On August 27 Purple Mountains were supposed to play a show at Lee’s Palace. Sadly, lead singer David Berman – who had recently returned to music a decade after retiring his beloved cult Silver Jews project – died by suicide shortly before his comeback tour was set to begin.
Instead, in Toronto, August 27 will be a celebration of the life and work of the poet and singer/songwriter. Taking place at the Tranzac, A Stone For David Berman will be a mix of poetry and music, with performances from local musicians and writers such as Lightning Dust, Deliluh, Lavender Bruisers, Matthew “Doc” Dunn, Carl Wilson and Meghan Harrison. The event will be hosted by journalist Vish Khanna, who had one of the final interviews with Berman on his Kreative Kontrol podcast.
“We decided to hold this event on the night Purple Mountains were supposed to perform, to help us all mourn and celebrate David Berman,” says Jesse Locke, who co-organized the event with fellow local musicians Kritty Uranowski, Kyle Knapp and Dunn. “He has been a massive influence on me personally as a writer, musician and generous-hearted human.” (Locke also wrote an obit, which you can read here.)
All proceeds from the event will be donated to mental health resources and suicide prevention services: Workman Arts, Over The Bridge and the Artists’ Health Alliance.
August 27 at Tranzac (292 Brunswick), doors 8 pm. $10 or pwyc. More info at Facebook.
More Just Announced Toronto Concerts
A Stone for David Berman: Lightning Dust, Deliluh, Lavender Bruisers, Matthew “Doc” Dunn and others at Tranzac Tribute show to the late Silver Jews/Purple Mountains songwriter. $10 or pwyc. August 27.
Sheer Mag at Lee’s Palace 8 pm. $21.50. showclix.com. September 3.
The Honest Heart Collective, Brother Esley at Horseshoe doors 8 pm. $15. ticketmaster.ca. September 12.
Walrus, Lenny Bull, Sterling & The Birdwatchers, Plain Jade at Horseshoe doors 8 pm. $12. eventbrite.ca. September 19.
Bastille, Joywave at Budweiser Stage 8 pm. $39.50-$65. ticketmaster.ca. September 20.
Marlon Craft at Drake Hotel doors 8 pm. $15-$50. rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. September 25.
Snarky Puppy at Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto Jazz Festival presents two shows, two different set lists. 7:30 & 11 pm. $50-$60. torontojazz.com, ticketpro.ca. September 27.
Ancient Shapes, Teenanger at Lee’s Palace doors 8 pm. $15. On sale August 16. rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. October 10.
Night Owl Festival: Of Montreal, Possum, Badge Époque Ensemble, Doomsquad, Ice cream and others at Various venues Added to the lineup alongside Oh Sees, No Joy and more. 4-day pass $80. eventbrite.ca. October 11-14.
Songs of Heaven: Owen Pallett, Cris Derksen, Matt Smith at Art Gallery of Ontario Specially commissioned new musical works. $45. ago.ca. October 12-13.
Ruel, Destiny Rogers at Velvet Underground doors 9 pm, all ages. $26-$35. On sale August 16. ticketweb.ca. October 21.
Elton John at Scotiabank Arena October 22 show rescheduled to October 24. 8 pm, all ages. From $184. ticketmaster.ca. October 23-24.
JPEGMAFIA, Butch Dawson at Adelaide Hall doors 8 pm. $25. On sale August 15. ticketweb.ca. October 31.
Ra Ra Riot at Mod Club doors 8 pm. $18.50. ticketfly.com, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com. November 10.
Julia Jacklin, Christian Lee Hutson at Phoenix Concert Theatre doors 8 pm. $20. -On sale August 16. ticketfly.com, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com. November 12.
LOUIS THE CHILD, LÉON, SEBASTIAN PAUL at Rebel doors 8 pm. $TBA. On sale August 16. ticketmaster.ca. November 13.
Jack Klatt at Drake Hotel doors 8 pm. $13.50. rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. November 17.
Collie Buddz at Phoenix Concert Theatre doors 8 pm. $30-$40. On sale August 16. rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. November 23.
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) at Queen Elizabeth Theatre What Does This Button Do? solo speaking show. Doors 7 pm, all ages. $49.50-$69.50. On sale August 16. ticketmaster.ca. November 23.
Issues, Polyphia, Lil Aaron, Sleep Token at Opera House doors 7 pm, all ages. $32. On sale August 16. ticketmaster.ca. December 3.
Tim Baker at Danforth Music Hall doors 7 pm. $36-$46. On sale August 16. rotate.com, ticketfly.com, soundscapesmusic.com. December 4.
Battles at Lee’s Palace doors 8 pm. $25. On sale August 16. ticketfly.com, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com. December 7.
MULATU ASTATKE at Mod Club doors 7 pm. $40. On sale August 16. ticketfly.com, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com. December 11.
A$AP Ferg, Murda Beatz, Madeintyo at Rebel doors 7 pm, all ages. $47.50-$65. On sale August 16. ticketmaster.ca. December 17.
