November 25, 2009 21:11
Cavalcade of Lights
NOV 28, NATHAN PHILLIPS SQ, 100 queen w.
Before sidewalk-swarming, mall-clogging holiday shoppers from the 905 make Grinches of us all, get an early dose of cheer at the kick-off event of the City’s Cavalcade of Lights, starting with the annual tree-lighting ceremony, followed by a concert featuring artists including Steven Page and Fritz Helder & The Phantoms (pictured), fireworks and a skating/DJ party. There’ll be more of the same for the next three Saturdays in December; don’t miss Jully Black sharing cuts from her new album, The Black Book, on Dec. 5. Free. 7pm.
Camera ObscuraNOV 26, PHOENIX, 410 SHERBOURNE
Camera Obscura’s hometown of Glasgow may have once been dubbed the murder capital of Europe, but the band’s lovesick indie-pop is all mandolin-assisted sweetness. On their fourth album, My Maudlin Career, lead singer Tracyanne Campbell shoots for the chest with heartache you can dance to. $20.50. 8pm.
Jenn Grant NOV 26, GLENN GOULD STUDIO, 250 FRONT W.
On the last leg of her fall tour, this East Coast songstress is on the rise. With her sophomore record, Echoes, and a resumé chock full of projects with CanCon faves including The Weakerthans and Great Lake Swimmers, Grant’s sure to charm you with her dreamy vocals and earthy folk vibe. $29.50. 8pm.
Kid CudiNOV 28, KOOL HAUS, 132 QUEENS QUAY E.
This Cleveland rapper may’ve called his album The End of Day but it’s only the beginning for Kid Cudi, whose techno beats are subverted by his introspective lyrics. On Saturday, he’ll be racing from the Lady Gaga show (he‘s her opener) to his own mob of fans who’ll be ready to party all “Day N Nite.” All ages. $27.50. 9pm.
Flower Travellin’ BandNOV 29, REVIVAL, 783 COLLEGE
It doesn’t matter how old you are; once you get addicted to the electricity of being on stage, you can’t stop. After last year’s reunion tour, the iconic psychedelic Tokyo rockers, led by singer, soloist and movie star Akira “Joe” Yamanaka, are back in Toronto for another falsetto prog rock–inspired performance full of Satori, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. $17.25. 8pm.