This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.
IN THE NEWS
Bud Light's Sensation Festival coming to Toronto
It was announced a few weeks ago that Bud Light's Sensation Festival, one of the largest EDM music festivals in the world, was coming to Canada for the first time. This past Friday, the city, venue, and date were finally revealed - Saturday, June 1, at the Rogers Centre.
Like previous Sensation Festivals, an all-white dress code will be in effect, and this year's theme sounds interesting enough - "Ocean of White," an undersea theme that will result in a "wondrous world of nocturnal sea life where flames shoot from the ceiling, acrobats rappel down from the roof, giant jellyfish hover above the dance floor and carnival floats part the crowds." Tickets are on sale March 8, and more info can be found here.
Fucked Up announce final "Long Winter" lineup
Back in February, local punk rock heroes Fucked Up revealed that they'd be offering one more installment of their annual Long Winter music and visual art series. Last week, the lineup was unveiled, and it's a bit of a doozy. The all-ages show will feature sets from The Sadies, recently reunited instrumental group Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, Burning Love, Emma McKenna, the Skeletones Four, Petra Glynt, and more.
The evening will also see DJ sets from Electric Field, Austra, Egyptrixx, and Light Asylum among others. We're also looking forward to the food! This has been one of the roughest winters in recent memory, so this night of music and art should be the perfect way to warm up.
THIS WEEK'S HOT TICKETS
MONDAY MARCH 4 / THE JAMES HUNTER SIX / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $22.50 / 19+
Since bursting onto the scene in 1986, British R&B/soul singer James Hunter has carved out a decent little career for himself. Aside from being nominated for a Grammy in 2006 for his solo album People Gonna Talk, he's also worked with the incomparable Van Morrison - truly no small feat. Now, he's touring with his band, the James Hunter Six, in support of their album Minute by Minute. If you're a fan of R&B and soul, this one's definitely worth your time.
FRIDAY MARCH 8 / HALF MOON RUN / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $10.50 / 19+
I predict that you're going to be hearing quite a bit from these Montreal-based alt-rockers, who are currently touring in support of their latest album Dark Eyes. The album, and the band itself, have received near-universal acclaim - their three-part harmonies, especially, have drawn considerable praise. The band was recently signed by Glassnote Entertainment Group, the same label that houses Mumford & Sons, the Temper Trap, Phoenix, and Two Door Cinema Club.
RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CONCERTS
- AUSTRA / THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / MARCH 23 / 8PM
- THE NATIONAL / YONGE & DUNDAS SQUARE / JUNE 14 / NXNE - FREE SHOW
- BRUNO MARS - MOONSHINE JUNGLE TOUR / MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE / JULY 6 / 8PM
For more concert listings, check out our live music roundup for March.
WHAT WE GOT UP TO LAST WEEK
- Whitehorse pay tribute to Massey Hall with new EP
- Major Lazer get hot and heavy at Sound Academy
- Pretty Pretty Records celebrates Toronto's dark side
- Swedish House Mafia hit up Toronto on farewell tour
Photo of Half Moon Run courtesy of Rog01 on Flickr