A former SDTC writer named Heather once compared North by Northeast to the “Incoming Game” sequence in Reboot and I’m pretty sure I’ve referenced it every year since she wrote it, because it feels so accurate. The city is filled with the kind of energy that can only be a byproduct of a swarm of musicians taking over every dive bar, performance space, and independent business in town. There’s so much to see that pretty much any venue you wander into this weekend will offer up great tunes, but here are the shows we’re most excited for. 

The Beaches
Four Toronto high school babes playing Patti Smith-influenced rock.
Rivoli
Friday, June 14 @ 10 PM

BRAIDS
Montreal-via-Calgary art rock Polaris shortlisters. 
Comfort Zone
Thursday, June 13 @ 11 PM

Brendan Canning
Broken Social Scene co-founder turned your girlfriend’s favourite DJ. (If I’m your girlfriend, in which case hi Sal!) 
The Hoxton
Thursday, June 13 @ 8 PM

Calexico
Long-running Arizona indie rock.
Mod Club Theatre
Wednesday, June 12 @ 10 PM 

Couer de Pirate
Montreal French songstress whose songs sound like breakfast in bed. 
The Great Hall
Thursday, June 13 @ 11 PM 

Dan Deacon
Baltimore electro cool-times craziness. 
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
Thursday, June 13 @ 12 AM

Evan Dando
Lemonheads frontman, 90s legend.
Rivoli
Saturday, June 15 @ 12 AM

Del Bel
Cinematic surf rock that brings together some of Toronto’s most talented musicians. 
The Great Hall
Thursday, June 13 @ 1 AM  
Creatures Creating 
Saturday, June 15 @ 12 AM 

DIANA
Jazz musicians turned chillwave/experimental up and comers. 
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 
Thursday, June 13 @ 10 PM 

Gentleman Reg
Beloved Canadian indie singer/songwriter. 
Rivoli
Wednesday, June 12 @ 12 AM 

Gold & Youth
Vancouver-based indie-electro. 
BLK BOX
Friday, June 14 @ 1 AM

GROUNDERS
Sprawling Toronto-based indie rockers with an excellent under the sea themed music video out right now.
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
Wednesday, June 12 @ 12 AM

Inlet Sound
Roadtrip-ready indie folk. 
Cameron House
Thursday, June 13 @ 8 PM

Joey Bada$$
Much-talked-about Brooklyn hip hop artist. 
Wrongbar
Saturday, June 15 @ 1 AM 
Yonge-Dundas Square
Sunday, June 16 @ 8 PM

Majical Cloudz
This moody electro act is one of our new favourites. 
BLK BOX
Saturday, June 15 @ 12 AM

The National
Beloved indie band who have just released their latest album, Trouble Will Find Me 
Yonge-Dundas Square 
Friday, June 14 @ 9:10 PM

Wannabe (Spice Girls Tribute Band)
YES!!!!!!!!!!
BLK BOX
Friday, June 14 @ 3 AM 

Wintersleep
Nostalgic, wonderful indie folk. 
Danforth Music Hall
Saturday, June 15 @ 11 PM