As I'm writing this we're a week or so away from leaving for NXNE. This week long mix of music,film, and interactive seminars is one of Canada's premier festival parties. In preparation for this week of debauchery and 4 A.M. Last Calls, I've decided to take a look at the 5 things that I'm looking forward to at NXNE 2011.
1 | Saturday Night @ Younge-Dundas Square
Huey Lewis once exclaimed that it was "Hip to Be Square" but on the Saturday Night at NXNE this year it will be hip to be at the Square. With the show being headlined by both Devo and Men Without Hats, this is one of the nights to take the party outside. The line-up leading up to the eighties throw down isn't that shabby either with Canadian indie rockers Gentleman Husbands, the technical punk brilliance of DD/MM/YYYY, and one of New York's biggest buzz bands Cults. So grab some street meat and make your way downtown for the Saturday night.
2 | London Bands in Toronto
NXNE at it's core is a week long hipster summer camp. What's the best part of any summer camp experience it's of course catching up with old friends. London is well represented this year. Be it Olenka & The Autumn Lovers on the Friday at the Gladstone or Say Domino on the Thursday Night at Rancho Relaxo. Or returning back to Rancho Relaxo
for the 3 A.M set. on the Saturday Night for A Horse and His Boy. If you hail from the Forrest City make sure to support your local acts while your there.
3 | Opopo
Having witnessed their show at the A.P.K. Live earlier this year. This techno infused rock act is something not to be missed. If you need to dance and don't mind smoke and lasers see this show.
4 | A Very Musical Walk Through The Park
Branded as the NXNE picnic, Live in Bellwoods plays most during the afternoon hours. Featuring all acoustic performances might be the best way to relax and recover from the previous night's hangover. You can find past guests of the show Hands & Teeth and Allie Hughes wailing there hearts out in an open acoustic setting. Along with acts we're excited to see such as Modern Superstitions, Teenage Kicks, and Whale Tooth you might want to spend a lazy day in the park.
5 | The Comedy Records Showcase
As a comedian, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the week long Comedy Records showcases at this years NXNE. The Labyrinth Lounge will be rocking with laughter all week long. As some of the best young Canadian comedians will showcase their wares to the festival going public. Amongst the comedians I suggest you check out the straight out hilarious Bobby Mair, Mark Debonis who is fresh off his win at the Great Canadian Laugh Off, the epic Saturday Night show that counts Matt O'Brien and Bryan O'Gorman as it's comedy book ends. The Sunday show might be the best of them all as One of Canada's most cerebral comics John Hastings is the host as a comedian whose act has legs yet his legs have no knees, the incredible comedy terminator known as Rob Pue.
Pat Tiffin BDM Correspondent/Comedian/New Blogger
1 | Saturday Night @ Younge-Dundas Square
Huey Lewis once exclaimed that it was "Hip to Be Square" but on the Saturday Night at NXNE this year it will be hip to be at the Square. With the show being headlined by both Devo and Men Without Hats, this is one of the nights to take the party outside. The line-up leading up to the eighties throw down isn't that shabby either with Canadian indie rockers Gentleman Husbands, the technical punk brilliance of DD/MM/YYYY, and one of New York's biggest buzz bands Cults. So grab some street meat and make your way downtown for the Saturday night.
2 | London Bands in Toronto
NXNE at it's core is a week long hipster summer camp. What's the best part of any summer camp experience it's of course catching up with old friends. London is well represented this year. Be it Olenka & The Autumn Lovers on the Friday at the Gladstone or Say Domino on the Thursday Night at Rancho Relaxo. Or returning back to Rancho Relaxo
for the 3 A.M set. on the Saturday Night for A Horse and His Boy. If you hail from the Forrest City make sure to support your local acts while your there.
3 | Opopo
Having witnessed their show at the A.P.K. Live earlier this year. This techno infused rock act is something not to be missed. If you need to dance and don't mind smoke and lasers see this show.
4 | A Very Musical Walk Through The Park
Branded as the NXNE picnic, Live in Bellwoods plays most during the afternoon hours. Featuring all acoustic performances might be the best way to relax and recover from the previous night's hangover. You can find past guests of the show Hands & Teeth and Allie Hughes wailing there hearts out in an open acoustic setting. Along with acts we're excited to see such as Modern Superstitions, Teenage Kicks, and Whale Tooth you might want to spend a lazy day in the park.
5 | The Comedy Records Showcase
As a comedian, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the week long Comedy Records showcases at this years NXNE. The Labyrinth Lounge will be rocking with laughter all week long. As some of the best young Canadian comedians will showcase their wares to the festival going public. Amongst the comedians I suggest you check out the straight out hilarious Bobby Mair, Mark Debonis who is fresh off his win at the Great Canadian Laugh Off, the epic Saturday Night show that counts Matt O'Brien and Bryan O'Gorman as it's comedy book ends. The Sunday show might be the best of them all as One of Canada's most cerebral comics John Hastings is the host as a comedian whose act has legs yet his legs have no knees, the incredible comedy terminator known as Rob Pue.
Pat Tiffin BDM Correspondent/Comedian/New Blogger
