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Danny Michel
Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West), tonight (Thursday, October 2)
The lauded semi-local indie singer/songwriter emerges from his self-imposed refuge in the country with a set of lovely literate pop that plays like a mix tape, spanning everything from Cheap Trick to the English Beat to Tom Waits. See feature, page 85.
Ozomatli, Hoobastank, All American Rejects, Diffuser
The Docks (11 Polson), tonight (Thursday, October 2)
The Hoobastanked-up lineup might look like a waste of time, but hard-hitting L.A. Latin funk orchestra Ozomatli will make the trip to the Docks worthwhile. See feature, page 88.
Paper Bag 1st Anniversary with Stars, Lady Lustre and Bodega
Horseshoe (370 Queen West), Friday (October 3)
Babies undergo their biggest growth spurt during their first year, and ditto for Paper Bag Records. This two-night birthday celebration (starting Thursday) showcases the upstart indie’s solid roster. Montreal dream-pop geniuses Stars headline Friday’s line-up, but make sure to get there early to catch Lady Lustre, Stars starlet Amy Millan’s rootsier side project. See feature, page 62.
Calexico, the Frames
Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West), Friday (October 3)
Any time the desert-demented Calexico crew roll into town, you know you’re in for a magical night, and not even the teary emo ballads of Dublin-based Palace tribute the Frames can break the Calexico spell.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Rivoli (332 Queen West), Saturday ( October 4)
Brooklyn’s funk soul sista threatens to raise the Rivoli roof once again, so get your tickets early to avoid the lockout.
Ron Sexsmith, Kyp Harness, Erin McKeown
Phoenix (410 Sherbourne), Tuesday ( October 7)
Perpetually on-the-verge singer/songwriter Sexsmith never disappoints, especially now that he’s starting to rock out with his new band.
