The summer is here, which means that almost every weekend there is festivals going on. I only preview three this month but there are also smaller ones just outside of Toronto like River Fest Elora, Rock the Park in London, Hillside in Guelph and more that I’m sure I am missing. There is nothing better than rocking out with your friends to some kick ass tunes with a cold beer in your hand. If you are really adventurous you might also be going to Osheaga (like me!) to catch Radiohead’s only Canadian stop at of the year. Buckle up, as these are only ten shows out of many that are worth going to this month!
Digital Dreams @ The Flats at Molson Amphitheatre
July 2nd and 3rd, 2016
$175.00 | 16+
The first big EDM fest of the summer (if you don’t count Bestival) comes to Toronto. Some real big heavyweights like Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren, Axwell and Ingrosso and Bassnectar will be the big draws. But make sure you also check out trance icons Cosmic Gate, party starter Griz, a live set from Infected Mushroom and much more! The three stages makes wandering around a ton of fun as you can explore different genres and varying degrees in intimacy.
Kongos @ Velvet Underground
July 9th, 2016
$26.00 | 19+
Tickets are sold out online, but there will be a limited amount available at the door for this very intimate club show. This show is a special one as every other stop on their tour is at festivals or large venues. If you don’t already have tickets you probably aren’t going to this show sadly.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds @ Molson Amphitheatre
July 10th, 2016
$65.50-$128.00 | All Ages
The former Oasis co-leader has been rocking his solo act for a few years now and getting increasingly more positive reviews. The band has two albums now and is worth checking out if you miss Brit Rock.
Swans @ the Danforth Music Hall
July 10th, 2016
$22.50-$39.50| 19+
The experimental noise rockers are (at the moment) disbanding after they are done the tour for their new album The Glowing Man. The band is essentially Michael Gira and friends at this point so this isn’t really the end for whatever comes out of the man. Make sure you check out our previous interview with Gira.
Paul McCartney @ FirstOntario Centre
July 21st, 2016
$39.50-$295.00 | All Ages
First off, congrats to Hamilton for booking the one and only Macca, second good friggen luck getting tickets! I don’t really know what else to write about this show, you either love one of the greatest musicians ever or you don’t know his work. He plays career spanning sets consisting of solo material, Beatles songs, Wings tunes and covers. He has the energy to outperform artists that are 50 years his junior and his live band is top notch.
Wayhome @ Burl’s Creek
July 22nd-24th, 2016
$249.99+ | All Ages
Last LiL Coverage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
This is the centerpiece for Ontario festivals once again. Last year the first multi-genre camping festival rocked our world and we expect nothing less this year. With headlining sets from Arcade Fire, The Killers and LCD Soundsystem you can put it down on par with just about any other fest in North America. Once you start looking at the undercard and see that they have M83, Haim, Ray LaMontagne, The Last Shadow Puppets, Glass Animals, Savages and more you know it’s going to be a good time. On the Canadian side of things there is Metric, Arkells, Mac Demarco, BBNG, Bahamas, Keys n Krates and more, allowing us to celebrate we have to offer. There will be an army of LiL contributors there so come and say hi to your favourite writers and photographers!
Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals @ The Phoenix
July 22nd, 2016
$25.00 | All Ages
Malibu is one of the best albums of the year and it came out way back in January. If you haven’t heard it yet, .Paak is like a cross between D’Angelo and Kendrick Lamar (minus the super heavy commentary on black culture). He sings, he raps, and he plays drums and is just all around amazing. He was in Toronto a few months back opening for Bryson Tiller but he won’t be opening for people for much longer. It’s a damn shame I’ll be at Wayhome as he is a must see artist for me.
G-Eazy and Logic with YG and Yo Gotti @ Molson Amphitheatre
July 24th, 2016
$25.75-$99.25 | All Ages
It’s nice to see white rappers finally getting recognized for their work after having to toil in obscurity for so long. Why see each guy on their own when you can see them team up together! I expect the crowd to be as white as the headliners, but hey they make fun music so it will be a hell of a show!
The Lumineers @ Molson Amphitheatre
July 28th, 2016
$29.25-$63.75 | All Ages
The pop folkers return with their second album Cleopatra and it is as arena ready just like the first. Sure you might be as sick of hearing Ophelia as you were as hearing Ho Hey a few years back but they actually seem earnest when playing live and are worth the price of admission.
OVO Fest
July 29th-Aug 1st, 2016
On day 1 of the festival you have Wiz Khalfia, Snoop Dogg, Kevin Gates, Jhené Aiko, Casey Veggies and DJ Drama at the Molson Amphitheatre. Day 2 just announced is King of Soca, Machel Montano and dancehall legend, Beenie Man headlining Echo Beach. Day 3 and 4 is Back-to-Back Summer Sixteen shows aka the Drake and Future tour. Expect plenty of legendary guests to show up at all points during the weekend and for it to be impossible to get tickets.
