With Canadian Music Week 2019 on the way, things are getting more exciting by the day. And with the bulk of the show schedule announced, it's time to start planning the big week of music in Toronto.
To help, I've got a list of 5 shows that I highly recommend as Must See at CMW 2019.
Some of these shows were picked because every single act on the bill is someone I really want to see live this May, and think you should too. Others are based on fewer acts, but at an exciting level of anticipation, and curiosity about the rest of the show's artists.
Sadly, we do have two double-ups on this list. It's not ideal, but CMW is a lot like a multi-stage summer festival. There are always going to be times when you wish you could be in two places at once. However, unlike a festival season, you can't as easily bounce from one spot to the next, and we would like to pass on a reminder that some of the bigger and more high profile shows and venues will not be easy to get into later in the evening. So if you really want to see a headliner, you should plan on getting there early and discovering some new music while you get ready for your favourites.
With all of that said, I'm happy to give you my list of Must See shows for 2019's Canadian Music Week. You shouldn't be surprised to see some country music there. And if you've seen our past coverage of WayHome or CMW, Indie Week, or just great Toronto shows, some of these other bands will be familiar too.
Check 'em out and stay tuned for more previews, info, and news leading up to CMW 2019 - May 6-12 in Toronto.
APA Presents @ The Horseshoe Tavern
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🏢 The Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street W.)
🎟️ Wristbands
🚪 Doors: 7:30 pm
📎 More Info
🎼 8 pm Side Hustle
🎼 9 pm Kasador
🎼 10 pm Ferraro
🎼 11 pm MONOWHALES
🎼 12 am Jane's Party
The combo of Ferraro, MONOWHALES, and Jane's Party hitting the stage back-to-back-to-back is what's putting this mid-week show high on my list in 2019. These bands are all fun and will all have you movin'!
Paradigm Showcase @ Mod Club
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🏢 Mod Club (722 College Street)
🎟️ Tickets // Wristbands
🚪 Doors: 7:30 pm
📎 More Info
🎼 8 pm Gabrielle Shonk
🎼 9 pm Parker Bossley
🎼 10 pm The Man Who
🎼 11 pm The Darcys
🎼 12 am Kongos
Paradigm doesn't mess around when it comes to talent, so don't be surprised to see us highlighting their showcase. Also, whenever there's a chance to see The Darcys and what they've got going on, we're into it.
SiriusXM House Presents James Barker Band and Emily Reid @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
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🏢 The Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street)
🎟️ Tickets // Wristbands
🚪 Doors: 7:30 pm
📎 More Info
🎼 9 pm Emily Reid
🎼 10 pm James Barker Band
James Barker Band sold out Boots & Bourbon at CMW 2017 for their Game On release party - and now they're coming back to a bigger venue with more hits to play. And with emerging star Emily Reid opening the show, country music fans are going to have a lot of fun.
We have a hunch that there may be another name added to this show. And if we're on the right track, it'll be one that Canadian country fans will be excited about.
Dan Davidson @ Rock 'n' Horse Saloon
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🏢 Rock 'N' Horse Saloon (250 Adelaide Street W.)
🎟️ Wristbands
🚪 Doors: 7:30 pm
📎 More Info
🎼 7 pm Elyse Saunders
🎼 8 pm Nice Horse
🎼 9 pm Dan Davidson
Not too long ago we saw Nice Horse open for Dan Davidson at his Toronto EP release at Rivoli, and now both acts will be back in the city for CMW. With Elyse Saunders playing a familiar stage to start the show, this should be a good-timin' Friday night.
Nick Waterhouse @ The Horseshoe Tavern
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🏢 The Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street W.)
🎟️ Tickets // Wristbands
🚪 Doors: 7:30 pm
📎 More Info
🎼 8 pm Laurent Bourque
🎼 9 pm A Fellow Ship
🎼 10 pm Fade Awaays
🎼 11 pm Nick Waterhouse
🎼 1 am Paper Shakers
🎼 2 am Goodnight, Sunrise
Nick Waterhouse is the main draw on Friday night at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, make no mistake about that. But, if you're looking for a late-night dance party to kick-off your weekend, do not miss Goodnight, Sunrise at 2 am. Trust me!
