isoxo; History, 7 pm
- Señor McNasty’s Soul Jazz Experience (Night 2 of 2); Jazz Bistro, 8:30 pm
- CCP; the Rex, 11 pm
- Quicksand & Bane, Soul Blind; East End United
Sun Aug 30: Joni Void (Montreal), Liz Hysen (Picastro); Tranzac, noon-2 pm
- From Ghibli to Ryu: Howl Rises (live); BSMT254, 8 pm
- Isaiah Rashad, Alemeda; Rebel, Main Room, 7 pm
- Toto, Christopher Cross, the Romantics; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Iron Maiden 50th Anniversary, Megadeth; Scotiabank Arena
- David Celia & Co.; Village of Yorkville Park, 1:30 pm
- Ali Sethi’s Harmonium: A Roots Residency; Aga Khan Museum, 2 pm
- Al Qahwa; the Rex, 2 pm (Global Jazz Sunday matinee)
- Esra Gurcay Quintet; Jazz Bistro, 6 pm
- Powerhouse Treeoh!; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
- Matthew Good; CNE Bandstand
Mon Aug 31: Squeeze, Adam Ant, Haircut 100, RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Powerhouse Treeoh!; the Rex, 8 pm (2 sets)
Tue Sept 1: Charlotte Day Wilson; CNE Bandstand
- Chris Stapleton; Rogers Stadium (Downsview), 6 pm
- Nick Fraser’s Peripheral Vision; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Justin Orok presents ... TBA; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
Wed Sep 2: Holy Oak Family Singers present ... TBA (first themed show of new season); Tranzac, 7 pm, pwyc (monthly, arrive early for seats)
- TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Sub-Sessions #16 w/ Assembly (Atlanta), Medieval Found Footage, Leona Hell, Insomniak; BSMT 254, 8 pm
Thu Sep 3: David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets), The Raven’s Interlude (Martin Verrell/Rosemary Stehlik); The Mule Spinner, Hamilton
- Free Improvisation Thursdays w/ Brent Tanemura, Jake Bikay, Diana Piruzevska, Gloria Ksimunic; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm, pwyc
Fri Sep 4: Humbucker Music (Nick Storring, Colin Cudmore, Mira Martin-Gray, Jason Doell), Sandy Ewen; Tranzac, 9:30 pm, pwyc (monthly)
- Ron Hawkins (of Lowest of the Low); the Block, Hamilton (Sep 4-5)
- The Surfrajettes, the Horseshoe
- Shapeshifter record launch w/ Brittany Pitt, Dan Pitt, Aidan McConnell; Sellers and Newel
- Arlo Parks; History, 7 pm
- Tania Gill presents ... TBA; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
Sat Sep 5: Ron Hawkins (of Lowest of the Low); the Block, Hamilton (Sep 4-5)
- Pitbull, Lil Jon; RBC Amphitheatre, 8 pm
- Tom Cochrane; CNE Bandshell
- Rüfüs Du Sol; Rogers Centre, 7:30 pm
- Andrea Kuzmich’s songSCAPIN’ (Euro folk polyphony); Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Mateos Labbe-Phelan, Max Stover, Ian Afif; Sellers and Newel
- Cigarettes for Breakfast, Capitol, AloneKitty; The Baby G
- Henry Moodie, Band Of Silver; The Garrison
- Opera Queens (opera/drag residency); Tranzac, 5-7 pm (monthly)
- Dameer & friends (Bangladesh); Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- Houndmouth; History, 7 pm
- No Gods, No Masters, No Invaders (Punk benefit for Ukraine) w/ Problem Children, Cage Stains, the Deposed, Inhumane; See-Scape
Sun Sep 6: Adjacent Spheres w/ Michael Davidson, Angelica Zavala, Michael Herring, Miles Cakebread-Kraus; Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- Dave Clark presents ... TBA; Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
Mon Sep 7: Babymetal; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
Tue Sep 8: Grouper, Concert Hall
- Wu-Tang Clan “Final Chamber” tour, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place)
- Kurt Newman presents Post-Bluegrass Bluegrass w/ TBA; Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Otto Benson, Potions; Monarch Tavern
Wed Sep 9: Colin Stetson, Brìghde Chaimbeul; Opera House
- Brodie West Quintet; Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- Never Was (Brandon Davis, Bea Labikova, Racha Moukalled, Patrick O’Reilly, Adrian Russouw, and Joe Sorbara); Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
