The 15 most anticipated concerts in Toronto next year

The most anticipated concerts in Toronto for 2017 promise an unparalleled level of flash and glitz, but also bouts of nostalgia that promise to appeal to a huge variety of music fans out there. From the high-flying grace of Ariana Grande to throwback jams from a monster grouping of New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul, we're already wildly excited next year's crop of live shows.

Here are my picks for the most anticipated concerts in Toronto next year.

Events you might want to check out:

Talib Kweli (February 3 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Talib Kweli will be playing a show on February 3 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. He’ll be joined by K’Valentine for his The Seven tour.
Red Hot Chili Peppers (February 4 @ Air Canada Centre)
Thankfully for diehards, rock band RHCP isn’t going anywhere after all these years, and they’re bringing their signature brand of funk rock fusion to the ACC on February 4. When it comes to living a life of stardom and performing, it appears they’re not willing to “Give It Away” just yet.
Mykki Blanco (February 14 @ Velvet Underground)
This gender- and genre-bending artist will be playing Velvet Underground on Valentine’s Day, which actually sounds like a pretty good plan for the evening. Get “Wavvy” this winter with the chill but badass rhymes and fun tracks Mykki Blanco performs with flair.
Tove Lo (February 17 @ Massey Hall)
The waifish singer-songwriter who brought us the smash hit “Habits” that had us all belting the words in the shower is coming to Toronto quite soon, on February 17. She’ll be playing Massey Hall, which should be perfect for her multitude of fans and intimate but arena-filling sound.
Run The Jewels (February 19 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Just recently having dropped their bomb third album simply titled “Run the Jewels 3,” the innovative hip hop group will be visiting the Danforth Music Hall on February 19. Toronto fans will be some of the first to see performances of killer new songs like “Down” and “Call Ticketron.”
Ariana Grande (March 5 @ Air Canada Centre)
If you missed the singer’s drool-worthy a cappella video of "Dangerous Woman," open a new tab on your browser and come back to us? Back? Mind suitably blown? Well then by now you’re hoping to have a ticket to the diva’s appearance at the gigantic ACC on March 5.
The Flaming Lips (March 13 @ REBEL)
Famous for putting on some of the trippiest and most experiential live shows, some might even say on the planet, The Flaming Lips are coming to Toronto on March 13 to play expansive club Rebel. Here’s hoping they use the 65-foot stage and equally huge screens behind it to their advantage.
Wilco (March 15 @ Massey Hall)
The kings of soft indie pop returns to Toronto this year for two dates at Massey Hall on March 15 and 16. Equally heartbreaking and talented singer songwriter Joan Shelley will be opening.
Vince Staples (March 24 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre)
The hip hop champ will be making a stop in Toronto at the Phoenix for his Life Aquatic Tour on March 24. Well known for his ominously-titled album Hell Can Wait featuring killer tracks like “Blue Suede,” fans won’t want to miss this chance to see the rapper.
The Weeknd (May 26 @ Air Canada Centre)
The local artist is doing a massive tour for Starboy this year that even included a pop-up shop right here in Toronto. The singer will be performing his hits like the album’s energetic title track at the Air Canada Centre on May 26.
New Kids on the Block with Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men (June 20 @ Air Canada Centre)
Billed as The Total Package Tour, this rockstar lineup of knockout retro acts that will have you screaming your heart out like a little tween again is coming to the Air Canada Centre this summer on June 20.
Tom Petty (July 15 @ Air Canada Centre)
Also at the Air Canada Centre in the summer and also with a bit of a wistful retro streak, Tom Petty will be playing on July 15. You’ll be free fallin’ back into the big sounds of the eighties if you have tickets to this rock show.
Coldplay (August 21 @ Rogers Centre)
Yup, Coldplay are still making music, and fans who are happy about this can continue to enjoy Chris Martins’ haunting melodies in their favourite classics from the nineties and more recent hits. They’ll be playing the Rogers Centre August 21.
Bruno Mars (August 26 @ Air Canada Centre)
“Don’t believe me, just watch” was the rallying cry of this artist’s most recent hit, “Uptown Funk.” The crowd is sure to go wild for the pop single this summer at what’s sure to be one of Toronto’s hottest summer concerts, literally if last year was any indication, on August 26 and 27.
Justin Bieber (September 5 @ Rogers Centre)
It’s been a little over a year since the teenybopper star from Ontario released his latest Purpose: The Movement album featuring the explosive hits “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean?” Nonetheless, these are sure to be highlights of the Biebs’ two sets at the Rogers Centre on September 5 and 6.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO