Morgan Sevareid-Bocknek, 29, editorial
Favourite venue: The Bovine Sex Club! It’s not a real sex club, but it is an iconic punk venue that’s been kicking since 1991. They host a biweekly cabaret of burlesque and drag that has become my drag family and were the first to put me on stage as a performer. The Bovine hosts all kinds of amazing acts and parties and has amazing cocktails on their Tiki Bar roof.
Favourite concert memory: I saw Roger Waters play “The Wall” at the Rogers Centre in 2012 with my best friend and my mom. I was 15 and grew up loving Pink Floyd. Seeing the wall go up and come down was so freaking cool. There were so many giant and upsetting puppets. It solidified my love the power of rock ’n’ roll and my hatred of fascism.
Best shows this summer: So far this summer I’ve seen Creative Sweets, NOBRO, Cadence Weapon, Theo Vandenhoff, the Ratskin Family Band, and too many DJs, drag and burlesque performers to name. My favourite was Jim E. Brown. His set is like if Florence + the Machine was for men who hate themselves. He has this song called “I’m Quitting Prozac to Continue Drinking” that people crowd-surfed to. He played his song “Rat in Bin,” four times in a row. I lost one of my acrylic nails in the pit.
My concert look: I love to wear a look that is tactical, so I can dance and thrash around in the mosh pit. Fishnets, boots, bodysuits, mini skirts with built in shorts, fanny pack. Always a fanny pack.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: Toronto has long been known for awful crowds who don’t stand up or get into the show. We are often polite to the point of being a snooze for performers, and I resent this! I want to dance!
Justin Smirlies, 35, editorial
Favourite venue: Depends on the season, but typically it’s Danforth Music Hall. It’s a bit older and has some character, plus it has a slightly slanted floor that makes the sight lines better when you’re standing near the back.
Best shows this summer: Highlight is probably seeing Angine de Poitrine open for Jack White at RBC Amphitheatre. I never understood the hype when they went viral online earlier this year, but after seeing them live I’m now fully on board. Another favourite: a shameless plug for my band Survival Club, which played the No-No Room (at the Dock Ellis) in June.
My concert look: At my age, comfort over style. Usually a basic T-shirt or short-sleeve shirt, with shorts. If I’m feeling like I’ll be brave enough to jump into the mosh pit, I’ll wear shorts with zippers (don’t want to lose my keys and phone!). I don’t really care how I look — I’m not the star of the show.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: Aside from price, my biggest gripe would probably be fan behaviour. I’m guilty of filming a few snippets here and there, but please don’t film the whole thing. Also, I can’t stand people who video call their friends to “watch” the show with them. Jeez, just live in the moment.
Laura Palombi, 30, marketing
Favourite venue: Toss up between Massey Hall and the Budweiser Stage (now RBC Amphitheatre). The open air vibes of RBC are immaculate and the space still feels intimate.
Favourite concert memory: Beyoncé for her Renaissance tour at the Rogers Centre in summer of ’23. Out-of-this-world production, powerhouse vocals and serendipitously finding seats during the show that allowed my friends and me to sit side-by-side!
On this summer’s list: Olivia Dean! I saw her last summer and now she’s onto a bigger stage.
My concert look: My vintage Danier leather top! It’s my go-to with just the perfect rock ‘n‘ roll feel for any show.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: I wish the energy of the performers was matched by the crowds. Toronto crowds are sometimes too low key and unwilling to let loose and get a little weird.
Alex Liepold, 37, marketing
Favourite venue: The Monarch Tavern is an iconic place for the vibe but also because a lot of bands or artists tend to make their way through there when they’re starting out or playing Toronto for the first time. The staff is also great, and being across the street from Bitondo’s for a postconcert snack is always a plus.
Favourite concert memory: I saw Canadian punk icons D.O.A. at Lee’s Palace a few years back and that was really cool to cross off my bucket list. They still put on a great show even after 40-plus years. Another one was a U.K. band called Idles, who I saw play History in 2022. Between the energy of the crowd, the set list and the performance, it’s one I still revisit to this day.
My concert look: I’m easy. It’s usually venue-specific more than anything, indoors vs. outdoors. I’d say you’ve always got to wear comfy shoes.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: Aside from ticket cost, venues closing due to high rent or development feels like an ever-present threat to the cultural landscape of the city.
