Lust for live
Listings of select Toronto-area shows, now to the first week of July
Eric Chenaux (in his trio with Ryan Driver and Phil Melanson) returns to Toronto May 23 at the Tranzac, with Cici Arthur opening.
My picks of Toronto-area shows, May 20-July 6. On each date, the top event listed would be my likely first choice. This calendar is especially packed, with the Something Else! fest in Hamilton overlapping with a plethora of festivals in TO.
I’m a one-man band here. There will be errors. Tell me about those, and cool events I missed, in the comments. I’ll update some as new info emerges, especially for later dates; check back on the web page.
Sources (with thanks) include Michael Barclay’s That Night in Toronto and Joe Strutt’s Mechanical Forest Sound. Check the Jazz in Toronto daily calendar for same-day info. For “classical” music & more, see The Whole Note. For Hamilton, see the #Hamont Substack. For non-categorizable events, see the Toronto Event Generator.
See some of you some of there! - CW
Tue May 20: Josh Cole Quartet + Strings (Aline Homzy, Lina Allemano, John Oswald, Nick Storring, Blake Howard, Josh Cole), Tranzac, 9:30 pm, pwyc
- Brodie West (solo), Karen Ng/Leslie Ting/Germaine Liu, Wenona Lodge, 8 pm
Wed May 21: Song-Scapin’ (folk polyphony, Georgia/Ukraine/etc) w/ Chris Kettlewell, Andrea Kuzmich, Doug Tielli, Blake Howard, Tranzac, 7 pm
- Zeus (“unplugged”), the Golden Dogs, Tranzac Main Hall, 8 pm (also May 22)
- Paula Cole, Jane Mallett Theatre
Thu May 22: Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Pharcyde, CNE Coliseum
- Basia Bulat, Great Hall
- Doug Paisley, Monarch Tavern
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
- Karen Ng presents TBA, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Lori Yates & Jerry Leger, Mills Hardware, Hamilton
- The Halluci Nation, Bridgeworks, Hamilton
- Tower of Power, War, Fallsview Casino
- Zeus (“unplugged”), the Golden Dogs, Tranzac Main Hall, 8 pm (also May 21)
Fri May 23: Eric Cheneaux Trio (w/ Ryan Driver, Phil Melanson) LP release (rare visit of local luminary now residing in Condat Sur Ganaveix, France), Cici Arthur, Tranzac Main Hall, doors 8 pm, show 8:30 pm, $25+
- Frog Eyes, Fortunato Durutti Marinetti, Mills Hardware, Hamilton
- Bartees Strange, Axis
- Kassie Krut, Baby G
- Billy Idol, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- Woodshed Orchestra, Jazz Bistro, 5 pm (weekly in May)
- Freeman Dre & Kitchen Party, Cameron House, 10 pm (monthly)
- Chris Spedding Performs the Robert Gordon Songbook, The Hellbent Rockers, Clifford Brewery, Hamilton
Sat May 24: Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer) & the Drifter Ensemble (mostly acoustic), Lola, 8 pm
- Drone Day 2025 w/ dreamSTATE, DRONE:KLUB:47, Trinity St-Paul's Centre, 2 pm, free, all ages
- Blunt Object (playing Carla Bley), the Rex, 2 pm, $10-$15
- Chris Spedding plays the Robert Gordon Songbook, Horseshoe
- Retrievals: New Music for Old Tech w/ works by Tsz Long Yu, James Lowrie, Alvin Lucier w/ Arlan Vriens, Tim Roth, Canadian Music Centre, 7 pm
- Wavelength x Estonian Music Week w/ Tuulikki Bartosik, Sander Mölder, Caracol, St. Anne’s Parish, 7:30 pm
- Wavelength x Estonian Music Week w/ Mart Avi, One Hundred Moons, St. Anne’s Parish, 10:30 pm
- Queen Beach Killer Cat (Emm Gryner & Michael Holmes), Cabin Fever, York Street Thought Process, Pilot Tavern, 9 pm, $20-$25
- Central Cee, History (also May 25)
- Preoccupations, Lee’s Palace
- An Evening of Relentless Noise w/ Worth, Pain Appendix, Taskmaster, Jute, Toanche Dwelling, the No No Room at The Dock Ellis, $15/pwyc
- Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Uni Boys, Taker, the Bridgeworks, Hamilton
- Kate Maki, David MacKinnon, The Brockton
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly) (Tranzac closed this Sat. for a private event)
- Michael Louis Johnson & the Red Rhythm, Communist’s Daughter, 4 pm (weekly)
Sun May 25: Memorial for Al Miller feat. Change of Heart, the Sadies, Bruce McCulloch, Bunchofuckingoofs, John Borra Band, Phoenix, $15
- The Sympathetic String Band w/ Alex Lukashevsky, Joyshape, 7:30-9:30 pm, Tranzac, pwyc (monthly)
- Central Cee, History (also May 24)
- Ambient Afternoon/Drone Day Hangover w/ Astrolope, dreamSTATE, Ely Lyonblum, Michael Palumbo, more, Standard Time, 3 pm, $11
- Bomba Estereo, Queen Elizabeth
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly) (guessing it might be a substitute today, see Memorial above)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)
- Tranzac Town Hall (annual community meeting, open to all), Tranzac Main Hall, 1-4 pm
Mon May 26: Book launch—Cold Glitter: The Untold Story of Canadian Glam, by Robert Dayton (Canned Hamm)—w/ guests Edmund Pilling (Fludd), Robert Swartz (Lynx), Greg Godovitz (Fludd/Goddo), Robbie Rox, Toronto Reference Library (Beeton Hall), 6 pm
- Confluent Motion (Bill Gilliam/Kayla Milmine/Rob Clutton/Joe Sorbara), Tranzac, 9:30 pm, pwyc
- Shakira, Scotiabank Arena
- Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Sierra Ferrell, Rogers Centre
- 125 Years of Kurt Weill w/ Judith Lander, Adi Braun, Jeff McLeod, Hugh's Room, 7 pm doors, 8 pm show, $40-$47
- Matt Berninger (The National), Ronboy, Concert Hall
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup), Tranzac, pwyc (every Monday)
Tue May 27: The Wedding Present (playing 1989’s Bizarro), The Tubs, Great Hall
- Paul Simon (playing 2023’s Seven Psalms, plus), Massey Hall (also May 29-30)
- Tennis, Billie Marten, Concert Hall
- Nick Fraser presents Special Topics (Josh Cole, Kae Murphy, Max Stover, Nick Fraser), Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Sunny Day Real Estate, Danforth Music Hall
- In The Round w/ Char Aragoza/Casey Mecija/Louie Sanchez, Burdock Music Hall, $16.95
- Ale Nunez Trio, Sellers & Newel, $20
Wed May 28: Florist, Allegra Krieger, Longboat Hall
- Mike, Opera House
- Song Power Workshop w/ Don Kerr, Tranzac, 7-9 pm (monthly)
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Selcuk Suna & Fethi Nadjem (Double Album Release), Lula Lounge
- Two Hours Traffic, the Rivoli
- Dinner Party: New opera by Holger Schoorl w/ Scott Gabriel, Elizabeth Lima, Holger Schoorl, Randi Helmers, Array Space, 8 pm
- Original People, Original Songs (Indigenous musicians’ series) w/ Derek Miller, Lacey Hill, Hugh’s Room
Thu May 29: Paul Simon (playing 2023’s Seven Psalms, plus), Massey Hall (also May 27, 30)
- Heraclitus Akimbo (Joe Strutt) 10-year celebration concert, Tranzac, 9:30 pm
- Bloordale Beach by Shari Kasman exhibition launch, Urbanspace Gallery, 401 Richmond, 5-8 pm (exhibit to Aug 23)
- Poetry at the Phoenix w/ Michael Sobol, Terese Manson Pierre, Patrick Woodcock, host Paul Vermeersch, West End Phoenix, 3 Bartlett Ave, 7 pm
- Corinne Bailey Rae, Fallsview Casino
- Lori Yates, Motel, 9 pm (monthly)
- CCMC, 7:30 pm, Array Space (monthly)
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Kubla, Gracie Ella, Lula Lounge
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
Fri May 30: Paul Simon (playing 2023’s Seven Psalms, plus), Massey Hall (also May 27, 29)
- 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)
- Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining Indigenous Music & Arts Festival w/ Julian Taylor, Sebastian Gaskin, Aysanabee, more, Sankofa Square (Yonge/Dundas) (May 30-31)
