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June 16 - June 23, 2002 |
Toronto Music
North By Northeast invades city clubs again
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2002-06-02
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Julie Gravell performs June 8
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It is North By Northeast time again. The festival has staked a valid claim as the biggest and best annual music festival in Canada, and this year's instalment is full of promise.
At press time, the full schedule of who is playing where had yet to be announced, but we can preview the major NXNE events and pass on a few tips on which acts to watch out for.
NXNE traditionally kicks off with the White Ribbon Benefit Concert, designed to raise awareness of and funds for the fight against male violence towards women. It typically raises around $20,000 and this year's line-up for the June 4 show at The Phoenix is the most star-studded yet. Those appearing will include The Tea Party, Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, Big Sugar leader Gordie Johnson, Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), Ian Thornley (Big Wreck), Snow, Bruce Cockburn, and Damhnait Doyle. Advance tickets are $25, and a silent auction will be held for cool music memorabilia.
June 5 sees a free kick-off concert at noon in Nathan Phillips Square. The core of the festival, of course, are the music showcases, featuring hundreds of artists from North America and beyond. These are held from Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 8 at 25 of the city's music clubs. The best move here is to buy a NXNE wristband ($18) that will gain you admission to all the clubs.
With some 400 bands and solo artists participating, choosing who to see is quite the challenge. With most of the clubs in close proximity to each other, you should feel free to walk out of one band's set and catch a different one nearby.
Another recommended strategy is to concentrate upon seeing visiting acts rather than local club regulars. One hot tip is English band Koogaphone. Led by foxy singer Julie Gravell, the band has a feisty sound with glam and cabaret influences. Think the Pixies meet Kurt Weill. They'll rock out at the Bovine Sex Club on June 8 (10 p.m.).
Far more mellow are New Zealand duo Beach, a hit at NXNE 2000 with their melodic and summery pop sound. On the singer/songwriter side, Ottawa's Kathleen Edwards and Jim Bryson are both highly recommended, while the superb Oh Susanna never disappoints. A buzz is building around Inuk singer/songwriter Lucie Idlout, and there are reports that passionate Vancouver rocker Holly McNarland will return to action here, supporting new CD Home Is Where My Feet Are.
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