Stravinsky, go-go dancers and a blues legend
Seven shows that deserve groupies
Echo and the Bunnymen
The undead ’80s
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The Liverpudlians’ epic rock album Ocean Rain was one of the few good things about 1984. Now the band is revisiting its greatest glory—enlisting the help of an orchestra for the task—a feat they performed at Radio City Music Hall and at the Royal Albert Hall to raves last year. Oct. 20.
The Hidden Cameras
Glee club
Dublin Street United Church
Origin: Orphan, the new album from this Toronto indie band, is a minor pop masterpiece, all galloping beats, naughty lyrics and the kind of simple-sweet melodies that Feist wishes she could write. The Cameras’ live shows are notoriously ecstatic affairs, with crazily costumed go-go dancers and a choir (who also dance). While the fall tour’s Toronto dates hadn’t been announced at press time, Guelph is getting a gig—it’s worth the trek. Oct. 23.
Keb’ Mo’
The blues loyalist
Koerner Hall, Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory of Music gets a little closer to the Mississippi Delta with a concert by the American bluesman more prosaically known as Kevin Moore. The clear-voiced Mo’ is hailed by fans for his deft guitar playing and old-fashioned style, which both owe a debt and pay tribute to beloved pioneer Robert Johnson. Oct. 16.
Kylie Minogue
The dancing queen
Air Canada Centre
A legend on par with Madonna in Europe and her native Australia, the pint-sized performer isn’t nearly as famous on these shores. That’s plain criminal to those who recognize the savvy pop star for what she is: the 21st century’s pre-eminent club diva. Mounting her first full-scale North American tour ever, she’s finally bringing her fabulosity to Toronto. Oct. 9.
Metric
Toronto pop royalty
Massey Hall
It took all of 15 minutes for Metric to sell out its inaugural appearance at the city’s most venerable music venue, a milestone for any local act (they swiftly added a second night). Those who’ve yet to fall for the band need only listen to their latest, Fantasies, a small sample of all that’s clever and thrilling about Emily Haines’ sexy vocals and Jimmy Shaw’s infectious, new wave–ish songs. Oct. 20 and 21.
Monsters of Folk
The new beardies
Massey Hall
Four of today’s most successful roots rockers—Bright Eyes front man Conor Oberst, My Morning Jacket leader Jim James, singer-songwriter M. Ward and musician-producer Mike Mogis—have homed in on one of modern music’s least successful conceits: the supergroup. Thankfully, the boys’ illustrious pedigrees mean there’ll be few indulgent guitar solos. Nov. 2.
Robert Lepage
From Quebec, with angst
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
The ever-industrious theatre titan Robert Lepage sweeps into town with this new operatic work, a few short months after his nine-hour Luminato marathon. The Nightingale and Other Short Fables fuses Southeast Asian puppetry with tales by Hans Christian Andersen and scores by Stravinsky. This is Lepage’s first visit to the COC since his 1993 production of Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung, so be prepared to stand in the rush line. Oct. 17 to Nov. 5.
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