- Forty on Friday: Continuum Contemporary Music plays works by Martin Arnold, Jason Doell (world premiere), Tyshawn Sorey, Joanna Bailie, Hugh’s Room, $22
- Woodshed Orchestra, Jazz Bistro, 5 pm (weekly in May)
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Cafe Cubano feat. Andy Rubal, Lula Lounge
- Exit Points, Array Space, 8 pm (monthly)
Sat May 31: Bruce Cockburn 80th Birthday Tribute w/ Ron Sexsmith, Hawksley Workman, Dala, Tom Wilson, Elizabeth Shepherd & Michael Occhipinti, more, Hugh’s Room, $60+
- Jenn Grant, the Brockton
- Sloan’s Murderecords Garage Sale, alleyway east of College and Lansdowne, noon
- Bon Enfant, Baby G
- Njacko Backo, Kalimbas At Work LP release, the Redwood Theatre, $25
- Skydiggers, Brooks & Bowskill, Concert Hall
- Bayê Bakûr (Northern Breeze) w/ Shahriyar Jamshidi, Hezil, Canadian Music Centre, $25-$30
- Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining Indigenous Music & Arts Festival w/ Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Reuben & the Bullhorn Singers, Tia Wood, more, Sankofa Square (Yonge/Dundas) (May 30-31)
- Sonomadic Improv feat. Walter Gershon, Schoorl/Milmine Duo, Imaginary Lines Quartet (Jonathan Kay, Walter Gershon, Joe Sorbara, Brandon Davis), Astrid Gnome (Kayla Milmine, Jonathan Kay, Mike Smith, Alex Fournier, Aaron Blewett), Annette Studios, doors 7 pm, pwyc
- Man Made Hill Delicious Logo LP release, Lee & Gamble Unlimited (Sook-Yin Lee & Dylan Gamble), Teal, Fakakta Twins, Vertagogo, Hamilton
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ SWA Orchestra feat Alx Veliz, Lula Lounge
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly)
- Michael Louis Johnson & the Red Rhythm, Communist’s Daughter, 4 pm (weekly)
- John Borra, Cameron House, 6 pm (monthly)
Sun Jun 1: Grievous Angels (Charlie Angus’s band), Horseshoe, 1 pm (sold out) and 7 pm
- Alex Samaras LP launch … Meets Judy Garland, the Rex, 2-3 pm
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Bruno Capinan Pride Show, Lula Lounge
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)
- Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Woodshed Orchestra) presents new songwriters, Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Michael Davidson’s Adjacent Spheres, Tranzac, 10 pm
Mon Jun 2: Annie Dirusso, Daffo, Drake Velvet Underground
- Lunaworld 2025 w/ Ladom Ensemble (LP release), Lula Lounge
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup), Tranzac, pwyc (weekly)
Tue Jun 3: Lulaworld 2025 w/ Carlie Howell and the Electric Storm Collective ft. Aline Morales, Lula Lounge
- Panchiko, Model/Actriz, History
- Nick Fraser’s Peripheral Vision, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Track Could Bend #105 w/ William Davison, Phil Hamilton, Aliyah Aziz, Wenona Lodge, 8:30 pm, pwyc
Wed Jun 4: Holy Oak Family Singers (monthly) present “Bad Songs Done Well”, Tranzac, 7 pm, pwyc
- Carole Pope, Hugh’s Room
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Mark Eisenman Quintet, the Rex, 8: 30 pm (June 4-7)
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Joaquin Nuñez, Dayramir González, Natasha Roldán, Lula Lounge
- Ghostlight, Tranzac, 9:30 pm, pwyc
Thu Jun 5: No Hay Banda (Montreal), HxH (NYC), Music Gallery, 8 pm (doors 7:30), $10-$25/pwyc
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Passarim (Jobim tribute) followed by Samba Reggae Festival opening, Lula Lounge
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
- Mark Eisenman Quintet, the Rex, 8: 30 pm (June 4-7)
Fri Jun 6: The Weather Station, Concert Hall
- Josh Johnson (comedy), Queen Elizabeth
