A weekly feature that highlights the 10 best music happenings in Toronto. Here's what's on this week, Aug. 29 to Sept. 4.
Glenn A theatrical look from the Soulpepper company at the captivating Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. Sept. 2 to Oct. 1 (now in previews). $23 to $89. Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, 416-866-8666 or soulpepper.ca.
Ashkenaz Festival The annual event of Jewish music and culture includes the Canadian premiere of an edgy folk opera, Lilith, The Night Demon in One Lewd Act (Sept.1, 6 p.m., $22 to $25). Aug. 26 to Sept. 1. Various prices (including free events) and venues (Harbourfront Centre is the hub). 235 Queens Quay W., ashkenazfestival.com.
Summer Friday Fan Festival With Hamilton rockers Monster Truck as the musical guest, the Toronto Blue Jays host a giant patio party before a tilt with Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees. Aug. 29, 4:30 p.m. Free. Outside Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, toronto.bluejays.mlb.com.
Arcade Fire What Toronto-centric tune will they pull out of their bag? Touring in support of their dynamic album Reflektor, the Montreal rockestra has been honouring each of their tour stops with a cover song inspired by the city they're playing. Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. $45.25 to $89.50. Molson Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Ari Hoenig Group An intense Philadelphia-bred drummer leads a New York-based jazz troupe for two nights. Aug. 30 and 31, 9:45 p.m. $TBD. Rex Jazz & Blues Bar, 194 Queen St. W., 416-598-2475 or therex.ca.
Guelph Jazz Festival Among other events, the far-out annual jazz happening has the Sun Ra Arkestra (under the direction of Marshall Allen) in a collaborative performance with the dance company Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie (on Sept. 6). Sept. 3 to 7. Various prices and venues. Guelph, Ont., guelphjazzfestival.com.
Wicked The Tony-winning musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz visits Toronto one more time. Sept. 3 to Nov. 2. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 416-872-1212 or ticketking.com.
Miranda Lambert The likable country star celebrates Platinum – her record-sales standard and latest album. Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. $38 to $89.75. Molson Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Rich Aucoin In advance of his album-release show at the Drake Underground on September 9, the Halifax popster previews his danceable, gang-shouted Ephemeral LP at a TIFF-sponsored street party. Sept. 4, 8:30 p.m. Free. King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue. tiff.net.
Southside Shuffle The annual blues blowout brings Coco Montoya (Sept. 5), Janiva Magness (Sept. 6), Watermelon Slim (Sept. 6 and 7) and the rising guitar star Jarekus Singleton (Sept. 6 and 7). Sept. 4 to 7. $20 (weekend pass). Memorial Park, Port Credit, Ont., southsideshuffle.com.
BOOKING AHEAD
All-Canadian Jazz Festival Sept. 5 to 7. Port Hope, Ont., allcanadianjazz.ca
The Blasters Sept. 6. Horseshoe Tavern, ticketfly.com
Riot Fest: The Cure, Metric, Paul Weller, The National Sept. 6 and 7. Downsview Park, ticketfly.com
Loudon Wainwright III Sept. 7. Hugh's Room 416-531-6604 or hughsroom.com
Muskoka Sound Music Festival: Shad, Serena Ryder, Hawksley Workman Sept. 12 to 14. Huntsville, Ont., muskokasound.ca
Sandbanks New Waves Festival: The Hylozoists, Bry Webb, Cuff the Duke Sept. 13. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County, Ont., sandbanksnewwaves.com
Paolo Nutini Sept. 15. Sound Academy, 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Living Colour Sept. 18. Opera House, ticketfly.com
TSO's Opening Night: Joshua Bell Sept. 18. Roy Thomson Hall, 416-593-4828 or tso.ca
Sam Smith Sept. 21. Kool Haus, 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca
Life, Death and the Blues Sept. 30 to Oct. 19 (previews begin Sept. 25). Theatre Passe Muraille, 416-504-7529 or http://passemuraille.ca
Johnny O'Neal Oct 2 to 4. Jazz Bistro, jazzbistro.ca
ZZ Top Oct. 3. Casino Rama, Rama, Ont., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca
Buddy!: The Buddy Holly Story Begins Oct. 14 to Nov. 16. Winter Garden Theatre, 1-855-622-2787 or ticketmaster.ca
Doug Paisley Nov. 7. Horseshoe Tavern, ticketfly.com
Kira Isabella Nov. 20. Adelaide Hall, northerntickets.com
Brad Wheeler