The Toronto International Film Festival isn’t just for film buffs any more. Yes, movies are the heart of it. But the fest’s become a 10-day cultural celebration feting the entire city. And what’s a party without a soundtrack?
TIFF Festival Street
From Thursday to Sunday (September 4-7), the intersection of King and Peter (a stone’s throw from festival HQ, the Bell Lightbox) rocks with live music between 6 and 11 pm. Locally grown, internationally acclaimed acts like Adrian X, DIANA, Jason Collett, BADBADNOTGOOD and Maylee Todd are among the performers. TIFF can be pricey, but this is free.
TIFF + Rdio
This year, music streaming service Rdio becomes the fest’s official music partner. It’ll have a strong presence on King Street (specifically Rdio House at 335 King West) and also at Massey Hall. On Saturday (September 6), Rdio presents English indie pop artist Ellie Goulding for free at the storied venue. Get tickets at Rdio House or through social media. Follow @RdioCA on Twitter and use the hashtag #RDIOTIFF.
The Valley Below
Oh, you want to see an actual film, do you? Plenty at the fest have great soundtracks, but few contain all-original music by local and Canadian artists. The Valley Below – set in a small town in the Alberta Badlands – boasts a score produced by Gavin Gardiner of Toronto indie rockers the Wooden Sky (whose new album came out September 4) that includes solo work from him, as well as by Vancouver singer/songwriter Dan Mangan, Montreal-based Rae Spoon and others. See The Valley Below review.