- Metric, Sam Roberts Band, the Dears, Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ Lengaïa Salsa Brava feat. Norderlis Valdes, Lula Lounge
- Wax Mannequin, Spectral Eyes, Electric Ass, That’s What She Shed, the No-No Room, Dock Ellis bar, $6.66
- Do West Fest w/ Zones, Noble Rot, Edmund Stay, Art D’ecco, more (Dundas St. W., Ossington to Lansdowne), free
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Alex Samaras and Friends, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Tania Gill & co., Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Mark Eisenman Quintet, the Rex, 8: 30 pm (June 4-7)
- Yo-Yo Ma, Roy Thomson Hall (also Jun 7)
Sat Jun 7: Lori Yates (Hey Stella) & Soozi Schlanger (Swamparella), Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Do West Fest w/ Fucked Up, Prostitute, Shiv and the Carvers, Sam Jr., Tijuana Bibles, more, free (Dundas W. from Shaw St. to Lansdowne—main stage for this date in front of the Garrison)
- ExTC (Terry Chambers from XTC & friends), Horseshoe
- Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Concert Hall
- Wayne Petti (Cuff the Duke), the Brockton
- Mark Eisenman Quintet, the Rex, 8: 30 pm (June 4-7)
- Wordburglar’s Lyrical Living Room, Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- Lulaworld 2025 w/ La Borinqueña tribute to Siembra feat. Luis Franco, Lula Lounge
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly)
- Yo-Yo Ma, Roy Thomson Hall (also Jun 6)
Sun Jun 8: Abigail Lappell, Steph Cameron, Hugh’s Room
- Do West Fest w/ Cootie Catcher, Fan Club Wallet, Huxlii, Twist, Dumb Crush, Pony, more, free (Dundas W. from Shaw St. to Lansdowne)
- Open Tuning festival (not literally about tunings), Seaton Village
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Mon Jun 9: Gwar, History
- Jann Arden, Massey Hall (also Jun 10)
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup), Tranzac, pwyc (every Monday)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Tue Jun 10: Jann Arden, Massey Hall (also Jun 9)
- Sleigh Bells, Axis
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Wed Jun 11: Brodie West Quintet, Tranzac, 7 pm (monthly)
- Mike Murley Group, the Rex, 8:30 pm (June 11-14)
- Never Was (Brandon Davis, Bea Labikova, Racha Moukalled, Patrick O'Reilly, Adrian Russouw, and Joe Sorbara), Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- NXNE, a mess o’ little-known artists at various venues (June 11-15)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Thu Jun 12: Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Skydome (also Jun 13)
- Isla & the Sorry Brothers (Isla Craig, Kurt Newman, Karsten Stryker), Tranzac, 9:30
- Volcanoes are Real, “a night of music, science, demonstrations and answers about the earth's oldest mystery!”, w/ Wax Mannequin, Julianna LaChance, Friendly Rich, TorFoss, more, Staircase Theatre, Hamilton, $15
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
- Mike Murley Group, the Rex, 8:30 pm (June 11-14)
- Dierks Bentley, Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- Springtide Festival, Uxbridge, w/ Reuben & the Dark, Cuff the Duke, Status/Non-Status, Casper Skulls, Burning Hell, Torrance (Tamara Williamson), more (June 12-14)
- Sound of Music Burlington w/ Joel Plaskett Emergency, Cuff the Duke, Steven Page, Born Ruffians, Georgia Harmer, Julian Taylor, Chalk Circle, Junkhouse, Tim Baker, Limblifter, more (June 12-15)
- NXNE, a mess o’ little-known artists at various venues (June 11-15)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Fri Jun 13: Robyn Hitchcock, Drake Underground (also Jun 14)
