Canadian Music Week is just around the corner, and I’m in love.

I was a CMW attendee long before I started writing about and shooting shows. I love this festival so much, I’d book vacation time so I could take in as many bands as possible. I love the way it makes our city feel, filling the streets and clubs with musicians, and I love covering this festival. My only regret is that there’s no possible way to see all of the bands that I’d really like to see. It’s just not possible!

CMW 2016 will feature over 800 bands, appearing in 58 venues, over 7 days, with the lion’s share happening Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Trust me, you’ve gotta plan and pace yourself kids!

If you’re a regular reader you won’t find anyone absolutely new on my list, all of my picks are bands I’ve written about before. I’ve either seen them before or I’ve interviewed them, and I can’t wait to see them live. In chronological order, here are my top 5 picks.

Meghan Patrick at Phoenix Concert Theatre on May 3rd – 10:00 PM
The Hot Shots CMW Showcase
Presented by: KX Country and Boots & Hearts

I have a special spot for Meghan Patrick in my heart. She was the lead singer in the first band I ever shot. Let me just say, she set the bar very, very high and she continues to raise that bar every single time I see her. She’s warm, sweet, charming and real when you talk to her, and then there’s her talent. When she sings soft and low it gives me goosebumps and when she lets it rip, her voice is rich and strong. In three short years she’s come a long way, and I like to say I knew from the second she opened her mouth that she was destined for big things. Meghan is an absolute must-see!

Poor Young Things at Lee’s Palace on May 4th – 10:00 PM
The Julian Taylor Band Showcase
Presented by: 94.9 The Rock

Originally from Thunder Bay, Poor Young Things now call Toronto home. The five-piece rock band is made up of lead singer and guitarist Matt Fratpietro, Michael Kondakow on guitar and vocals, Dave Grant on guitar and vocals, Scott Burke on bass and Konrad Commisso on drums. You can expect great musicianship, intense energy, amazing harmonies, laughs, and feeling the need to jump up and down, seriously!

I’m sneaking this one in here, I’ll definitely be sticking around to check out The Julian Taylor Band!

Ivory Hours at The Horseshoe on May 5th – 1:30 AM
Tommy Stinson w/ Special Guests Showcase

The London-based band features Luke Roes on vocals and guitar, Chris Levesque on bass, and Thomas Perquin on drums. I’ve fallen hard and fast for this band. Their version of pop-rock is catchy, sassy, with lyrics that make you think. I love the tone of Luke’s voice, and I can’t wait to see them live. Ivory Hours have lots of great videos on their YouTube channel, you should check it out and maybe I’ll see you at The Shoe.

Petric at Boots and Bourbon on May 6th – 8:00 PM
Cold Creek County w/ Special Guests Showcase
Presented by: KX Country

Jason and Tom Petric hail from Transcona, just outside of Winnipeg, and this handsome country duo are steaming up Canadian country radio. Their current single All She Wrote is full of sweet guitar and banjo, seamless harmonies, and a great story. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jason and Tom and they’re smart, funny, talented and super likable. I’ll be riding east to Boots and Bourbon to see Petric, and I’m sure they’ll be worth the trip.

The Lazys at The Cameron House (back room) on May 6th – Midnight

The Lazys will be performing an acoustic set at The Cameron House in the back room Friday, May 6th. They’ll be hitting the stage at midnight. When they were here last they blew up The Horseshoe with their balls out, no holds barred, ridiculously energetic rock and roll show. The Lazys have come all the way from New South Wales, Australia for this showcase and while I’m not quite sure what an acoustic set from this band will sound like, I can’t wait. The Lazys are Leon Harrison on vocals, Matty Morris on guitar, Glenn Williams on bass, Liam Shearer on guitar, and Andy Neilsen on drums.

It was a real challenge narrowing my must-see list down to  5 bands. I have to mention that my CMW schedule also includes spending my Saturday afternoon at the Aussie BBQ. There’s nothing like live music on a Saturday afternoon!

Get your CMW 2016 wristbands here, and start building your must-see list.

We’ll have coverage throughout the festival. Stay tuned!

Author profile

Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger