It wasn't long ago that Torontoist was rapping about Five Blank Pages' CD release; Last Blush, their first full-length, was just unleashed onto the white-belt world last October, but this weekend marks a significant change in the band's line-up. Since growing from Noyan Hilmi's solo project to a full-fledged band, the group has consisted of Hilmi, sister Chelen Hilmi, and wife Pinar Ozyetis. The band added bassist Rajiv Thavanathan later on, and has been......

Spoon have made only one big misstep in their ten-plus years of recording albums: Gimme Fiction. The 2005 album, a follow-up to 2002's absolutely brilliant Kill the Moonlight, marked a step backward for the band's music and a step forward for its accessibility––an album of decent, friendly, straightforward, catchy, and ultimately forgettable rock songs, an album able to retain the band's old fans while hooking tons of new ones. Gimme Fiction––save for (pictured) lead......

When The Ghost Is Dancing played our Back To School Party last September, they described their sound as "GODZILLA POP." Fast-forward to the release of their debut cd, The Darkest Spark (Sonic Unyon), and it's cleary evident why that description is appropriate. They've expanded their lineup since their EP came out, leaving the number of band members at a staggering nine. Not only have they grown in size, but their sound is appropriately more rich......

Attention all families: are you looking for something to do for Mother's Day that doesn't involve cheesy cards or impersonal gifts? If so, gather the kids this Sunday, and take them to the brand new Union Yoga Center (242 Carlton St.) for some quality family time. Ladyfest Toronto will be hosting Celebrating Motherhood at 2 p.m., featuring a yoga warm-up and songwriting workshop for kids. Space is limited and at only $5 (or PWYC)......

For live music junkies, the week between Christmas and New Year's can offer very little in terms of quality shows. The folks at The Drake Hotel are trying to remedy the situation with their What's In The Box? week of shows. Running from the 26th to the 30th, the Drake Underground and Lounge are featuring the best acts from 2006. Each day is five dollars and features five bands, leading to a nice "5 Bands......

Cute sign on The Ghost is Dancing's merch table. Not pictured: delicious cupcakes. A fun time was had by all at Torontoist's Back to School party on Thursday night: great bands, great people, great prizes (courtesy of Arts & Crafts, Penguin, CBC Radio 3, and many others). Thankfully, the lovely photojunkie was in attendance and got some candids of the fine folk at the party. And if you missed this one, no worries; we'll......

Torontoist's Back To School Party is only two sleeps and a long-work day away. Unlike the real back to school we guarantee you there'll be no screaming kindergarteners (the Tranzac is 19+), anxious parents (unless you invite yours) or awkward student-teacher interactions. We do promise you great bands, one swell DJ, door prizes and pins. You've already met DJ Wes Allen and Dollarama. Now meet the other two bands that'll be playing this Thursday,......

It's a busy music week, this one. There's everything from samba to classical music, so all of you anti-hipsters should be pleased. Most importantly, Torontoist's 'Back to School' Party is this Thursday, and we better see y'all there -- especially you anonymous commenters. You know who you are. As always, if there's a show happening that we haven't listed, let us know in the comments. Recently Announced Oct. 4 - The Long Winters @......

Back To School* Cheat Sheet: Thursday, September 21st @ The Tranzac (292 Brunswick Ave.) Doors at 9pm ▪ $5 cover ▪ 19+** Featuring: Dollarama ▪ Idiots! The Ghost is Dancing ▪ DJ Wes Allen Summer is all but done. The sun's gone into hiding. Sure, the Film Festival is going strong, but when Brad Pitt leaves, what's left? Evenings of studying, or, worse, working, reminiscing about how much you miss studying? Another long, depressing......

Two teams from the Toronto Kickball league will be heading down to NYC for the Brooklyn Kickball Invitational over the Canada Day long weekend and we wish the teams going lots of luck. But before they can kick their way to international hipster glory they need to make gas money (not to mention bribes for the customs officials at the border). So on Thu. June 22nd the league will be holding a fundraiser at Sneaky......