20 must-see shows at Canadian Music Week

The must-see shows at Canadian Music Week start at various Toronto venues on Tuesday, April 18. There are so many concerts, parties, talks and even film screening happening throughout the week, so plan on cramming in as much entertainment as possible.

Here are my picks for the top shows at Canadian Music Week 2017.

Events you might want to check out:

Zoobombs (April 18 @ The Silver Dollar Room)
Catch the legendary Zoobombs with openers Munizo and Knifey at the Silver Dollar. This will be the iconic music venue's last festival run.
The Extroverts, The Huaraches, Lauren Spike, Paddle to the Sea (April 18 @ Bovine Sex Club)
Head to one of the dirtiest little rock bars left in Toronto and witness a blistering show from Saskatchewan's The Extroverts. Paddle to the Sea, Lauren Spike, and The Huaraches open.
Patrik, Mickey Blue, Mischa and Desiire (April 18 @ Supermarket Restaurant and Bar)
This is a hip hop, soul and R&B showcase with Toronto talent. Get there early and catch Desiire, who will make all your 1990s Sade R&B dreams come true.
Imany (April 19 @ The Rivoli)
There's a spotlight on France showcase that's worth checking out if you're either a fan of French pop or up for something brand new from somewhere else in the world. Imany is a stunner at 10 p.m.
Bunz Week (April 19-23 @ The Garrison)
Bunz takes over the Garrison with seven events and 4 a.m. last call. This will be a great place to end up on any given night during the fest.
Foonyap (April 19 @ The Painted Lady)
According to Fader, this electronic wonder from Calgary is "a tense and bespoke mixture of swampy electronics, strings, and vocals that flash with a bold volcanic brilliance."
Pop Montreal Showcase (April 19 @ The Silver Dollar Room)
Montreal electronic and pop takes over The Silver Dollar for a night of dreamy music.
Tasseomancy, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, Han Han, Vanishing Hand (April 19 @ The Garrison)
Don't miss this noisy, energetic show that will blow your ears, warm your heart and improve your Instagram game with headliners Tasseomancy.
Whitehorse, Tanya Tagaq, Amelia Curran, NQ Arbuckle (April 20 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
The Six Shooter Records showcase is a biggie, so you'll want to get advance tickets to this one. Whitehorse, Tanya Tagaq, Amelia Curran and NQ Arbuckle will all perform.
Pierre Kwenders (April 20 @ Supermarket)
This Montrealer by way of the Congo makes gloriously danceable Congolese rumba and Afro-electro beats.
The Beaches (April 21 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
You can't experience CMW without seeing something at The Horseshoe and there's no better night than this one with Common Deer, The Brains and The Beaches.
Japanese Breakfast (April 21 @ The Silver Dollar Room)
This is night number two of the annual Dan Burke/NeXT showcases during CMW and it features a triple header with Pitchfork darlings Japanese Breakfast.
Greys (April 21 @ The Garrison)
Dine Alone Records and Buzz Records join forces to present a night of new indie rock from buzz band Greys, with openers Solids, New Swears, Sam Coffey, The Iron Lung and Nobro.
Duchess Says (April 21 @ The Baby G)
Montreal darlings Duchess Says and Hoan, along with a few other take over The Baby G for the night and you should be there.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (April 21 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Puffy L'z performs before this Bronx, New York rapper best known for his single "My Shit." He opened for Drake on three nights during the Summer Sixteen tour.
Nefe and Julia Jacklin (April 21 @ Rivoli)
If you've ever stood at Yonge and Dundas and heard Nefe's alarmingly powerful and soulful pipes, than you already knew she'd be headlining a show at this festival. Catch her, but stay for this entire night of soul music.
Earl Sweatshirt (April 22 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Earl Sweatshirt's headline gig will pack this venue, so make sure to get advance tickets.
Allie X (April 22 @ The Mod Club)
A pop icon with promise takes over the Mod Club for one night. If you need to dance, don't miss Allie X.
Renny Wilson (April 22 @ Handlebar)
Edmonton's Renny Wilson draws from disco keystones as well as elements of chillwave, krautrock and a healthy dose of Haunted Graffiti, employing bold, tempo-matched digital delay.
The Hustle Showcase (April 22 @ Revival)
This hip hop and R&B showcase at Revival carries some local talent you didn't even know you loved.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO