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If a sure-to-be phenomenal show by the reunited Television (June 9, 6 pm doors, at the Phoenix) and the Buzzcocks ‘ killer punk assault (June 10, 6 pm doors, Phoenix) aren’t enough to get you pumped for the 12th annual North By Northeast festival , just think about having the chance to see a staggering number of artists at over 30 venues in the downtown core for a piddling $28. You’re sure to find something to blow your mind, whether it’s Stars siren Amy Millan unveiling her hugely anticipated solo debut at NOW ‘s own showcase (June 9, midnight, the Reverb), the blistering Olde English rawk of Brutal Knights (June 8, midnight, the Silver Dollar) or the whimsical new wave pop of barely legal Spiral Beach (June 9, 11 pm, the Drake June 10, 2 pm, Dundas Square). Still not convinced? Take your pick of over 400 other acts who’ll be taking over clubs in the downtown core June 8 to 10. A wristband gives you access to all festival showcases, or you can try your luck and pay at the door of individual venues. Check www.nxne.com for a complete list of bands, venues and other details.
Jones for Indie
Harbourfront Centre is a consistent no-brainer destination for roof-raising summertime entertainment, but with this year’s Indie Unlimited fest (presented by NOW and kicking off August 25), they take it up another notch. Along with killer open-air performances by indie folk heartbreakers Great Lake Swimmers (August 26, 2 pm), cinematic classical savants Bell Orchestre (August 27, 4:30 pm) and electronic ace Matthew Herbert (August 25, 9:30 pm), you can cozy up to sizzling indoor acts curated by some of Toronto’s finest teams. The brains by the lake have teamed up with wunderkind promoter Eric Warner for a satellite version of his offbeat Over The Top fest August 26 in the Brigantine Room, while long-running indie community weekly Wavelength and new music haven the Music Gallery present a Late Night Now showcase in the Brigantine Room August 25. And, hey, the entire shebang is free and part of NOW’s 25th anniversary celebrations, so bring your party hats. August 25 to 27. 235 Queens Quay West. 416-973-4000, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.
Triumph of the Wilco
Now that Wilco ‘s morphed into the rawk ‘n’ roll whirlwind of guitar acrobatics otherwise known as the Jeff Tweedy Experience, watching axe ace Nels Cline freak out in the relatively subdued environs of a plush-seated theatre might seem a bit incongruous. Nevertheless, the superlative listening experience provided by the venue’s fab acoustics should help you pick apart every syllable of Tweedy’s increasingly cryptic lyrical meanderings when the post-alt-country rockers swing by Massey Hall July 7. 178 Victoria. $40.18-$45.18. 416-872-4255.
Morales’s house
Where’s the best place to hear a legendary NYC house icon like David Morales ? At one his own clubs, of course, in this case Sonic, his new after-hours club, on June 24. The sound system is top-notch, as is the lighting, and the wood floors are great to dance on for hours at a time. It is Pride weekend, though, so expect a huge turnout. Best to come very early or very late. The last time Morales played this room he reportedly continued till early afternoon, so in this case very late means daybreak. 270 Spadina. $30 advance, more at the door. www.ticketbreak. com.
Tapes ‘n’ ‘Heads
Post-punk dandies the Futureheads are listed as the headliners at the Phoenix July 26, but it’s Pitchfork-approved tuneful thrillers Tapes ‘n’ Tapes who have caused a buzz since word of this show hit the streets. It might be in the best interests of the Futureheads to flip the bill and let Tapes ‘n’ Tapes close the night rather than risk playing to tumbleweeds should a large portion of the crowd decide to split with the Tapes crew after their intense opening set. Just something to think about. 410 Sherbourne. $15. 416-870-8000.
Smoosh hit
Time is running out for indie rock sister act Smoosh , who only have a few more years to work their adorable preteen-prodigy pop magic before succumbing to puberty’s pimples-and-raging-hormones tragedy. Catch them when they bring the tunes from their forthcoming Free To Stay (Barsuk) album to the Mod Club June 17, opening for art pop savants Eels , or risk losing them to the worse-than-death fate of Danny Bonaduce Syndrome. Yikes. 722 College. $22.50. 416-870-8000.
The female Elvis
Hardcore rockabilly fans who saw Wanda Jackson and the Rizdales tear up the Cadillac Lounge last year will be delighted to know that the original “female Elvis” herself, Janis Martin , is going to be rocking up a storm at the swank Queen West night spot June 24. We can’t believe it either, but seeing Martin belt out her memorable movers like Drugstore Rock ‘N’ Roll, Bang Bang, Cracker Jack and My Boy Elvis should be two hoots and a holler. You might wanna buy a duck… and an advance ticket, since this show may sell out early. 1296 Queen West. $30. 416-536-7717.
