Songs For Syria
An eclectic mix of indie bands and DJs join forces this week to raise money for Lifeline Syria, a Toronto-based charity that supports Syrian refugees settling into new lives in Canada.
The Songs For Syria benefit show at the Silver Dollar on Thursday is not the first local music fundraiser for the refugee cause – Choir! Choir! Choir!’s campaign has raised $30,000, including $10,000 from last week’s benefit gig – but those familiar with the scene will likely find the lineup enticing in addition to helping the cause.
Buzzy synth-pop outfit Prince Innocence headline, and much-loved post-punk duo Ice Cream, who rarely perform live, are also on the bill. The night was curated by synth musician Elliott Vincent Jones, who is performing with Owen Pallett drummer Rob Gordon as E ADI – a techno project inspired by the music Jones heard on a recent trip to the Middle East.
“I fell in love with the region,” Jones tells NOW. “I was close enough to the conflict in Syria to get an understanding of the severity of what’s going on there.
“This is my first time doing a benefit, but the timing lined up perfectly, with Canada agreeing to take thousands of Syrian and Iraqi refugees before and into the new year. I want to do anything I can to make them feel that this country is as much theirs as it is ours. Anything to help.”
With Prince Innocence, Ice Cream, Whimm, the Seams, E ADI, Doomsquad (DJ set) and Moon King (DJ set) at the Silver Dollar (486 Spadina), Thursday (December 17). Doors 8 pm. $10 or pwyc.
STARS Phoenix Concert Theatre (210 Sherbourne), Thursday to Saturday (December 17-19) Set Yourself On Fire 10th anniversary shows.
1-800-DINOSAUR Coda (794 Bathurst), Thursday (December 17) James Blake’s techno alter ego.
YES YES Y’ALL WITH CAKES DA KILLA, DJ ROMEO Nest (423 College), Friday (December 18) The male version of Lil Kim.
ZEDS DEAD Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), Friday and Saturday (December 18-19) See preview.
THE LORD ALMIGHTYS, THE COLA HEADS, PITY, FUZZ NUGS DJS Handlebar (159 Augusta), Friday (December 18) Double album release party.
CANCER BATS Hard Luck Bar (772A Dundas West), Friday and Saturday (December 18-19) Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), Sunday (December 20) Hardcore band pulls a three-peat.
NEW FRIES, MICK FUTURES, TEENANGER, TONKAPUMA Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton), Friday (December 18) Sistering fundraiser.
RODRIGUEZ Queen Elizabeth Building (180 Princes’ Blvd), Friday and Saturday (December 18-19) Sugar Man returns.
NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS II w/ Big|Brave, Jessica Moss, Gates, Northumbria Geary Lane (360 Geary Lane), Saturday (December 19) An eerie post-rock moment.
THE OBGMS, STUCK ON PLANET EARTH, AUKLAND, SATE Mod Club (722 College), Saturday (December 19) T.O. punks play Jingle Bells Concert.
CMDWN (FIJI, CA$TRO GUAPO) Tattoo (567 Queen West), Saturday (December 19) Toronto via Atlanta hip-hop.
SIMONE SCHMIDT, MIA SHEARD, APRIL ALIERMO, MAYA KILLTRON, DON KERR, STEVEN FOSTER Burdock (1184 Bloor West), Sunday (December 20) Girls Rock Camp fundraiser.
JENNIFER CASTLE, FIVER, DAMIAN ROGERS Horseshoe (370 Queen West), Monday (December 21) Winter Solstice show.
