Unless you really love the multi-act, multi-venue music fest experience, it doesn’t always make sense to buy a North By Northeast wristband. Admittedly, the $29 wristband isn’t a bad deal — you basically make up the cost by seeing three different shows over the course of the three-day fest. But if you’re trying to get the most for your hard-earned cash, you can’t do much better than strategically taking in the decent array of open-to-the-public events. It’s a pretty sweet way to get something for nothing (“something” in this case being “solid rock shows,” and “nothing” being “free”).
1. The NXNE Indie Music Marketplace, Yonge-Dundas Square, June 12-14
A recent addition to the NXNE slate, this year’s edition of the open-air concert-cum–merch bonanza is particularly impressive. There are more acts, for starters, and many of them are actually good (like, you’d pay money to see them). Highlights include leathery-but-still-vital Hamilton garage-rock stalwarts Teenage Head (June 12, 9pm), Degrassi- and David Miller-loving T.O. hip-hop ace D-Sisive (June 13, 4pm), awesome New Jersey stylized punk prophet Ted Leo and his Pharmacists (June 13, 9pm) and shimmery no-longer-just-synth-pop ensemble Small Sins (June 14, 3pm).
2. Acts at the airport
Granted, schlepping out to Pearson International isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but mini-road trip aficionados and those heading out of town can check out this year’s curious roster of acts in YYZ terminals. Many of the artists in the series played in the weeks leading up to NXNE, but there are still opportunities to check out roots troubadour Alun Piggins (June 12, 4pm, Stage A), eclectic UK klezmer-bluegrass fusionists 6 Day Riot (June 12, 6:30pm, Stage B), and see the strange spectacle of awesome acoustic ensemble Great Lake Swimmers attempt to quietly mesmerize travellers (June 12, 5pm, Stage A).
3. Park shows and in-stores
This year’s festival features a handful of free, all-ages events scattered in parks and record-selling establishments throughout the city. You can consult the NXNE website for a full rundown, but Criminal Records (439 Queen W.) has some super entertainment throughout the weekend, starting with a June 12 set from Ottawa-bred soulful roots renegades The John Henrys (7pm) and wrapping up with Saturday’s throwdown from vicious VanCity garage-rock duo The Pack A.D. (6pm).
PSST...
If you’re a fan of indie music but hoping to avoid NXNE altogether, this year you’ve got a good reason to do it. In fact, you have — excuse the lame joke — better reason than ever: the Better Reasons festival, a fantastic three-day bash put together by Blocks Recording Club, Fuzzy Logic Recordings, the Tranzac and Out of this Spark. Better Reasons, which kicks off tonight (June 12) and runs through Sunday, boasts a very strong lineup that includes art-folk ensemble Forest City Lovers (June 12), dreamy chanteuse Lily Frost (June 13) and the electro-punk antics of Kids On TV (June 15). It all takes place at the Tranzac (292 Brunswick): it’s a PWYC fundraiser for Sketch, the local org that helps at-risk youth grow through creative endeavours. Check out www.outofthisspark.com for full details.