21 Toronto concerts to check out in December

Nov 30 2016, 1:23 am

It’s been a great year for music in Toronto, and there’s one more month to take advantage of it all.

While getting shopping done, maybe pick up a ticket or two (treat-yo-self!) to one of these shows happening in December. From local faves to a winter music festival, here are the concerts and shows you should check out in Toronto this December.

See you at the show!

Half Moon Run

Montreal’s Half Moon Run are on a Canadian theatre tour this winter and will be playing in Toronto this month. The band, known for their epic live performances using multiple instruments, released their debut album Dark Eyes back in 2012. Their breakthrough single “Full Circle” was a radio hit, and made charts globally. They are in town with Plants and Animals.

When: Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm
Where: Massey Hall–178 Victoria Street
Tickets: Available online from $18.94 to $39.50. All ages

Coleman Hell

Thunder Bay native Coleman Hell is now a JUNO award nominee, and has been streamed over 100 Million times across different music platforms. The single that lead him there is “2 Heads,” but he followed up with another successful hit “Fireproof.” The certified triple platinum artist has proven he’s here to stay.

When: Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm
Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre– 410 Sherbourne Street
Tickets: Available online at $25. All ages

William Fitzsimmons

American singer/songwriter William Fitzsimmons returns to our city this month, bringing his indie folk sound to The Great Hall. The multi-instrumentalist released the successful Lions in 2014, and released Charleroi: Pittsburgh, Vol. 2 earlier this year.

When: Friday, December 2 at 8 pm
Where: The Great Hall – 1087 Queen Street West
Tickets: Available online at $21.50. 19+

Charlotte Day Wilson

Toronto’s Charlotte Day Wilson might be one of the city’s best kept secrets. Her haunting voice and smooth beats is a mix of Sade and Lapsley, and her debut EP CDW is full of gems. From her single “Work” to her collab with BADBADNOTGOOD in “In Your Eyes,” Day Wilson is one artist to keep on your radar, or to check out this weekend!

When: Saturday, December 3 at 8 pm
Where: The Great Hall – 1087 Queen Street West
Tickets: Available online from $15 to $20. 19+

MSTRKRFT

After releasing their first album in over six years, MSTRKRFT are back on the road. Operator was released in July, and includes their singles “Little Red Hen” and “Party Line.” They sold out their NXNE appearance earlier this summer, and these Canadian electronic music producers (aka Jesse F. Keeler & Al-P) are bound to throw one heck of a show.

When: Saturday, December 3 at 10 pm
Where: The Hoxton– 69 Bathurst Street
Tickets: Available online at $20. 19+

Tory Lanez

Tory Lanez is home, bringing his crowd-walking skills to two shows – one that already sold out in November. Lanez is known for his crowdsurfing, beats, and rap style and is one of Toronto’s biggest music exports these days. His debut album, I Told You, was released on August 19 and his massive four-month tour started shortly after. Clearly Lanez is loved, as the majority of his tour dates have sold-out.

When: Monday, December 5 at 8 pm
Where: Rebel – 11 Polson Street
Tickets: Sold out.

Hannah Georgas

Ontario native Hannah Georgas returns for a hometown show this month after the release of her latest album, For Evelyn. The album is layered with catchy beats, Georgas’ melodic voice, and lyrics that resonate. As a singer-songwriter, Georgas’ sound has matured and progressed naturally since her 2012 self-titled album, and we can’t wait to see her live.

When: Wednesday, December 7 at 7 pm
Where: Mod Club – 722 College Street
Tickets: Available online at $22.50. 19+

Mac Miller

This American rapper and producer has four studio albums, including his 2016 release The Divine Feminine. The album includes his hit single “Dang!” featuring Anderson Paak, and produced by Vancouver’s Pomo. He’s in town with “The Divine Feminine Tour” with Soulection feat. The Wooligan.

When: Thursday, December 8 at 8 pm
Where: Rebel – 11 Polson Street
Tickets: Available online at $35. All ages

All Paws Benefit

Before The Flood, Eamon McGrath, Lake Forest, SAVVIE, Surprise Guest, and By Divine Right are all on the bill for the All Paws Benefit on December 8. The bands will be playing their favourite covers, and the venue will be accepting donations all night.

When: Thursday, December 8 at 8:30 pm
Where: The Horseshoe Tavern – 370 Queen Street West
Tickets: Available at the door for $10. 19+

Tokyo Police Club

Toronto’s Tokyo Police Club are on a fall tour coinciding with the two-party self-released Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness , which features the leading single “Not My Girl.” This collection of songs is the first batch of tracks from the group since they launched their 2014 LP Forcefield. The guys are in town for three back to back shows.

When: Thursday, December 8, Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm
Where: Mod Club – 722 College Street
Tickets: Available for Thursday December 8 online from $15 to $20. All ages. The Friday and Saturday shows are sold out.

