> CONCERT SAMPLER
Live music highlights from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2.
Thursday Wendy McNeill, “In Boca Al Lupo.” The Alberta native is touring Canada for the first time in six years, having lived around Europe the past decade. On her sixth record, One Colour More, she channels that perspective into a collection tackling the immigrant experience. This particular reworking of an Annie Proulx tale is chock-ablock with Romani accordions and ow-woo’s. McNeill delivers her informed storytelling solo, switching between accordion and guitar and laying on some effects. She’s well matched on a bill with T.O.’s Willow Rutherford. (Burdock, doors 8:30 p.m.)
Friday Holy F--k, “Latin America.” After downshifting to concentrate on more rooted, local matters the past few years, this Friday night headlining set at Camp Wavelength presages a return to form from the foursome. An album is in the can, release date TBA. “We’re ramping back up,” says Graham Walsh, who’s been busy with newish band Etiquette (they have a Saturday afternoon slot) and producing two Polaris Prize finalist records. You’ll also see a deep lineup beyond them, with Doomsquad among Saturday’s treats and the Weather Station and Do Make Say Think wrapping up Sunday’s final day. The Wooden Sky are taking anyone who’s up and willing on a morning run as well. (Toronto Island, gates 5 p.m.)
Saturday Derek Olive, “Paper Wings.” Olive’s an ER nurse eight months of the year near James Bay and a two-wheeled troubadour this month, three weeks into a bicycle-driven 11-stop tour from Vancouver to Montreal to sing songs from new LP Mystery & Dust, and raise the banner and hopefully some money for David Suzuki’s Blue Dot environmental campaign. He gives back with deft finger-style guitar and tunes out of the Bruce Cockburn school, including this one that starts with bug meeting windshield and proceeds to ask questions about choices made and worlds affected. (Free Times Cafe, 8 p.m.)
Sunday The Kominas, “See Something Say Something.” In the video for this deceptively sunny-surfaced tune from their new LP, the Boston band riffs on some of the suspicion and paranoia they’ve put up with over the past decade. As four Americans of Muslim background playing indie rock’s predominantly whitewashed circuit, they’ve had plenty of it. Not for nothing is the album, their second, called Stereotype. “When the far right is trying to criminalize your very being, it’s nice to have a scene that’s all about being yourself,” Basim Usmani told Billboard. Vancouver four-woman hip-hop outfit Horsepowar adds to the Desi beat and allure. (The Cave, doors 8 p.m.)
Monday Lee Harvey Osmond, “Blue Moon Drive.” Hamilton’s Tom Wilson is back with his third collection under this name, growing ever more grizzled and gnarly as he continues his excursions into the warm, dark, narcotic Canadian night, including this standout cut off the LP Beautiful Scars. He’ll be back for an Oct. 1 Harbourfront Centre date, but this short set will more than hold you over, with American new-swing outfit Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the top of the bill. (CNE Bandshell Park, 7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday Saint Asonia, “Better Place.” The idea that “rock supergroups” are still a thing is both quaint and reassuring, a bit like hearing that heirloom tomatoes or a good pair of saddle shoes can still be had. These guys have thrusting moves and some pedigree, led by Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace, with guitarist Mike Mushok (Staind) supplying the heavy artillery. (Phoenix, doors 7 p.m.)
Wednesday Idina Menzel, “Always Starting Over.” Show tunes, bring ’em on. Including this Kitt/Yorkey ripper from her latest on Broadway, If/Then. Of course, the mighty career arc of the 44-year-old Menzel, a Tonywinning veteran for star turns including Rent and Wicked, was forever shot into a different galaxy with the Oscar-winning, world-conquering “Let It Go,” which should ensure a goodly crowd of preteen Queen Elsa types for its midshow audience participation number. (Sony Centre, 8 p.m.)