Canadian Music Week celebrates 30th year

It’s that time of year again; Canadian Music Week has officially begun. On March 21, music enthusiasts begin their migration to Toronto to enjoy an annual Canadian festival, celebrating a milestone with its 30th year.

Fans, who’ve had a long year’s wait, can expect five days of live music performed around Toronto — at more than 70 venues.

The inauguration of Canadian Music Week (CMW) marked the beginning of what has grown to be one of Canada’s most prominent festivals.

Spanning all around Toronto, the music displayed varies in genre, speaking to the diverse musical preferences of Canadians. CMW also provides a film festival, showcasing new films, upcoming and famous directors and an international comedy fest, including performances from Jackass’s Steve-O and Tracy Morgan of 30 Rock.

Among the most anticipated events of Canadian Music Fest is this Wednesday’s concert at the CN Tower’s Horizon Restaurant, which will celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary.

Acts set to perform at the gala are The Joel Plaskett Emergency and Ben Caplan. Beginning in the afternoon at 4 p.m. and only lasting until early evening at 7 p.m., the gala’s aim is to congratulate the festival’s longevity and commemorate the impact it has had on Canadian music.

The excitement will ensue as long anticipated band Blackie and the Rodeo Kings are performing “Kings and Queens” at Massey Hall. “Kings and Queens” is a conglomerate of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings alongside female singers that are friends and inspiration to the band — including Serena Ryder and Roseanne Cash.

Wednesday’s events will act as a great jump-start to the festival.
For the Indie lovers, The Velvet Underground would be the desired location, with CMF Showcase Indie Round Table on Friday and The Indie Machine on Saturday.

Most importantly, The Indies at Fairmont Royal York on Saturday will hail some of the most visible bands on the indie music scene. Headlining The Indies is synth-pop band Passion Pit who will share the stage with the celebrated newcomers the Sheepdogs, indie-folk singer Dan Magnan, rock artist Rich Aucoin and Young Empires.

Canadian rockers I Mother Earth will be headlining shows on both Friday and Saturday at the Sound Academy. After an eight-year hiatus the band will be playing with Toronto’s Dinosaur Bones and Blackie Jackett Jr.

Other anticipated CMW events include a Treble Charger concert on Wednesday at The Pheonix Concert Theatre and Slash, featuring Mules Kennedy will take the Pheonix stage on Friday.

On Sunday, the festival will close with a performance by Australian band The Temper Trap at The Phoenix.

Other shows to look out for are The Trews, playing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre both Friday and Saturday with opener Poor Young Things.

Dragonette is performing at The Hoxton on Friday with Eric Solomon and Young Empires.

For those unable to make the trip to Toronto, Dragonette is performing locally the following evening at Uptown Waterloo’s Starlight Lounge.

Canadian Music Week is continuing their legacy, celebrating the festival’s annual success with great parties and music.

Ultimately, enjoying and supporting Canadian bands and this Canadian event is an incredible way to unite with like minds over the love of music.