Sima Shakeri, 31, editorial
Favourite venue: I finally got a chance to go to History this year — several times in fact — and I really like it, mostly because of the raised section at the back of the general admission standing area near the sound booth. Usually, if a show is GA, I either have to line up super early if I want any hope of seeing the performer since I’m five-foot-one, or I’m out of luck.
Favourite concert memory: Monumentour in June 2014, which was a co-headline show with Fall Out Boy and Paramore at what was then called the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. The only downside was both headliners had meet-and-greet ticket options available (but no option to meet both) — and I had to pick between them. I ended up picking Fall Out Boy because they are my favourite band ever, but I am still so sad I never got to tell Paramore how much they meant to me. On the bright side, my ticket, which included early access, a poster, lanyard and other merch items, and a meet and greet with Fall Out Boy, cost me less than $200. These days, a basic ticket with absolutely none of the perks and a far worse view costs just as much, if not more.
Best shows this summer: I saw 5 Seconds of Summer at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, and BBNO$ at the RBC Amphitheatre. I had a lot of fun at both shows, but I have to go with 5SOS. Their stage production was insane.
My concert look: I usually go for a band tee and either a plain skirt or shorts, along with heeled boots. I constantly worry about hurting my ankles, but if it’s not a show with staggered seating and I’m not guaranteed a barricade spot, I know I won’t be able to see anything. I try to match my earrings and makeup to whatever the theme is. When I saw Halsey, I did tones that matched her “Badlands” album cover. When I saw My Chemical Romance, I had rusty red eyeshadow everywhere, and big black Xs on my eyes. Sometimes the makeup gets messy or smeared, but I think the imperfections make it even more concert-worthy. I’m there to have fun, not look like a Sephora ad.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: If you want that GA front-barricade spot, you gotta line up for hours. I also wish ticket prices were cheaper for the big pop-girlie shows too. I missed out on Lady Gaga, Tate McRae, Katseye, and Sabrina Carpenter’s recent Toronto shows, but I refuse to pay $500-plus for crummy nosebleeds.
Melanie Karalis, 36, public relations and brand engagement
Favourite venue: For intimate live music any day of the week, I love the Cameron House and Drom Taberna on Queen West. For dancing, Standard Time on Geary is doing great things to bring more top house and techno talent to Toronto. For outdoor gigs, nothing beats the RBC Amphitheatre on a summer night.
Favourite concert memory: When I saw U2 at the Air Canada Centre (now Rogers Centre), my ticket was randomly selected to go inside the inner circle of the stage. It was my dad’s birthday, and I was able to bring him too — it made for an epic gig.
Best shows this summer: The 99s at the Drake Hotel — this is such a fun night out for sing-along nostalgia. Doghouse Orchestra at Cameron House. Florence + the Machine at Scotiabank Arena.
On this summer’s list: Rhythm Open Air: DJ Godfather and more at 131 McCormack St.; Metric, Broken Social Scene and Stars at RBC Amphitheatre; Sex Pistols at History.
My concert look: Anything that’s fun and comfortable to last all night. I always bring a button down!
Ana Pereira, 26, editorial
Favourite venue: RBC Amphitheatre. No matter where you are, you’ll have a good view of the stage and a great time. The lawn is perfect for dancing with friends. I’ve made awesome summer memories there.
Favourite concert memory: Taking my dad to see the Cure at Budweiser Stage in the summer of 2023. We held hands as we danced to “Just Like Heaven.” My dad was born in the ’70s and I grew up listening to the Cure with him. When I was a teenager, I used to think his music taste was lame, but now I love it.
Best shows this summer: I haven’t been to any concerts this summer — I spent money going to a World Cup game instead.
On this summer’s list: I’m going to see Big Thief play Meridian Hall in August. This is my dream concert and I’m very excited!
My concert look: Always a band or graphic T-shirt, comfortable shorts/pants and sneakers. If I’m feeling it, I’ll wear Olivia Rodrigo-inspired winged eyeliner.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: Waiting in the queue on Ticketmaster only to discover that tickets are sold out and you’ll probably have to sell a kidney to pay resale prices.
Nicole Wynter, editorial administration
Favourite venue: The Mod Club. I was there in the early days and I’m glad to see it’s still going strong.
Favourite concert memory: Seeing the OG lineup of Duran Duran on their reunion tour in 2003 (I was too little to see them when they were first popular in the ’80s). It was at the Kool Haus, and I got the set list afterward.
