Whoever booked the bands for the Wintercity Festival this year definitely earned their paycheque. Typically these free shows consist of bands that are either Canadian Idol runners-up or musicians you've never heard of. While there are still some bands listed that'll make you say "who??!" there are a number of great acts that will make it worth the trek to Nathan Phillips Square and freeze your ass off for. Just remember to wear your longjohns and toque, and hit up your favourite cafe for an extra large hot chocolate first...oh, and be sure to get there a bit early for a decent view.

While the Wintercity Festival lasts 14 days (Jan. 26 to Feb. 8), the music showcases can be seen over the next two weekends, starting tonight with the Philosopher Kings.

Need a few recommendations? On Sat. Jan. 27, you can't go wrong with The Bicycles at 2pm. If you've never seen them before, we guarantee you'll leave their show with the urge to hug each and every band member, and pinch their cheeks for good measure. We promise. Later that evening, don't miss Slooooan (sorry, it had to be done) at 8pm. Maybe you'll get lucky and Chris Murphy will do his usual mic stand-licking...and get his tongue stuck. Take your camera, just in case. On Sun. Jan. 28, battle the hipsters for front row to hear Jon-Rae & The River give one hell of a sermon (kinda like Meatloaf...oooh, hate mail, here you come) at 3:30pm, and stick around to check out Elliott Brood's "death country" (their words) right after, at 5pm.

On Sat. Feb. 3, The Suits XL look promising, and you can't go wrong with The New Pornographers later that evening. Finally, on Sun. Feb. 4, if you only see one act, make sure it's Melissa McClelland. That woman's voice is pure gold, and you might even see an appearance by hubby Luke Doucet (just a guess).

Complete Schedule

Fri. Jan. 26
8pm - Philosopher Kings

Sat. Jan. 27
12:30-1:30pm - Lucid Dreams
2-3pm - The Bicycles
3:30-4:30pm - Jon Levine Band
5-6pm - The Junction
8pm - Sloan

Sun. Jan. 28
12:30-1:30pm - NQ Arbuckle
2-3pm - Jill Barber
3:30-4:30pm - Jon-Rae & The River
5-6pm - Elliott Brood

Fri. Feb. 2
8pm - Mobile

Sat. Feb. 3
12:30-1:30pm - Spiral Beach
2-3pm - The Suits XL
3:30-4:30pm - Brian Byrne
5-6pm - Shaye
8pm - The New Pornographers

Sun. Feb. 4
12:30-1:30pm - Patrizia
2-3pm - Melissa McClelland
3:30-4:30pm - Lori Nuic
5-6pm - Oh Susanna

Melissa McClelland photo: Carrie Musgrave.