NXNE is finally here and in full swing, and in addition to being the unofficial kick off of summer in the 6, the multi-day festival is one of the best events in Toronto, and has become known for combining international headliners with emerging artists, and offering a plethora of interesting programming surrounding technology, the arts and music, of course.
Now in its 23rd year, NXNE has grown from modest beginnings to include conference talks, club experiences and a one-site, all-ages multi-day festival that goes down this weekend at the Port Lands. There's truly something for everyone over the next five days so whether you're interested in indie acts, splashy headliners or a great party, read on for our picks of what to see and do.
If You Want to See Some of the Best in Rising Talent
This year NXNE introduces the Club Land Curator Series, which puts some of Canada's rising talent in the spotlight with an interesting twist: all the shows are curated by more established leaders in the Canadian music scene ranging from broadcaster Raina Douris to Shad to Ian D'Sa of Billy Talent. Here are some of our picks for performances not to miss in the Curator Series.
June 20: Bueller at The Baby G
This fun-loving band of "four BFFs from toronto" was named after one of the 1980's most iconic teen characters, and their music sounds like it would fit perfectly in a soundtrack of a classic '90s teen comedy. If nostalgic pop-punk-rock is your thing, catch Bueller at the Baby G as part of the Club Land Curator Series, this one imagined by July Talk's Leah Fay. The rest of the lineup includes Tush, Regina Gently and Emporor X, and a $20 Curator Series wristband will get you in here as well as the rest of the Club events.
June 21: Above Top Secret at The Baby G
As a recording artist, host of CBC's Q and host of the documentary series Hip-Hop Evolution, Shad is a true oracle of music knowledge, so you know that his Curator Series will be on point. One of his featured bands is Above Top Secret, an experimental group out of Toronto who infuse elements of electronic music with hip-hop and dub for a genre all their own. Catch them at the Baby G on Wednesday, June 21 alongside Max Melanin and Miracles.
June 22: The Anti-Queens at The Horseshoe Tavern
All you really need to know about the Anti-Queens is in their Facebook band description: "8 tits (& occasionally a dick) with some instruments and a serious DIY ethic." These bad-ass babes make kick-ass music that's best described as punk rock grunge with a hint of pop. They'll be at the Horseshoe Tavern on June 22 alongside The Lazys, Crown Lands and Sweatshop Kids for Ian D'Sa's Curator Series event.