- Luminato presents A Glimpse of Quincy (Quincy Jones tribute) led by Larnell Lewis & a stellar cast, Harbourfront Stage, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, $25+
- Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Skydome (also Jun 12)
- Book launch: In Too Deep: When Canadian Punks Took Over the World by Matt Bobkin and Adam Feibel (Anansi), on Can pop-punk in the 2000s, followed by Good Enough Live Karaoke, the Rivoli, 7 pm
- Toronto Outdoor Picture Show w/ Lovers Rock, Fort York (one of the best music films ever)
- Nicolette & the Nobodies, guests, Horseshoe
- Mike Murley Group, the Rex, 8:30 pm (June 11-14)
- Springtide Festival, Uxbridge, w/ Reuben & the Dark, Cuff the Duke, Status/Non-Status, Casper Skulls, Burning Hell, Torrance (Tamara Williamson), more (June 12-14)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Sound of Music Burlington w/ Joel Plaskett Emergency, Cuff the Duke, Steven Page, Born Ruffians, Georgia Harmer, Julian Taylor, Chalk Circle, Junkhouse, Tim Baker, Limblifter, more (June 12-15)
- NXNE, a mess o’ little-known artists at various venues (June 11-15)
Sat Jun 14: The Bug Club, Omni, the Garrison
- Robyn Hitchcock, Drake Underground (also Jun 13)
- Perfume Genius, Concert Hall
- Marker Starling Band, Derrick Anthony Vella, BSMT 254, 7 pm, $20
- Oscar Peterson centenary tribute w/ Joe Sealy, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Robi Botos, Caity Gyorgy, Colleen Allen, more, Massey Hall
- Amy Millan, Longboat Hall
- The Watchmen, Kane/Potvin (Grapes of Wrath, Northern Pikes), Danforth Music Hall
- Kes (soca), Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- New Chance LP release, Bile Sister, Tranzac (Main Hall), $28.27
- Coup de Coeur (Senegalese and Malian musicians from Montreal), Hugh’s Room
- Mike Murley Group, the Rex, 8:30 pm (June 11-14)
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Springtide Festival, Uxbridge, w/ Reuben & the Dark, Cuff the Duke, Status/Non-Status, Casper Skulls, Burning Hell, Torrance (Tamara Williamson), more (June 12-14)
- Sound of Music Burlington w/ Joel Plaskett Emergency, Cuff the Duke, Steven Page, Born Ruffians, Georgia Harmer, Julian Taylor, Chalk Circle, Junkhouse, Tim Baker, Limblifter, more (June 12-15)
- NXNE, a mess o’ little-known artists at various venues (June 11-15)
Sun Jun 15: Caroline Rose, Monarch Tavern
- Ali Sethi (qawwali), Massey Hall
- Sound of Music Burlington w/ Joel Plaskett Emergency, Cuff the Duke, Steven Page, Born Ruffians, Georgia Harmer, Julian Taylor, Chalk Circle, Junkhouse, Tim Baker, Limblifter, more (June 12-15)
- The Dinner Is Ruined, Anthony Schmanthony, Dark Mickey, the Bright Room, Hamilton
- Horse the Band, Sweet//Spine, Melted Bodies, Phantom Lung, Lee’s Palace
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)
- Grand Arabic Jam, Drom Taberna, 7 pm (monthly)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- NXNE, a mess o’ little-known artists at various venues (June 11-15)
Mon Jun 16: Blondshell, Meg Elsier, the Phoenix
- Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry), Massey Hall
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup), Tranzac, pwyc (every Monday)
Tue Jun 17: Wild Pink, Greg Mendez, the Monarch, 7 pm, $33
- Josh Cole presents TBA, Tranzac, 9:30 pm
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Wed Jun 18: Simple Minds, Soft Cell, Modern English, Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- Song-Scapin’ (folk polyphony, Georgia/Ukraine/etc) w/ Chris Kettlewell, Andrea Kuzmich, Doug Tielli, Blake Howard, Tranzac, 7 pm
- Jessica Ackerley (US/CA, solo guitar), Sellers & Newel, $20
- Kara-Lis Coverdale, Anne Bourne, 918 Bathurst St.