Thu Sep 10: Lily Allen; RBC Amphitheatre (Ontario Place), 8 pm
- Jon Spencer; the Great Hall, 7 pm
- Live Loud (benefit for addiction and mental health services) w/ Strumbellas, Aysanabee, Bif Naked, Fefe Dobson, Maestro Fresh Wes & Michie Mee, Menno Versteeg, Julian Taylor, members of Billy Talent, Sum 41, the Offspring, more; Massey Hall
- Danny Elfman; History
- Free Improvisation Thursdays w/ Brent Tanemura, Gloria Ksimunic, Blake Howard; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm, pwyc
- Ceremony, S.H.I.T., Poison Ruin, World Peace; East End United
Fri Sep 11: Guelph Jazz Festival (see Festivals, above)
- Hamilton Supercrawl (see Festivals, above)
- Kim Gordon, Voyeur; Opera House
- Carole Pope; Hugh’s Room
- Mariel Buckley; Drake Underground
- Jon Spencer; Bridgeworks, Hamilton
- Mother Mother, Beach Bunny, Boy Golden; Sobeys Stadium (York U)
- Paris Jackson (yes, the one you think); Hard Luck Bar
THE WEEKLIES
Subject to change, check websites or contact venues to be sure
MONDAYS
- D-cide on the B-side w/ host Michael Louis Johnson (“Bring your favourite vinyl, we listen to the A-side, then we D-cide on the B-side”); Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm-close
- Country Flash; the Bell & Beacon
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup); Tranzac, pwyc
- Jazz w/ Sean McCarthy & His Taproom Gang; Steadfast Brewery, 7-10 pm
- Jazz Rat Mondays w/ Patrick Smith & friends; Dina’s Tavern, pwyc
TUESDAYS
- Trombone Charlotte; the Rex, 5 pm
- Classic Rex Jazz Jam; the Rex, 8 pm
- Tone Rangers (bluegrass); the Bell & Beacon
- Swing night; Drom Taberna
WEDNESDAYS
- Hippie Honky Tonk; the Bell & Beacon, 9:30 pm
- Hot Breath Karaoke; Handlebar, 10 pm
THURSDAYS
- INSTITUT, music/talks/etc “speakeasy”; St. Volodymyr, 620 Spadina around back, 5 pm-late (May-Sept)
- Corin Raymond; Cameron House, 6 pm
- Strangetooth (bluegrass); Tranzac, 7 pm
- Good Enough Karaoke (live band); Wheat Sheaf Tavern
- Free Improvisation Thursdays; Water to Wine, 7:30 pm
FRIDAYS
- Music on the River paddling & shows; Humber River (June-Sept) (also sometimes movies or comedy)
- Late Night Jazz Jam; Jazz Bistro, 11:30 pm
SATURDAYS
- Kurt Newman’s Saturday Bluegrass Casual; Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm
- Saturday Jazz w/ TBA; The Pilot, doors 1 pm, show 2 pm
- The Happy Pals; Grossman’s, 3:30 pm
- Michael Louis Johnson and the Red Rhythm; Communist’s Daughter, 4 pm
- Neon Eagle; the Rex, 5 pm
- Robertson & Kerr; Cameron House, 8:30 pm
SUNDAYS
- Secret movie screenings; Market Video, 8 pm (usually)
- Sunday jazz w/ TBA; the Pilot, doors 1 pm, show 2 pm
- Mark Hundevad Quartet & guests; Contxt, 1-4 pm
- Eastern European Brunch; Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (most weeks)
- New Orleans Connection All Star Jazz Band; Grossman’s Tavern, 3 pm
- John Borra; Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm
- Colonel Tom (country); Cameron House, 6 pm
- Double Cuts (western swing); Cameron House, 8 pm
- Doghouse Orchestra (big band); Cameron House, 10 pm
EVERY DAY
More sights & sounds than I can list at: the Tranzac, Drom Taberna, Cameron House, Rex Hotel, Jazz Bistro, Sellers & Newel, Lula Lounge, the Local, Hirut, the Monarch, Comedy Bar, Noonan’s, Whelans Gate, and more venues near you.
Primary sources, with thanks, include Michael Barclay’s That Night in Toronto, Joe Strutt’s Mechanical Forest Sound, Musicrawler, ThisWeekTO. See also Earlobe for avant-whatsit-music/sound events, Jazz in Toronto for daily jazz listings, the Whole Note for “classical” etc., Resident Advisor for dance/electronic, Hamontlive for Hamilton, and for non-categorizable events, the Toronto Event Generator.
My apologies - I was misled by listings elsewhere - but the Tommy Stinson show in Toronto is on Thursday Aug 6, not on Saturady Aug 8. It has been corrected now.
I hope you get to see Lilly Hiatt tonight!