Those of us who had been considering taking a road trip to Ottawa Jazz Fest to see Kamasi Washington got good news Tuesday morning, April 5, with NXNE‘s announcement of its first round of Clubland acts.
The L.A.-based jazz saxophonist is a confirmed performer at the festival, which runs from June 13-19 at various venues around town including, if all goes according to plan, the Port Lands site across from Sound Academy.
Other acts announced today include Cleveland rockers Pere Ubu, New Jersey punks Screaming Females, garagey Montrealers King Khan and the Shrines, Welsh alt rockers the Joy Formidable, plus Eagulls, the So So Glos, the Big Ups, Stonefield, Bertrand Berlin, Moving Units and the Hunna.
Additionally, a Quebec showcase at the Garrison (1197 Dundas West) features an apparently reformed Bionic, USA Out of Vietnam and the Yardlets. Lee’s Palace hosts a Billions showcase with former NOW cover stars Cold Specks and DIANA, plus Escondido. Union Label Group takes over the Hard Luck (772A Dundas West) with the Brains, the Beatdown, K-Man & the 45s, Dig It Up! and Danny Rebel & the KGB.
NXNE president and managing director Michael Hollett says in the press release that more programming announcements are coming in the next few weeks. Although this first round has a decidedly rock and punk focus, in a previous interview Hollett told NOW that NXNE 2016 will, in part, reflect “this incredible moment in time for hip-hop in Toronto.”
Hollett also said that the fest, now in its 22nd year, will have a newfound video gaming focus, with the largest video gaming event in Canada happening at Yonge-Dundas Square, and be the most inexpensive music festival in town. NXNE Clubland shows are individually ticketed and start at $13.50. Tickets go on sale Friday (April 8) at 10 am. nxne.com/tickets. Win a pair of passes to the Port Lands here!
carlag@nowtoronto.com | @carlagillis