Allan Rayman

After touring with James Vincent McMorrow this fall, Allan Rayman returns for his headlining show at the Royal Cinema. Since releasing his debut ‘Hotel Allan’ on Spotify last year, Rayman has accumulated over 15 million streams, reached #2 on the Viral Chart and was named a Spotify Spotlight artist. One listen, and you’ll understand why.

When: Friday, December 9 at 8 pm
Where: The Royal Cinema – 608 College Street
Tickets: Sold out.

A Tribe Called Red

Ottawa’s A Tribe Called Red is on a North American this fall. The producer/DJ crew has been producing a truly eclectic sound that’s impacting the global electronic scene and urban club culture. Since 2010 the group – currently made up of DJ NDN, Bear Witness and 2oolman – has been mixing traditional pow wow vocals and drumming with cutting-edge electronic music. Their tour this winter follows the crew’s second full-length album Nation II Nation, which came out in May.

When: Friday, December 9 at 9 pm
Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre – 410 Sherbourne Street
Tickets: Sold out.

Ekali

Vancouver’s Ekali (aka Nathan Shaw) began making electronic beats back in 2014. Two years later, the young producer has become a global touring artist with captivating original work and collaborations. Get ready to sweat it out with this one at the Velvet Underground.

When: Friday, December 9 at 10 pm
Where: The Velvet Underground – 508 Queen Street West
Tickets: Available online at $16. 19+

dvsn

Toronto’s dvsn are back home after their massive Summer Sixteen tour with Drake. On OVO’s label, dvsn released a highly successful debut album earlier this year, and this is a good chance to check out dvsn in a more intimate setting.

When: Tuesday, December 13 at 8 pm
Where: Rebel – 11 Polson Street
Tickets: Available online at $27. 19+

The Struts

English glam rockers The Struts had all the buzz before they even released their first album when they opened for the Rolling Stones. The Brit four-piece are on the road in North America again after they released their 2015 Have You Heard EP. Known for their lavish stage presence and magnetic appeal, this will be one show Struts fans don’t want to miss.

When: Tuesday, December 13 at 8 pm
Where:  The Opera House – 735 Queen Street West
Tickets: Sold out.

Jazz Cartier

One of our fave local rappers is home after a fall tour with Post Malone. Jazz Cartier released Marauding in Paradise last year, and followed it up with the highly successful Hotel Paranoia this year. Cartier’s high energy is one reason to see him live, but his tracks, like “Waste” and “Stick & Move,” are another.

When: Thursday, December 15 at 8 pm
Where:  Rebel – 11 Polson Street
Tickets: Available online at $30. All ages

Borgeous

LA-based producer Borgeous is back in the 6ix, bringing his big room house sound to Uniun Nightclub. The popular touring DJ has collaborated with many other producers such as DVBBS, Dimitri Vegas, and recently tyDi. He’s also worked with Canadian Lights for his single “Zero Gravity.” Check him out later this month!

When: Friday, December 16 at 10 pm
Where:  Uniun Nightclub – 473 Adelaide Street West
Tickets: Available online from $20 to $25. 19+

Silverstein

Back in early 2000, Silverstein was one of the biggest hardcore bands on the Ontario scene. After a change in line ups and labels, the band released their 8th studio album, I am alive in Everything I touch in 2015. They are back on the road for the hardcore/emo punk fan in all of us.

When: Saturday, December 17 at 5 pm
Where:  Danforth Music Hall – 147 Danforth Avenue
Tickets: Available online from $35 to $50. All ages

She Wants Revenge

Another blast from the past, She Wants Revenge burst into the indie rock scene back in 2004. After a brief hiatus, the band regained popularity in 2015 while appearing on the “American Horror Story” soundtrack. They began touring again, announcing their 10-Year Anniversary Tour and will be performing Debut Album front to back.

When: Saturday, December 17 at 8 pm
Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre – 410 Sherbourne Street
Tickets: Available online from $15 to $50. 19+

The Strumbellas

Juno-award winning six-piece The Strumbellas are in Toronto this month alongside The Zolas. In April, the folk-rockers released their third album, Hope, the follow-up record to 2013’s We Still Move On Dance Floors, features the tracks “We Don’t Know,” “Young and Wild,” and “Spirits.” Get ready to groove.

When: Thursday, December 22 at 7 pm and Friday, December 23 at 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Danforth Music Hall – 147 Danforth Avenue
Tickets: Limited tickets available online from $19.50 to $43.50. 19+

Solaris Winter Music Festival

Just because it’s below freezing weather outside, doesn’t mean the venues can’t heat up. And it also doesn’t mean we can’t have a music festival! Solaris Winter Music Festival returns with Marshmello, Zedd, Borgore and more play the two-day fest taking place at Rebel.

When: Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27
Where: Rebel – 11 Polson Street
Tickets: Available online from $129.50 to $179.50. All ages

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