Best shows this summer: I’ve seen a few artists at the FIFA Fan Festival site; including Deborah Cox, Kiesza and Dwayne Gretzky; Lambrini Girls at the Concert Hall; Jack White with Angine de Poitrine at RBC Amphitheatre; Triples and Fleurs Electra at St. Anne’s Church; Austra at Nathan Phillips Square; Digable Planets at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. My favourite would probably be Mei Semones at the Mod Club — she blends jazz, bossa nova, J-pop and grunge.
On this summer’s list: This is all on the (very ambitious) wish list; I don’t have tickets for anything at the moment: Tame Impala, J. Cole, Herbie Hancock, Kehlani, BTS, Arlo Parks, Wu-Tang Clan, Kim Gordon, Jungle, the Charlatans and Charli xcx.
My concert look: No particular look — usually depends on the weather and who I’m seeing, but comfortable shoes are always a must.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: The Live Nation/Ticketmaster monopoly is egregious and is definitely a major factor in outrageous ticket prices and scalper dominance.
JP Fozo, 52, editorial
Favourite venue: For me, the east end is blessed with the Holy Trinity of music venues: the Opera House (the most intimate), the Danforth Music Hall (best sight lines) and History (great sound and space and gets amazing retro acts and rising stars).
Favourite concert memory: I’m old so I’ve got a lot. I’ve seen the Beaches at more intimate venues (Supermarket and Danforth Music Hall), but my favourite Toronto concert memory is of them in summer 2024 on the lawn of the then Budweiser Stage. It was the first concert with my whole family together. The sun was shining and we ended up seated on blankets next to friends and their children and, by hilarious coincidence, all those kids’ former kindergarten teacher. It was a real community vibe and a fantastic show.
Best shows this summer: I’ve been away for a couple weeks this summer, so I’ll include the top shows for me so far this year: Arkells, the Hives, Poison the Well, and Thievery Corporation — all at History; Greensky Bluegrass at the Opera House. The Mary Wallopers on St. Patrick’s Day at the Danforth Music Hall would be my personal favourite. If an Irish folk-punk band on St. Paddy’s Day can’t tear the roof off, nothing can.
On this summer’s list: Social Distortion, Jack Harlow, TWRP, Peter Hook, a couple local music festivals. I might still add Weezer and Beck to the summer list.
Elizabeth Crouse, 43, IT
Favourite venue: I love the RBC Amphitheatre — sunshine and live music pair beautifully! But all year round, we’re fans of the Arena at Pickering Casino. It’s a short drive from our home in Scarborough, and the tickets are affordable. They might not draw big names, but they let you check legacy artists off your bucket list, and every seat has a great view.
Favourite concert memory: For a milestone birthday, my family surprised me with ninth-row VIP seats to see Thomas Rhett at Scotiabank Arena — my absolute favourite artist! It didn’t hurt that Jordan Davis, another artist I love, was one of the openers. We braved a massive snowstorm for that sold-out show, and it was worth it.
Best shows this summer: We did manage to see Tim McGraw last week. He did not disappoint.
On this summer’s list: Chris Stapleton is a show that I’m watching ticket prices for — but he’s playing at Rogers Stadium, which is not easy to get to for us.
My concert look: This girl wears her boots and usually denim. Shorts, skirt or just my fave jeans.
Amber Shortt, 43, editorial
Favourite venue: Sitting in the grass at the RBC Amphitheatre on a clear night.
Best shows this summer: None yet, but in the spring, I saw Glen Hansard at the Great Hall on Queen West and he was incredible. The last time I saw him solo was in 2018 at the Danforth Music Hall, which was also incredible, but very hot. A person fainted, and when he asked if they were all right, someone in the back yelled, “He’s dead,” and the whole crowd booed. But Glen thought we were booing the fainter. He didn’t return to Toronto for seven years and I always wondered if that was why.
On this summer’s list: My husband is a huge Pearl Jam fan, and Eddie Vedder and Glen Hansard are friends and periodically perform together. It’s one of the few places our musical tastes overlap, and they’re doing a show in Sao Paulo this fall. Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t allow for a mini break to Brazil, but we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed they team up closer to home. In the meantime, if money was no object, my ’90s nostalgia heart would love to see TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue when they come to the RBC Amphitheatre in September.
My concert look: For outdoor shows, I’m always in flats and usually wearing some kind of overshirt that can be shed if it’s hot, pulled overhead if it rains and turned into a picnic blanket when needed.
Most aggravating aspect of concertgoing: I wish shows were earlier, as I have two kids now and need to relieve the sitter (a.k.a. Grandma).