- Toronto Klezmer Society Epic Jam, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Thu Jun 19: Something Else! Festival w/ The Secret Lives of Colour (François Houle, Gordon Grdina, Myra Melford, Joëlle Léandre, Gerry Hemingway), Izumi Kimura & Gerry Hemingway, St. Cuthbert’s, Hamilton, 8:30 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Something Else! Festival w/ Myra Melford, Joe Fonda & Bass of Operation, St. Cuthbert’s, Hamilton, 6 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Open Thread (AUS/CA, Peggy Lee/Julien Wilson/Theo Carbo/Dylan van der Schyff), Sellers & Newel, $20
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
- Karen Ng presents TBA, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Vopli Vidopliassova, Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Lee’s Palace, $60
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Fri Jun 20: Something Else! Festival w/ Open Thread (Peggy Lee/ Julien Wilson/ Theo Carbo/ Dylan van der Schyff), Matt Brubeck & Caylie Staples, St. Cuthbert’s, Hamilton, 6 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Something Else! Festival w/ Farida Amadou (Belgium), Simple Trio (Anna Webber, John Hollenbeck, Matt Mitchell), St. Cuthbert’s, 8:30 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Mestizx (NL/U.S.: Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti/ Frank Rosaly/ James McClure/ Ben Boye/ Nate McBride), Mas Aya (Brandon Valdivia), Artu, Tranzac Main Hall, $20 adv, $25 door
- Rich Brown’s EartHeart, the Rex, 8:30 pm (also June 21) (Jazz Fest)
- The Original Sloth Band (reunion of Keith & Chris Whiteley’s 1960s band), Hugh’s Room
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis, Massey Hall (Jazz Fest)
- Housewife, Mills Hardware, Hamilton
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Freeman Dre & Kitchen Party, Cameron House, 10 pm (monthly)
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
Sat Jun 21: Something Else! Festival w/ MESTIZX (NL/U.S.: Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti/ Frank Rosaly/ James McClure/ Ben Boye/ Nate McBride), Jon Irabagon/ Darren Johnston/ Michael Bates/ Nick Fraser, St. Cuthbert’s, Hamilton, 8:30 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Something Else! Festival w/ Susie Ibarra (solo), Cluttertones (Rob Clutton/ Lina Allemano/ Tim Posgate/ Ryan Driver) performing Ibarra compositions, + Susie Ibarra-guided Nature Walk (Cootes Paradise), St. Cuthbert’s, 4 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Something Else! Festival w/ Tim Posgate/Andrew Downing, Farida Amadou (Belgium), Counterstasis (Bill Gilliam, Glen Hall, Joe Sorbara), Hamilton Central Library, 12-3 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Farida Amadou (Belgium) w/ Karen Ng (Toronto), Chik White/Naomi McCarroll-Butler, Collective Arts (777 Dundas St W), $20 adv, $25 door
- Rich Brown’s EartHeart, the Rex, 8:30 pm (also June 20) (Jazz Fest)
- Jeremy Dutcher & Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Roy Thomson Hall
- Kevin Breit, Don Rooke (The Henrys), Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- The Roots, Rebel, 6 pm
- On Their Shoulders tribute to African-Canadian music w/ Shakura S’Aida, Ada Lee, Jackie Richardson, Joe Sealy, Molly Johnson, Jay Douglas, Joy Lapps, Bobby Dean Blackburn, more, Koerner Hall, 8 pm, $48-$123+ (Jazz Fest)
- Broken Social Scene, History (Jazz Fest)
- Fortune Stellar Records & Friends, Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- Luminato presents Theo x Travis: Jazz is Dead, Meridian Arts Centre, Studio Theatre, 8 pm, $49
- Luminato performing arts festival (June 4-21)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Ashley MacIsaac, Hugh’s Room
- Blood Ceremony, Freeways, Lee’s Palace
