Canada’s hot spots for music lovers

http://www.theguardian.com/explore-canada/2015/mar/23/canadas-hot-spots-for-music-lovers

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Canada has enjoyed a number of high-profile musical success stories in the last decade, with artists such as Drake, Arcade Fire, Grimes, Caribou and hardcore punks Fucked Up finding their way onto the world stage. But the country is thriving at a grassroots level, too. Dig deeper and you’ll find cutting-edge electronica, idyllic folk festivals, and a natural experimentalism that reflects the nation’s rich and varied culture. Beating the likes of Drake and Jessy Lanza to the Polaris Music Prize last year was Tanya Tagaq, an Aboriginal musician from Victoria Island whose album Animism blended experimental electronics with Inuit throat singing. But Canada’s music industry wouldn’t be reaching such heights without great local scenes and venues to provide year-round support to its next crop of emerging artists.

Want to experience Canadian music for yourself, but not sure where to start? Canada’s cities are a great place to begin, but venture further afield to places such as Cape Breton island in Novia Scotia too – a province renowned as being a breeding ground for local musical creativity – and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Toronto and Ontario

Horseshoe TavernFounded 1947 as the Country Roots n’ Rockabilly Music Tavern, The ‘Shoe has a grand old heritage – everyone from the Rolling Stones to Willie Nelson have walked its boards. Endearingly rickety, but still in tune with the times, it hosts has live music several nights a week.

Canadian Music Week, May 1-10 The biggest event on Toronto’s musical calendar lines up 10 days of live music across the city, with 60 venues accessible with a single wristband. Playing at the annual event this year are Faith No More, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Kiesza and local boys Billy Talent, and there’s an extensive fringe including comedy, films and digital summits.

Arts & Crafts Field Trip, June 6-7 The Toronto indie label, co-founded by Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene, throws its third annual festival in the city’s idyllic Forth York Garrison Common. This year’s bill features Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket and The War On Drugs.

The Black Sheep Inn, OttawaIt’s a short 25-minute drive from Ottawa city centre, but this riverside venue in nearby Wakefield is worth the journey. Self-described as a “working man’s juke joint”, the crowds are up for it, the sound is great, and bands love it. Indeed, both Do Make Say Think and Martha Wainwright have written songs in its honour.

Montreal

Casa Del Popolo, MontrealIf you’re looking for something more underground, try this venue in Montreal’s bohemian Plateau borough. Owned by Mauro Pezzente, formerly of Godspeed! You Black Emperor, it’s a vegetarian café and art space with a music policy that leans towards the improvised and avant-garde.

Mutek, May 27-31In more recent years, this boundary-pushing annual electronic music and digital arts festival has gone global, throwing parties in Brazil, Argentina and China. Montreal remains its home, though, and last year celebrated its 15th birthday with sets from Oneohtrix Point Never, Richie Hawtin and Nicolas Jaar.

The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, June 29-July 9The traffic in downtown Montreal grinds to a halt for 10 days every summer when the world’s biggest jazz festival comes to town. With over two million attendees, there’s music everywhere, from gigantic outdoor stages and park shows to more intimate basement soirees.

Pop Montreal, September 16-20An eclectic not-for-profit annual festival, mixing up international and Francophone acts, alongside symposium discussions, film screenings, visual art and more.

Greater Canada

Commodore Ballroom, VancouverIt opened in 1929, the year of the Great Depression, but the Commodore survived the lean years, and following extensive renovations it’s back at its best. Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg have passed through in recent years, with shows from the likes of Caribou, OK Go and Father John Misty in the calendar.

Sled Island, June 24-28, CalgaryInspired by the model of Pop Montreal, in 2007 Zak Pashak, owner of Calgary music venue Broken City, decided to found his own festival. It’s a mad dash between dive bars, soft-seat theatres and outdoor tents, with a few big headline names but overall DIY feel. Curating this year, Godspeed! You Black Emperor.

Winnipeg Folk Festival, July 9-12, WinnipegOnce a year on the second weekend in July, around 80,000 people flock to Birds Hill Provincial Park 20km north of Winnipeg for this open-minded folk festival. Bluegrass and gospel performers rub shoulders with world music and indie-folk bands, and the ukelele jams go on late into the night.

Fredericton Harvest Blues and Jazz Festival, September 15-20It’s a little chillier than New Orleans, but the spirit of Mardi Gras overtakes this thriving New Brunswick microcity once a year in September. It all takes place across six blocks right across downtown, with big tops and marquees rolling to Cajun music, blues and jazz. There are free shows in Officer’s Square, and plentiful outdoor bars keeping things well lubricated.

Celtic Colours International Festival, October 9-17, Cape Breton IslandOn Cape Breton Island, you can still hear a Scottish lilt to the local accent, an echo of the settlers that traveled here in the 19th century. Thanks to its proud heritage, traditional music from Britain and Ireland can be heard all year round on Cape Breton. Every autumn, visitors from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Brittany join locals for Gaelic song, square dancing, storytelling and fiddle and bagpipes music.

To find out more about Canada and book your visit, go to keepexploring.co.uk