Toronto – It’s that time of year again. North By Northeast is once again upon us. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wait in line for a band that plays the cities five times a year and then at the end, you’ll look around at all your fellow music friends and realize that yes, this is the life. It’s been a few days since I’ve returned from the Old World and I guess I now have to focus on the future instead of the past. Every site does NXNE previews, so we’ve decided to do the same, only we will combine it with our love of food as well. It begins with Wednesday.
6/15/2011 + Asian Legend + Rivoli
Lineup: Library Voices, Loom, Megan Bonnell, SPECIAL GUEST!!!!!!, Meligrove Band, Paint Movement
Start off your Wednesday night right. Head over to one of my favorite digs, Asian Legend and grab yourself some tan tan noodles, soup filled dumplings and moo shoo pork before walking five minutes down to Queen street for a night filled with Canadiana goodness. Asian Legend serves primarily northern Chinese cuisine but their inclusion of soup filled dumplings (a Shanghai specialty) is also a welcome addition. The menu’s are in both Chinese and English, and for the non Asians, I can confirm it is actually the same price for both (no home town specials). The food is delicious and filling, which will be great for when you park yourself at the Rivoli for a night of solid music.
Library Voices and The Paint Movement have been doing the local circuit for years now and both their live shows have only improved with time, like wine. I’ve actually seen The Paint Movement at the Rivoli and the small room actually gives a nice intimate feeling to the band’s jazz influenced sounds. They’ll be previewing tracks off their new album, which is produced by Dave Neufield (of BSS fame). Another Toronto band, The Meligrove Band has never failed to disappoint with their energetic live show. I saw them on the CN Tower last year and it was great – full of fun indie grooves and a drummer who sings. Their comeback album last year (Shimmering Lights) was a great success and look for them to build upon that momentum this year.
There is also a special guest! It could be Kanye West, it could be me, it could be Blake Lively (although she won’t confirm it). That’s exciting to think about.
Megan Bonnell – South Korea by killbeatmusic
LOOM – Around Again (Island Mix) by Nevado
Library Voices – Haunt this House by TheAgencyGroup
The Paint Movement – Fortune’s Window by Nevado
Meligrove Band – Bones Attack by amediamindset
