School’s out, beaches are packed and festivals are going on every weekend. This is the stuff that makes Toronto one of the best cities in the world. There is no shortage of great things to do, and if your thing is music there is no shortage of great options!
Bombino @ Lee’s Palace
July 3rd, 2018
$22.50 | 19 +
I’m a big fan of Tuareg music, a style of African Blues music that is mostly associated with protest songs but have some killer riffs in them. Having seen them back at Wayhome a few years ago in the sweltering heat (Bombino joked about how it felt cold compared to Nigeria, where he is from). He recently put out the excellent Deran, his sixth record, earlier this year.
Devon Welsh @ Baby G
July 8th, 2018
$12.00 | 19 +
The former Majical Cloudz singer is back doing solo shows having released a few new tracks this year completely independent of any label assistance. There is still an air of mystery over what he will do next given that his solo years have been spent sporadically releasing material. Catch him at one of his four scheduled shows in North America or risk not seeing him so quite some time!
Shame @ Horseshoe Tavern
July 9th, 2018
$15.50 | 19 +
These British post-punks released their debut album Songs of Praise that looks likely to make many publications (and potentially Live in Limbo’s) best of 2018 lists. They thankfully had their venue upgraded from Smiling Buddha to the Shoe to allow for more people to come.
Courtney Barnett @ Danforth Music Hall
July 9th, 2018
$37.50 | 19 +
Barnett put out yet another stellar album this year with Tell Me How You Really Feel that goes even harder than her debut three years ago. No idea if she will play songs from her last year’s Lotta Sea Lice her album with fellow long haired guitar master Kurt Vile, but it would be great to see some since they likely aren’t going to tour together again.
Kesha and Macklemore @ Budweiser Stage
July 16th, 2018
$34.75-$200.00+ | All Ages
Last LiL Coverage of Macklemore
After Kesha appeared on Macklemore’s hit song Goold Old Days off of last year’s Gemini album, they have decided to tour together. Who opens for whom is unknown at this point but it will be a fun night of glitter bombs and white people rap-singing for sure.
Janelle Monae @ Rebel
July 16th, 2018
Sold Out | 19 +
The android Queen made her return to music after a five year hiatus to put out the excellent soul and funk album Dirty Computer. In her spare time Monae launched a successful acting career starring in the Oscar nominated films Moonlight and Hidden Figures, but it is even more exciting to see her back on stage again!
Japanese Breakfast @ The Phoenix
July 18th, 2018
$18.50 | 19 +
Jbrekkie (or Michelle Zauner) as she is affectionately known as puts on one of the best live shows on the indie circuit today. She shreds, she can play softly and her voice is breathtaking. She’s put out two albums under the name Japanese Breakfast and both are worth checking out for sure!
Radiohead @ Scotiabank Arena
July 19-20th, 2018
Sold Out | All Ages
It’s actually happening! Radiohead is finally coming back to Toronto. After the terrible stage collapse back in 2012 at Downsview Park that unfortunately killed their drum tech Scott Johnson and the prolonged legal battle that took place afterwards it seemed they would never come back to the city. Now two years after A Moon Shaped Pool came out, the legendary band finally plays Toronto again. Everyone and their grandmother will be at these two shows.
Deafheaven @ The Opera House
July 27th, 2018
$22.50 | 19 +
The black-gaze metal band from California comes back to Toronto in anticipation of their latest album Ordinary Corrupt Human Love that comes out exactly two weeks before this show on July 13th. There were rumours that they were supposed to play the secret Lower Bay show during CMW, but it never happened and Fucked Up instead headlined.
St. Vincent @ Sony Centre
July 31st, 2018
$52.89-$147.00 | All Ages
Annie Clark keeps changing her style and keeps getting better, last year’s MASSEDUCTION came in as our 33rd best album of 2017. She just released another huge video for Fast Slow Disco showing yet again she is the future of pop music.
