Best concerts in Toronto this summer? We asked eight music lovers
Manuela, 24
“I use fanny packs instead of purses to keep my hands and hips free to dance.”
Current favorite music genres: “Salsa, reggaeton and indie rock.”
Upcoming shows: “Le Tigre!”
Top locations in Toronto: “I like an intimate show at the Danforth Music Hall – the sound is great, I usually have a good view and the venue is beautiful – but ultimately History comes first. It’s spacious and cool, modern and has unparalleled sound quality.”
Concert Look: “I wear platform Dr. Martens to every concert – they’re comfortable, versatile and mosh-proof. But most importantly, they add about two inches to my height (I’m 5’4″).
Adam, 62
“Music really has to be live; it is the magic of the moment when musicians play each other off.”
Current favorite music genres: “Jazz, rock, reggae, classical.”
Upcoming shows: “Herbie Hancock, Paul Reddick Blues Band, Alicia Keys and The Dave Young Brazilian Sextet.”
Best Show You’ve Ever Seen in Toronto: “Robi Botos jazz (keyboard) and Larnell Lewis (drums) at The Rex. Music really has to be live; it is the magic of the moment when musicians play each other and conjure up music that is unimaginably ecstatic, exciting and original.”
Concert Look: “I dress for comfort. If it’s hot, I might wear light cotton pants and a linen jacket, custom made by Bebe’s in Hoi An, Vietnam.”
Dhriti, 23
“The Opera House has the most beautiful old architecture but is not too big, so you have a good view everywhere. They also have a spacious tiered balcony which is great for people like me who can feel claustrophobic in the GA area.”
Current Favorite Music Genres: “I really enjoyed both old school and newer soul artists like Etta James and Thee Sacred Souls. I’ve also been in a ’90s alt-rock mood and listened to bands like The Breeders.
Upcoming shows: “I don’t have tickets to any of these yet, but I’d love to see Declan McKenna and Florist.”
Best Show You’ve Ever Seen in Toronto: “I really loved Lorde’s Solar Power tour last April! She played at Meridian Hall with Remi Wolf, who I’m such a big fan of. It was the first concert I went to since the start of the pandemic, and a very special concert because her music was so fundamental to my teenage years. Her set design was beautiful and her energy was electric! The concert was also during the last week of my bachelor, so I cried a few times because it came full circle.
Concert Look: “I wore this to a boygenius concert and it’s a new favorite! The shirt is from Ardene and I also wore it for the Caroline Polachek concert in April. My skirt is from Fabindia; my father brought it back for me as a gift from his recent trip to visit our family. My shoes are Doc Martens and my necklace is moonstone, so it has an iridescent blue hue that reminds me of one of my favorite boy genius songs, ‘True Blue.’
Jane, 24
“I like that most Toronto locations don’t take more than 45 minutes to get to and that they’re all close to public transportation.”
Current favorite music genres: “I listen to a little bit of everything, but my favorites are R&B, hip-hop and dancehall.”
Upcoming shows: “Beyoncé (hopefully accompanied by Blue Ivy!) and Drake, both for the second time.”
Top location in Toronto: “History – not only is the sound experience incredible, the view is great no matter where you stand and there’s not that crowded, claustrophobic feeling you usually feel in most general shooting locations.”
Concert Look: “I would describe my appearance as cute and sensible. It’s just as important to me to be stylish and comfortable so I can dance the night away without having to re-adjust my clothes every few minutes. My bag will always hold the essentials – wallet, portable chargers and lip gloss – and it will usually be a clear bag to make security checks as smooth as possible. Running shoes are also ESSENTIAL!”
Madi, 23
“I love meeting other people who love the same artists and music. Whether it’s in line, at the bar or in the washroom, I’ve always been able to befriend someone at every show.”
Current Favorite Music Genre: “As the summer of 2023 rolls around, catch me on all my Afrobeats playlists.
Upcoming shows: “Rema, Brent Faiyaz, Rina Sawayama and shamelessly The Jonas Brothers (I’m a Nick girl).”
Top location in Toronto: “Budweiser Stage has always held a special place in my heart, especially for summer shows. Lawn or in the 100’s, every ticket I’ve bought from Budweiser has been a good seat, view, and show. Also, being able to settle in for an evening of live music while watching the sunset is unbeatable.”
Concert Look: “In my culture, red is a lucky color and if luck was an outfit, this would be it. While each part of this outfit was found individually, together it’s a set that complements me and gives me confidence under the bright, color-changing concert lights.
Gilles, 50
“Toronto has sometimes had a reputation for being a snooty city, but I’ve always found concert attendance to be community-friendly.”
Current favorite music genres: “I’ve really gotten into the spin and I like it when the instructor loads rock from different eras.”
Upcoming shows: “My family and I are going to Madrid soon, where I hope to see a bit of the Mad Cool Festival: Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Keys and more in Spain? ¡Ole!”
Top location in Toronto: “You can’t beat Budweiser Stage on a warm summer night. Great views, even from the lawns, and the sound is usually top-notch. But I really miss going to Barrie’s Molson Park!”
Concert Look: “I think the best word to describe my look is ‘comfortable’. You should never have to worry about what you’re wearing, interfering with spontaneous air guitar or drumming in public, or even dancing, despite my overall worthlessness.
Code, 31
“Toronto has good concert vibes – you can make new and crazy friends who like the same weird music as you.”
Upcoming shows: “Hopefully Queens of the Stone Age, 50 Cent & Busta Rhymes and Arctic Monkeys.”
Current favorite music genres: “Judging by Spotify, a lot of pop and metal.”
Top location in Toronto: “Budweiser Stage because it’s all outdoors, so ideal for summer concerts.”
Concert Look: “My go-to options are loose and comfortable with a bit of color, so I don’t have to worry about feeling too restricted.”
Laura, 27
“One week I was seeing an Arabic jazz band and the next week I’m going to see Beyoncé! I don’t think there are many cities where you can find such an offer.”
Current favorite music genres: “Reggaeton, electronic pop.”
Upcoming performances: “Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour at the Roger Center. I’m DYIing my outfit for today. I just know that the audience will give everything for the show and I will sing my lungs out. Apologies in advance to my seat mates! Also AltIn Gün at The Danforth Music Hall! They are a Turkish psychedelic rock band and I think their sound is so unique. And Rina Sawayama at History. Rina is an up and coming pop icon, but she incorporates everything from country to metal rock into her work.”
Prime location in Toronto: “The Budweiser stage. I feel like everyone who attends, as you know, comes in as a fan.
Concert Look: “I always like to stay comfortable with jeans or shorts, but have fun with the top half. I did that with this asymmetrical bodysuit, I think it keeps the all-black look a little more interesting. Concerts, of course, are always a great excuse to wear my cowboy boots! I paired a circle belt as a trendy addition to compliment them. I’m a big fan of accessories, especially for concerts when you want to keep your clothes on the comfy side. Lately I’ve been more working with metallics, so you can see that in the thick bracelets and shoulder bag.”