- Donnybrook feat. Pat Labarbera, Jazz Bistro (Jazz Fest)
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Keith Urban, Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly)
Sun Jun 22: Deerhoof, Crabe, Kingdom of Birds, St. Ann’s Parish (also Jun 23)
- Something Else! Festival w/ Pantayo feat. Susie Ibarra, Chik White/Naomi McCarroll-Butler, Callisto (Peter Van Huffel/ Lina Allemano/ Antonis Anissegos/ Joe Herstenstein), St. Cuthbert’s, Hamilton, 6 pm (festival June 19-22)
- Something Else! Festival: Open Streets w/ Earth Wind & Choir, George Crotty Trio, Chik White/Naomi McCarroll-Butler, Eucalyptus (Brodie West-led eight-piece, Ethio-jazz project), Wellington Square Park, Hamilton, 12-4 pm, free
- Kevin Breit’s Brighter Days, the Rex, 8:30 (also Jun 23) (Jazz Fest)
- Christine Jensen Quartet, Jazz Bistro (Jazz Fest)
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Colleen Green, Sound Garage (Blood Brothers Brewing)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)
- Laura Hubert, the Rex, 5:30 pm (weekly)
Mon Jun 23: Deerhoof, Luge, Troglos, St. Ann’s Parish (also Jun 22)
- Sam Amidon (feat Thom Gill, Philippe Melanson), Great Hall
- Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog, Hugh’s Room, $45-$52+
- Mavis Staples, Winter Garden Theatre (Jazz Fest)
- Kevin Breit’s Brighter Days, the Rex, 8:30 (also Jun 22) (Jazz Fest)
- Hilario Duran Trio, Jazz Bistro
- Kepler (jazz 4tet, France), Sellers & Newel, $25 (also Jun 24)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup), Tranzac, pwyc (every Monday)
Tue Jun 24: Arooj Aftab, Koerner Hall (Jazz Fest)
- Nick Fraser presents TBA, 9:30 pm, Tranzac (monthly)
- Chris Parnis Nonet tribute to Don Thompson, Jazz Bistro (Jazz Fest)
- Kepler (jazz 4tet, France), Sellers & Newel, $25 (also Jun 23)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
Wed Jun 25: Makaya McCraven, Axis Club (Jazz Fest)
- Ale Nunez Quintet, Jazz Bistro, 7 & 9 pm (Jazz Fest)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Song Power Workshop w/ Don Kerr, Tranzac, 7-9 pm (monthly)
- Original People Original Songs (Indigenous musicians series) w/ Adrian Sutherland, Hugh's Room, $15-$37
- Ronely Teper & the Lipliners, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
Thu Jun 26: Bill Frisell Trio, Hugh’s Room (sold out)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
- Lori Yates, Motel, 9 pm (monthly)
- CCMC, 7:30 pm, Array Space (monthly)
- Bonnie Trash, the Garrison
- Rhüne Mountain Fest Vol. 2 w/ Dopethrone, Indian Handcrafts, Sons of Arrakis, Acid Mammoth, Ecstatic Vision, The Death Wheezers, Sons of Otis, RCAF Airfield, Dunnville (Jun 26-28)
Fri Jun 27: Ryan Driver Sextet, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Rev. Horton Heat, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Horseshoe (also June 28)
- Budos Band, Secret Chiefs, Danforth Music Hall
- All-Set (Mike Smith (electronics), Pete Johnston (bass), Jake Oelrichs (drums)) and friends, Tranzac, 7-9 pm (monthly)
- James Taylor, Ontario Place (Budweiser Stage)
- Dameronia’s Legacy All-Stars, Jazz Bistro (also Jun 28) (Jazz Fest)
- Mike Stern Band, the Rex (sold out) (Jazz Fest)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Rhüne Mountain Fest Vol. 2 w/ Dopethrone, Indian Handcrafts, Sons of Arrakis, Acid Mammoth, Ecstatic Vision, The Death Wheezers, Sons of Otis, RCAF Airfield, Dunnville (Jun 26-28)
- Exit Points, Array Space
Sat Jun 28: Mount Eerie, matinee show, the Great Hall doors 1 pm, show 1:30, $48
- Rev. Horton Heat, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Horseshoe (also June 27)
- Freesound: Violin, Trumpet, Melodica feat. new work by Martin Arnold, Array Space, $22.63
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- Dameronia’s Legacy All-Stars, Jazz Bistro (also Jun 28) (Jazz Fest)
