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NXNE 2016 must-sees: TUNS, Daniel Caesar, A-WA and more

NXNE at various venues, Monday to Sunday (June 13-19). Various prices. nxne.com/tickets.


NXNE has a smaller music component this year in favour of a video gaming/interactive conference focus, but what’s on offer onstage ain’t too shabby. The much-ballyhooed Port Lands waterfront site gets put to the test for the first time with an all-day hip-hop-heavy event on Friday (June 17) and a headlining performance by Father John Misty on Saturday. 

Best bet for a light show and bumpin’ dance floor:

MSTRKRFT

The Toronto duo of DFA 1979’s Jesse Keeler and Al-P has re-emerged after seven years with news of a third album, Operator, set for release through Last Gang on July 22. It’s noisy, harsh and nihilistic, featuring vocals from Converge’s Jacob Bannon and hardcore pioneer Sonny Kay, to name a few. Get an advance taste at NXNE.

At the Horseshoe (370 Queen West), Tuesday (June 14), doors 8:30. $21.50. 

Best bet for a Halifax Pop Explosion flashback:

TUNS

Do you love melody? Harmonies? Go see TUNS, featuring members of Sloan, Super Friendz/Flashing Lights and the Inbreds, which adds up to power pop gold via the Halifax sound. They, too, have a forthcoming album (out August 26), and a sneak peek is available here. Plus, Alvvays-approved newbies Kiwi Jr. (featuring Jeremy Gaudet from Boxer the Horse) open.

At the Garrison (1197 Dundas West), Wednesday (June 15), doors 8 pm. $16.50.

Listen here.

Best bet for a Kendrick Lamar cameo:

Kamasi Washington

Okay, chances of Lamar showing up are very low, though Kamasi Washington will no doubt prove why the acclaimed rapper featured him all over his To Pimp A Butterfly record. The L.A. saxophonist and composer has become a major player in both jazz and mainstream music circles thanks to co-signs from Lamar, Thundercat, Flying Lotus (Washington’s The Epic came out on Brainfeeder last year) and other futuristic musicians.

At the Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), Friday (June 17), doors 7 pm. $29.50-$49.50.

Best bet for a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience:

Bry Webb And The Tims Play The Songs Of The Replacements

The title says it all. Constantines singer and solo artist Bry Webb takes on the revered discography of punky Minneapolis college rockers the Replacements, and you know it’s going to be nothing short of life-affirming. Backing band the Tims includes Mike Deane, Jenny Mitchelle and NOW’s own Vish Khanna.

At Adelaide Hall (250 Adelaide West), Friday (June 17), doors 7 pm. $15. 

Best bet for a heart-swell of hometown pride: 

Daniel Caesar

Daniel Caesar‘s stripped-down soul has been on our radar for a while now, and he’s been making lots of behind-the-scenes moves, like signing with the Feldman Agency for Canadian representation and ICM Partners in the U.S. and being featured on River Tiber’s recent West single. He’s earned it all on the strength of last year’s Pilgrim’s Paradise, and he sold out the Mod Club in April. Also don’t miss local rapper/producer Tasha the Amazon at 1:20 pm on the Canal Stage, where she’ll likely perform brand-new banger Picasso Leaning. 

At the Port Lands (51 Commissioners), Friday (June 17), doors 1 pm, all ages. Two-day pass $79.50-$149.50.

Best bet for feeling like you’re not in Toronto:

A-WA

The Yemeni sisters’ mesmerizing blend of hip-hop and electronic-folk – all informed by their upbringing in the tiny southern Israeli village of Shaharut – has been earning them comparisons to M.I.A. and Ofra Haza. And their debut album, Habib Galbi, is fresh from the plant just in time for this NXNE set. 

At the Mod Club (722 College), Sunday (June 19), doors 7 pm. $25.50.

carlag@nowtoronto.com | @carlagillis

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