PERFORMANCES
Jim Gaffigan (Saturday): Jim Gaffigan hits the Massey Hall stage this weekend in what’s sure to be a very funny evening. You may know Gaffigan from his appearances on late night shows with David Letterman and Conan O’Brien but my personal fave was his guest appearance as the loveable, if odd, best friend to Murray on Flight of the Conchords (recall his initial introduction to Murray’s “newly added friends” Bret and Jermaine over barbeque). Check out the embedded video above for some of Gaffigan’s more classic stand-up, this time on the topic of camping from his perspective (he notes that he is “what you would call indoorsy”).
Spencer Wells, Deep Ancestory: Inside The Genographic Project (Monday): The third presentation in this year’s new National Geographic Live series, Spencer Wells is a Population Geneticist who is currently taking it upon himself to create a “detailed, genetically-based map of human migration.” Seriously impressive stuff, right? (Makes your victory dance about the accomplishment of finally cleaning the attic this weekend seem a bit lacklustre, doesn’t it?). You can read all about the project here and learn about how you can participate by doing a cheek swab to “reveal your deep ancestry” here.
WEB WATCH
As you may have read on our Twitter last week, David Myles has a new music video. You can check out the video on the theme of being on the road here and check out his performance in person at Glenn Gould Studio on March 24.
If, after experiencing Myles’ life on the road, you want to nestle in to your hometown, check out The Grid’s look at music inspired by and about Toronto neighbourhoods. Groups like Metric, Rush, Lowest of the Low, and the Barenaked Ladies are covered giving shout-outs to Parkdale, North York, Leslieville, and the Danforth, respectively plus more. [And thanks Mr. Kiggins, we now see a] Sadly, no mention of the Spadina Bus.
And just for fun, check out this article in The Toronto Star about how the Beatles’ Abbey Road was once again the highest selling vinyl album in the U.S. More interesting perhaps, is why it’s the highest selling Beatles vinyl recording (hint: it’s probably not why you think). And for an evening celebrating the music of the Fab Four, check out Classic Albums Live taking on both Revolver and Rubber Soul at Roy Thomson Hall next weekend.
AUDIO-FILE
The good folks over at NPR Music have been kind enough to share Rodrigo y Gabriela’s latest, Area 52, via First Listen. The Mexican-born, Ireland-based duo hit the Massey Hall stage April 16.
And CBC Concerts on Demand also has some good stuff for your ears this week. The 2011 Women’s Blues Revue (which took place at Massey Hall this past November) is now available and features Shakura S’Aida, Suzie Vinnick, Kat Danser, Ada Lee, Emma-Lee, and Treasa Levasseur.
ACCOLADES
The BRIT Awards nominations came out last week and we are delighted to see that Feist made the cut with a nomination in the category of International Female Solo Artist. Additional shout-outs go out to recent Massey Hall performers Bon Iver (for nominations in International Male Solo Artist and International Breakthrough Act) and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (for a nod in the category of British Male Solo Artist) as well as to Ed Sheeran (who performs with Snow Patrol at Massey Hall in April) for his mega-sweep with nominations in British Male Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Single, and Mastercard British Album of the Year. You can check out the full list of nominations here.
Stefania Paterak is Programming Associate at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
{ 2 comments }
Thanks and good catch! You’re right – I now see that the Spadina Bus is in fact included in the Chinatown section. We’ve made the appropriate correction above.
You may want to double check the Grid article about neighbourhood songs – Spadina Bus and the Shuffle Demons are fully represented on the map.
Comments on this entry are closed.