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly)
- John Borra, Cameron House, 6 pm (monthly)
- Rhüne Mountain Fest Vol. 2 w/ Dopethrone, Indian Handcrafts, Sons of Arrakis, Acid Mammoth, Ecstatic Vision, The Death Wheezers, Sons of Otis, RCAF Airfield, Dunnville (Jun 26-28)
- Ghost Note, the Rex Hotel (Jazz Fest)
- Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Corktown Pub, Hamilton
Sun Jun 29: Sympathetic String Band w/ guests, 7:30-9:30 pm, Tranzac, pwyc (monthly)
- Toronto Jazz Fest, June 20-29 (many acts TBA)
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)
Mon Jun 30: Devo, History
- Honey Jam 30th anniversary launch, Axis
- Benny Benack III & Anthony D'Alessandro (NYC), Sellers & Newel, $30
- Tranzac Open Stage, 6:30 pm (6 pm signup), Tranzac, pwyc (every Monday)
Tue Jul 1: Nick Fraser’s Peripheral Vision, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
Wed Jul 2: Allison Russell, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
- Holy Oak Family Singers present TBA, Tranzac, 7 pm
- Shaggy, History
Thu Jul 3: Rock Plaza Central (rare reunion show!), the Baby G, $22
- Klô Pelgag, Allied Music Centre (Massey Hall)
- Les Hay Babies, the Horseshoe Tavern
- Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark (OMD), History
- Strangetooth (bluegrass), Tranzac, 7 pm (weekly)
- Langhorne Slim, Lee’s Palace
Fri Jul 4: Fievel is Glauque, Flanafi, the Dance Cave, 8 pm, $22
- Mariposa Festival w/ Waxahatchee, Iron & Wine, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith, Basia Bulat, Elisapie, Serena Ryder w/ Martha Wainwright and Julian Taylor, Hayden, Born Ruffians, Cuff the Duke, Bria Salmena, Charlotte Cornfield, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Klo Pelgag, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Bob Snider, Rock Plaza Central, more, Tudhope Park, Orillia (July 4-6)
- The Psychedelic Furs, Chameleons, Casino Rama
- The Surfrajettes, the Horseshoe Tavern
- Alex Samaras and Friends, Tranzac, 9:30 pm (monthly)
- Tania Gill & co., Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Robert Taylor & Derrick Anthony Vella (finger-style guitar), Sellers & Newel, $20
Sat Jul 5: Mariposa Festival w/ Waxahatchee, Iron & Wine, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith, Basia Bulat, Elisapie, Serena Ryder w/ Martha Wainwright and Julian Taylor, Hayden, Born Ruffians, Cuff the Duke, Bria Salmena, Charlotte Cornfield, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Klo Pelgag, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Bob Snider, Rock Plaza Central, more, Tudhope Park, Orillia (July 4-6)
- Afrofest, Woodbine Park (July 5-7)
- Lori Yates (Hey Stella) & Soozi Schlanger (Swamparella), Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- Wordburglar’s Lyrical Living Room, Tranzac, 10 pm (monthly)
- Robertson & Kerr, Cameron House, 8:30 pm (weekly)
- Saturday Bluegrass Casual, Tranzac, 12 pm-2 pm (weekly)
Sun Jul 6: Mariposa Festival w/ Waxahatchee, Iron & Wine, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith, Basia Bulat, Elisapie, Serena Ryder w/ Martha Wainwright and Julian Taylor, Hayden, Born Ruffians, Cuff the Duke, Bria Salmena, Charlotte Cornfield, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Klo Pelgag, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Bob Snider, Rock Plaza Central, more, Tudhope Park, Orillia (July 4-6)
- Afrofest, Woodbine Park (July 5-7)
- Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Woodshed Orchestra) presents new songwriters, Tranzac, 7:30 pm (monthly)
- John Borra, Communist’s Daughter, 5 pm (weekly)
- Doghouse Orchestra, Cameron House, 10 pm (weekly)
- Eastern European Brunch, Drom Taberna, 1-4 pm (weekly)