toronto concerts

Hot Ticket: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Millionyoung, Aimee Mann, Ted Leo, The Luyas, The Strumbellas

Live music picks for MONDAY NOVEMBER 5 through SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2012.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 5 / THE ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / 147 DANFORTH AVE / $20 / 19+

Chances are that you've heard the funky sounds of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, even if you think you haven't. The Danish sextet has been on the scene since 2007, and their catchy blend of indie pop and acid jazz has appeared in a plethora of shows and commercials, including one for iPod touch and a memorable Heineken spot. They've opened for artists like Amy Winehouse and Katy Perry, and they show no signs of slowing down. Millionyoung will open.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6 / AIMEE MANN / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / 147 DANFORTH AVE / $36.50 - $42.75 / ALL AGES

Aimee Mann is, in my humble opinion, one of the most underrated artists of her generation. She's that rare breed of artist who combines an astounding talent for songwriting with an amazing voice and considerable instrumental skills. My favourite film of all time, Magnolia, was based around some of her original material, and since my first viewing, I've been a huge fan of her work. This show gets my nod for the best concert you'll have the opportunity of seeing this week, hands down. Ted Leo will offer support.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7 / THE LUYAS / 918 BATHURST / 918 BATHURST ST / $10 - $12 / ALL AGES

Montreal is known for producing some truly awesome musicians, and indie rock quartet The Luyas are certainly proof of this. With a very unorthodox lineup of instruments that includes a French horn and a Moodswinger, the band has crafted a very unique sound that has garnered them considerable critical acclaim and a very loyal fanbase. This particular show will be a release party for their latest album, Animator, which is also their debut on Paper Bag Records.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8 / THE STRUMBELLAS / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $10 - $12 / ALL AGES

Y'all know that I'm a big, big fan of alt-country, and The Strumbellas are an example of exactly why I love this genre. This Toronto-based seven-piece band is clearly inspired by bluegrass, and their tunes are one hell of a lot of fun--this is the type of show that will get a crowd on their feet and hooting and hollering along with the band. Here's hoping that the Horseshoe is filled up for this one.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10 / ESCORT / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $16.50 - $20 / 19+

They say that disco died when the 1980s were ushered in, but Escort may have you thinking otherwise. Based out of Brooklyn, the band boasts no less than 17 (!!) members, and they've embraced the disco genre and made it their own. They refer to themselves as a "disco orchestra," and with a lineup that large, it's not difficult to see why. If you're in the mood for something a little different, this one may be worth checking out.

For more music listings, check out our events calendar.

Looking for tickets? Check out Rotate This or Soundscapes to avoid Ticketmaster robbery.

Have an event you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.

Photo of the Strumbellas courtesy of steveluscher on Flickr


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