North By North East 2009

June 16th, 2009

nxne

You’ve got to love any city that can have a celebration of the arts one week (Luminato) and a music festival the next (North by North East)

After 15 years and still going strong, the North by North East music festival is about to take Toronto by ’sound’ again! From June 17th to the 21st 2009, over 500 local, national and international artists will have the chance to showcase their talent. The acts take place in different downtown venues and for $50 you can get wristband entrance into all of them! Last year had over 70,000 people and i’m sure this year will be no different!

Some of this years heavy hitters include: GZA, Black Lips, The Kool Kids, and Spiral Beach, BUT the act I can’t wait to see is Canadas/Oak Ridges/Toronto’s own Alison Jane.

Legend has it; she began singing as early as she learned to speak. By eleven, she was utilizing her skills with the accompaniment of her first guitar–eventually emulating her predecessors in rock ‘n’ roll. Although she’s in her mid 20′s her voice and content is one of a much more experienced performer. She’ll be having two FREE shows on the 17th and 18th at Gorilla Monsoon (372 Queen Street West) and another at The Horseshoe on July 1st, 2009 (playing with Left Turn City and Canadian Idol Contestant Billy Klippert with $8 cover). She’s coming hot off a win from iRepairs ”the battle of the bands”, where she won the grand prize. I highly recommend watching the video below of Alison rocking out to a cover of Tears for Fears/Gary Jules song Mad World and don’t forget to pick up her new album “SAKAITA” coming soon!