Thursday, September 8:
The indie kids will swoon at the Gladstone when Xiu Xiu performs alongside Frog Eyes and Das Yellow Swans ($10). Those seeking some groove can catch Breakestra at Lee’s Palace ($18.50) or Esthero at The Guvernment ($24.50). And finally, Hedley try to find out just how far being on Canadian Idol can get you – answer? At least as far as the Mod Club ($15).
Friday, September 9:
Lots and lots of local talent plying their trade this evening – Cuff The Duke hold a CD release party for their self-titled sophomore effort at Lee’s Palace with Jon-Rae & The River and The Meligrove Band ($10) while Winnipeg’s Novillero (not local, I know) throw a party for no particular reason at the Rivoli ($6). The Parkas and The Ghost Is Dancing are invited, and so are you! Pitter Patter nights at O’Grady’s has The Airfields ($PWYC), The Gardens Faithful are at the El Mocambo downstairs ($5) and The Russian Futurists play the Drake with Sunriser and Montreal’s Pawa Up First as part of some sort of Film Festival event. Non-celebrities are allowed in for $10, but you have to be beautiful.
Saturday, September 10:
Just in time for back to school, From Fiction serve up a slice of math-rock madness at the Gladstone ($8). Noo Yawk’s Stellastarr* are at the Horseshoe with Magneta Lane ($10.50) while things get quintessentially Canadaian with The Rheostatics at the Mod Club ($15).
Sunday, September 11:
Did you know Nazareth was from Scotland? Or that they were even still around? Well they are and they are and they’re at Lee’s Palace ($29.50). Show up, rock out and have a little hair of the dog for Monday morning. Or hit Wavelength to see ex-Local Rabbit Ben Gunning or ex-Thrush Hermit Rob Benvie’s new project Free School ($PWYC).
Monday, September 12:
Superchunker Mac McCaughan now rocks out in Portastatic and will be at Lee’s Palace with Tenement Halls to promote their excellent new Bright Ideas ($9). Mercury Prize losers Bloc Party try to save face by playing a sold out show at the Docks with The Kills and The Noisettes ($21.50) and some outfit called U2 settle in for a sold-out four-night stand at the Air Canada Centre ($50.75-$176.50).
Tuesday, September 13:
Blackalicious gets funky at the Mod Club ($22.50), The Used and Alexisonfire get screamy at Arrow Hall ($34.50).
Wednesday, September 14:
The Proclaimers are at Lee’s Palace ($25). No, there will be no lame jokes about walking 500 miles. None. Yellowcard, who are a lame joke unto themselves, are at the Phoenix with Moneen and Rufio ($25) and stoner-rock champs Nebula are at the Horseshoe with Honky and Crackpuppy ($10). Make a lame joke about them and they’ll probably hurt you. Bad.
I will be away for the next couple weeks, so I leave the Torontoist week in shows in the capable hands of TOist editor Josh. He won’t steer you wrong.