So normally around this time of year I begin to feel a stir of excitement in my gut. Trees are blooming, patios are buzzing, and the city is feeling alive with the promise of a hot and fun-filled summer. As Canadians we happily accept the fact that in order to enjoy glorious heat on our epidermis during summer months, we must endure a severe ass slapping from Old Man Winter when he rolls around. We paid our dues, now where is our reward?!
Well, I have decided that if Mother Nature wants a fight, then a fight is what she shall get. Sunshine or not, Torontonians will rise through this ‘summer’ season, and no matter how weathered we may be we will enjoy everything our glorious city has to offer. Summer for me brings joy in three major ways: sun, ice-cold beer, and concerts. Now while she may have the power to take away our rays, Mother Nature most certainly cannot take away our beer or our right to rock out. So without further adieu, here are my top picks for a good time this summer, rain or shine!
Jamie Cullum
June 5th; Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Who doesn’t love a lil’ jazz beat in their life? I certainly do, and if you do, too, then this diminutive little talent house will scooby-doo-op yo’ socks off.
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Arctic Monkeys
June 21st; Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Tickets are almost sold out to see these British indie rockers in the popular open-air venue thanks to the popularity of their most recent album, AM, which landed high on Rolling Stone’s list of the best albums of 2013.
Dave Matthews Band
June 24th; Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
I have seen Dave and the band in action every year since moving to Toronto, and I never get bored. This is a holiday for me; to miss it would be a massive life fail so of course I will see you there!
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Jay-Z and Beyonce
July 9th; Rogers Centre
The King and Queen of hip-hop continue to take the world by storm with epic performances and ticket prices to boot – $262 if you want anywhere near the stage, and that’s if you were lucky enough to snag some on release. If not, expect to pay double or more once those sneaky scalpers get their grubby paws on tix.
Lionel Richie
July 30th; Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Get your groove on with this legend all night long… Well, maybe not all night, but I’m sure he can still give you a good run for your money.
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Kings of Leon
August 5th; Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
I snagged tickets for these handsome chaps in the fall, and after an amazing show I have no qualms about paying to see them again – but this time I’ll be dancing in the open air on (likely soggy) grass.
KISS! and Def Leppard
August 8th; Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Two legendary bands, both recent inductees to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, will surely make for a head-banger of a show.
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Who will you be seeing in concert this summer? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
