Feeling S.A.D.? Toronto's Christmas spirit wore off weeks ago and waiting outside for the streetcar has become more face-numbing than going to the dentist. Thankfully, the City of Toronto is stepping in to cure us of our winter blahs by organizing the 5th annual WinterCity Festival, which runs from January 25 to February 7 in Nathan Phillips Square. While the cool kids have probably already marked the free Saturday night concerts by Tokyo Police......

For some magically ridiculous reason, CBC Radio 3's weekly countdown, the R3-30, is broadcasting from a skating rink this week in a move that's heavily dividing the hipster set after the announcement of another free—and markedly less active—event that same night: Tokyo Police Club at Nathan Phillips Square. But host Craig Norris offers this pitch in their favour: "If you've ever listened to The R3-30 in the comfort of your warm, cozy home and......

In celebration of 60 years and counting for the local, legendary Horseshoe Tavern, Joel Plaskett Emergency will be performing six consecutive shows this week beginning Monday, each day playing in chronological order an album in their discography of full-lengths. After seeing its days as a blacksmith shop, a strip club, and of course the host of some of the most legendary first time Toronto performances including Willie Nelson, The Talking Heads, and Neutral Milk Hotel,......

Photo of Tokyo Police Club by Conway L. It’s baaack! The two-day island explosion of rock ‘n’ roll that is the second annual Virgin Festival will be taking place this coming Saturday and Sunday at Toronto Island Park, bringing huge names and talented locals alike to Centre Island for a whole bucket-ton of music-making. "Great!", you say. "But I am sorrowed, for I know not who to watch at this great veritable cornucopia of......

After a short hiatus, Live Baby Live is back on its feet (along with it's author) with an abridged version of the listings this week. Hurrah! There has been no shortage of concert announcements this year, and it doesn't look like it's going to slow down any time soon. Wilco is back! Meligrove Band! Danny Michel! Modest Mouse! V-Fest has also updated the line-up to include the Arctic Monkeys, Peter, Bjorn & John, Metric,......

The confirmed headliners were announced today for Toronto's second Virgin Festival, happening September 9 and 10, on Olympic Island. The top spots this year go to the (sort of) newly reformed Smashing Pumpkins, who will headline the festival on Day 2, and Iceland's most eccentric citizen, Bjork, who will close Day 1. Other bands announced include The Killers, Interpol, Jamie T., Paolo Nutini, Amy Winehouse, and we're happy to say, Toronto's own Tokyo Police Club!......

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......

It's that time of the year--benefit concert season. There are a number of them coming up in the next few weeks, including The Holiday Jam (Sick Kids), Jason Collett & The Constantines (CARE Canada), and Bedouin Soundclash (Doctors Without Borders/War Child), so if you're in a giving mood, this may be a good way to do it while also catching some great music. Best bets for this week include Tenacious D tonight (love/hate...always entertaining),......

i (heart) music has just released their list of the 33 hottest bands in Canada for 2006, as selected by a more than forty Canadian music bloggers (including yours truly, current Torontoist contributor Carrie Musgrave, Said the Gramophone, former Torontoist contributor Frank Yang from Chromewaves, and lots of others). We don't mean to gloat, but it looks like we're still the best city for music in the country. A whole bunch of Toronto-based bands made......

Compared to the past few weeks, this one's a bit quieter in the live music world, but there are still some decent shows to check out. Of note, Beck brings his two turntables and a mic to the Ricoh Coliseum tonight (too bad about the location), you can get Comfortably Numb (in a few ways, we're sure) at the Opera House or check out the moustachiod Killers at the Kool Haus on Friday, and......

This fall is shaping up to be a busy one, as everyone and their dog seems to be touring right now. If you haven't spent all of your OSAP money yet, might want to stash away a few pennies for some concert tix. However, if you've already blown your student loan on cheap beer and (even cheaper) Ikea furniture, take comfort in the fact that you can visit your local public library to catch......

It could be the abundance of shows announced over the past few weeks or possibly the kickoff of the fall concert season in September that's lending to the sparse choice of live music this week, because there are some slim pickins to be had. Unless you love the Marleys, in which case you hit the motherload! If anyone has word on some super secret underground shows happening between now and next Sunday, feel free......

Looking to check out some live music this week? Here's your listing of what's happening around the city between July 31 and August 6. In addition, we are now including recently announced shows, so you have no excuse about missing out on ticket opportunities. If you know of any good shows this week that we missed below, let us know in the comments. Feel free to also let us know about upcoming shows that......

Stillepost is atwitter about tonight's BSS/Jay Mascis show at the Mod Club (doors 7:00). Like previous times when Toronto's biggest "indie" band has played the message board goes crazy. Torontoist has sifted through the dozens of messages and has this roundup of five fun facts: 1) BSS really love Dinosaur Jr. and J. Mascis so much that they'll be doing a whole bunch of Dinosaur Jr. covers tonight instead of all the usual BSS......

Despite the crappy weather outside Toronto's musicians seem to have come out of hibernation. If you have the stamina and money burning a hole in your pocket you could probably hit almost a dozen shows and enjoy each one. Start tonight by going to see Henri Faberge and the Adorables celebrate their first birthday at the Embassy. This one's free so you're spending your money on drinks, which is a very good thing. Or head......