Cody Simpson
If you’re looking to check out Canadian musical talent live in Toronto, this month’s shows are sure to satisfy. From iconic artists like Jim Cuddy to radio giants like Simple Plan, February gives you the chance to chase away the winter blues with live music by some of the best from this nation, plus a roster of notable international musicians. Here’s a sampling of who’s playing in Hogtown this month.
Getting over the hurdle
Cody Simpson
Tuesday, February 7th
Phoenix Concert Theatre
Tickets via Ticketmaster
A blond-haired, blue-eyed teen pop sensation from Australia, Cody Simpson has gone from uploading Youtube videos of his covers to scoring a Top 20 hit on the Billboard 200 album chart in just two years. Singing upbeat, catchy songs about teenage love, Cody has already worked with industry heavyweights such as Flo Rida, signed a major label record deal, and hired Justin Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, to guide his own career. The show at Phoenix is sure to overflow with screaming fans. If you love teen pop idols, you can’t miss this star on the rise.
City and Colour
City and Colour
Friday, February 10th and Saturday, February 11th
Massey Hall
$46.64-$56.64 at Ticketmaster
Formerly a singer and guitarist for the now-defunct Canadian hardcore band Alexisonfire, City and Colour is the successful solo project of Dallas Green. Having won multiple Juno and MuchMusic awards and garnered a devoted fan base, this St. Catharine’s native rolls into the Big Smoke to play his melancholic and melodic brand of acoustic tunes over two nights at Massey Hall. The shows are sure to be packed; singer-songwriter fans should not miss this talented Ontarian’s performance.
Kathleen Edwards
Kathleen Edwards
Saturday, February 11th
Phoenix Concert Theatre
$40 at Ticketmaster
Another gifted Canadian singer-songwriter, Kathleen Edwards played local clubs, released her own songs, and managed her own gigs across Canada to start off her career. Her storytelling talents and hard work earned her critical buzz, and her 2003 debut, Failer, soon got her praise on the New York Times and a performance on David Letterman. Now a respected artist in country and folk music circles, Kathleen is in Toronto this month to promote and perform her latest album, Voyageur, which chronicles a romance from beginning to end.
Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Sunday, February 12th
Massey Hall
$65-$95 at Ticketmaster
A classic British hard rock band, Deep Purple has sold over 100 million albums since the late ’60s, and was once entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the loudest musical group. Having weathered multiple band member changes and explored various musical styles, including progressive rock and classical, the band is still active and arrives at Massey Hall this month to give classic rock fans a show to look forward to.
Die Antwoord
Die Antwoord
Tuesday, February 14th
Phoenix Concert Theatre
$29 at Ticketweb
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to see Die Antwoord, an electro hip-hop trio from South Africa that combines electro and hip-hop styles with bizarre visuals that draw from trailer parks, horror films, and over-the-top sexuality? Coming off of massive viral Youtube hits, plus signing then leaving a major record label, the group will be playing Toronto to support their upcoming independently-released album Ten$ion. Expect to hear South African slang and very rude rapping and to be simultaneously creeped out and turned on.
Jim Cuddy Band
Jim Cuddy
Tuesday, February 14th
Massey Hall
$44.14-$71.14 at Ticketmaster
If off-the-wall hip hop isn’t your thing, there’s another great artist playing live on Valentine’s Day. A Canadian singer-songwriter icon, Jim Cuddy is well known for being part of Blue Rodeo, a long-running adult rock band that has become a national institution. A master raconteur blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Cuddy’s solo efforts have also earned him success and praise. He will be playing Massey Hall in support of his latest album, Skyscraper Soul, a collection of songs inspired by and dedicated to Toronto.
Sleigh Bells
Sleigh Bells
Saturday, February 18th
Phoenix Concert Theatre
$33.75 at Ticketmaster
This dynamic duo from Brooklyn burst onto the indie music scene in 2010. With loud, distorted guitars juxtaposed with feathery, sugary vocals, the band delighted critics and music fans of numerous genres with a fresh mix of metal, pop, and urban sounds. After a successful 2011 filled with international touring, the band releases their follow-up album, Reign of Terror, in February. Head to the Phoenix to be among the first to hear the new tunes live!
Simple Plan
Simple Plan
Sunday, February 19th
Air Canada Centre
$45.50-$70.50 at Ticketmaster
Hailing from Montréal, these bilingual pop-punkers have been cranking out chart hits for a decade now. They’ve achieved longevity by writing incredibly catchy songs about teenage angst, isolation, and growing up. Touring behind their latest collection of hooky tunes, Get Your Heart On, the show at the ACC is sure to be filled with big, bright riffs and raised fists.
