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CMWist: The Festival Begins
This Wednesday is the official launch of Canadian Music Week 2008, and as you read this more bands are flooding into Toronto than you can shake a drumstick at.
If you’re planning to see a lot of shows (and there is a slightly overwhelming number to choose from), then your best option is to buy a wristband. These cost $35 and allow you into the majority of smaller shows, with most of the bigger ones classified as “Limited Wristband Only.” Wristband entrance to these gigs is first come, first served, so early arrival is advised—potentially giving you lots of time to befriend fellow concertgoers.
Here’s another Torontoist tip for the thrifty CMW attendee: tickets for The Hives on Monday come with a free festival wristband. Hives tickets are only $24.50 advance, so presumably whether or not you actually want to see The Hives, this is a way to get yourself a wristband for $10.50 less than you would otherwise pay. Although, once you add on Ticketmaster’s infamous booking fees (a $5.50 “convenience charge” and $1.50 “building facility” charge) it becomes less worthwhile.
The week doesn’t officially kick off until Wednesday evening, but there are shows every day starting today with British reggae/punk outfit Skindred and quirky New York group Gogol Bordello at Sound Academy. Other pre-festival hot tickets include the aforementioned Hives at Kool Haus on Monday, with support from Metal/R&B two-piece The Carps and Los Angeles girl rockers The Donnas. Americana singer Allison Moorer will be at Massey Hall on Tuesday, with support from Steve Earle. All of those are Limited Wristband shows.
Torontoist’s coverage of Canadian Music Week will continue on Wednesday with daily previews of the best shows to catch and quick interviews with the best artists. You can keep on top of our coverage by using the Canadian Music Week 2008 tag. In the meantime, the full artist list and lineup by venue can be seen here.
Photo by Delgoff.