This Week In Toronto (May 22-28)

Howdy kids.  Here we are at the (almost) end of May, and there really isn't much to report this week....  But it's quality, not quantity!... um... that's not all that correct either...  But I'm playing on Saturday, and it's my birthday!  So, there's that.    If anyone has anything to add that I missed (especially this week) please feel free to post it in the comments section.  And click on links to learn more about... whatever has been linked!

THURS MAY 22

Hmm...  nothing really jumping out at me in the music dept.  I see there's a band playing the Horseshoe called Square Root of Margaret.... that's an unfortunate name.  

Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin IV at the Pheonix

So, the best thing I can find for tonight is a cover band.  But a well rehearsed cover band consisting of some of Toronto's best musicians, playing one of the greatest rock albums of all time.  (I prefer Led Zeppelin III, but I think that's because I'm a little more sensitive than the average Zep fan).  

Blue Velvet playing at Bloor Cinema 4:30.

Seems like an odd time to watch Denis Hopper huff gas, but who am I kidding, any time is a good time to watch Denis Hopper huff gas. 

FRI MAY 23

Royal Wood at Hugh's Room

Well this would be a nice way to spend your friday night.  Royal Wood, plus 5 other artists doing something called "70's Soft Rock Extravaganza".   Royal Wood is a fantastic singer songwriter, and even though I have no idea what the night is about, his music would nicely fit into that description.  

worst band name for friday night: Pink Dead Whale.  Playing the Rivoli.

SAT MAY 24

8th Annual Bob Dylan Tribute at Free Times Cafe (featuring Me!)

Every year the good folks at Free Times Cafe (mainly Ryan, super-booker), put on this Bob Dylan tribute on his birthday.  It's always very well received, and this year I have the honor of being a part of it...  And it's my birthday.  Also playing are: Noah Zacharin, Soles Mojo, Brooks Harris, and Alistair Christl.  Plus special guests.  The only performer I've seen before is Noah, and he's fantastic. 

Elizabeth Shepherd at Commensal

Elizabeth is more than just some other jazz pianist.  She cleverly mixes her love of jazz with more modern elements of Soul, hip hop and what ever else tickles her fancy... and it doesn't come off like some jazzer moonlighting to appease the kids.  

Nas at Kool Haus

Hip hop legend, playing the Kool Haus.  Supporting his new album with the slightly controversial title "Nigger".   The great thing about a hip-hop performer like Nas is that, when he uses the word, he has something to say.  No bling required.  

Rock of Ages (Def Leppard tribute) at Rock and Roll Heaven

Def Leppard Tribute?  This'll probably suck.... but it might not.   I've linked some killer Def Leppard videos.  Click the links, thank me later.

Worst Band Name Sat night: C-Sexshun.  Playing Velvet Underground.

Rocky Horror Picture Show playing at Fox Theatre 11:30 pm

Cult classic.... well, I don't need to tell you that.  Tim Curry!  A very young Susan Surandan!  The Time Warp!  THE movie to see with an audience.

The Princess Bride 1pm and Lawrence of Arabia 3pm at revue Cinema

That's a double feature!  I glowed about the princess bride 2 weeks ago, how you'd have to be a souless SOB to hate this film.  But Lawrence of Arabia, that's a film to see on the big screen.  Take both films in...  Action!  Adventure! Andre! Arabia!  

SUN MAY 25

Nathan Hiltz Organ Trio at Joe Moma's

I think Nathan is here every Sunday, so just assume that's the case, and go check him out.  

Best Band Name Sun (and possibly all week): Stop Drop n Skank.  Playing Reverb.

The God Delusion playing at Fox theatre 7pm

I've yet to see this documentary of Richard Dawkins controversial text.  But I've read the book, and his atheistic theories are highly convincing.  Bring a religious friend!

MON MAY 26

Manhattan playing at Bloor Cinema 9:10

One of my favourite movies.  Worth it for the introduction alone.  Gershwin music supporting a slew of Manhattan visuals, and with Woody Allen's clever introduction.   I love Annie Hall, but everytime I watch Manhattan, it comes closer to being my favourite WA movie.  If it's the same print I saw at the Revue a few months ago, than this will be a treat.  Gorgeous Black and White Cinematography. 

Raging Bull playing at Fox Cinema 9:20

Part of a Martin Scorcese double feature with Shine a Light, his new doc on the stones.  Raging Bull is equal parts beautiful and brutal.  Robert Deniro is perfect as Jake Lamotta, staging a cinematic rise and fall that couldn't be more human.   

TUES MAY 27

Run with Kittens at Cameron

you need to see the video again.  And these are they guys who brought you the Orillia Video.

WED MAY 28

Ohbijou and Sebastien Grainger at The Rhino (upstairs)

I got a flyer for this one.  It's called "Past Our Bedtime, a super Party!".  All the proceeds are going to a good cause, "Cow Over the Moon Children's Theatre".  And it features Ohbijou!  Ohbijou are becoming parkdale legends, If you like beautiful melodies, delicate vocals, and local references, you'll love Ohbijou.... Plus, Sebastien Grainger!  name ring a bell?  Well, he was in Death From Above.  His current band is totally different (full band and all), but still fantastic.  

Neil Young tribute at Hugh's Room

I'm not condoning this one.  There are a lot of good tributes to see this week, and this isn't one of them.  It's not that I don't like Neil Young, I love him, and did a tribute night for him a few months back.  No, it's the artist I don't approve of.  Liam Titcombe? Isn't he the guy who's only famous for riding his bike to gigs?  Chantel Kreviazuk?  I don't know, this sounds bad.  Although I did see Kevin Hearn of barenaked Ladies perform once, and it was pretty good.

LMT Connection at Orbit Room

these guys play every Wed at Orbit Room, and have for a long time.  They are a smoking cover band, a lot of soul and RnB.  Better than a Juno-friendly Neil Young Tribute.

Manhattan playing at Bloor Cinema 4:30.

See it twice!  Woody Allen's ode to his favourite city.

Thats it for this week!  I promise to put up the first edition of "Places in Toronto" this weekend... I swear....