Toronto Live Music Hotlist for January

Written by: John Coleman

So after all is said and done with the 2009 holiday season, I am making the usual longshot resolutions for the new year: follow a much stricter budget, study more, and of course – check out some bands that I failed to check off my ‘09 list. Here is a roundup of some upcoming Toronto area shows in January 2010 that are, for the most part, cheap, and should be really exciting.

At the top of the month original Canadian hardcore band Dayglo Abortions will put on a two day stint at the Kathedral on January 8 and 9, the first show is all ages. Supporting acts are still to be announced, but I think the Dayglos are enough to draw crowds from kilometres around.

British Punk/Oi! Band Oi Polloi is kicking through Toronto in the coming weeks. Legends in their own time, Oi Polloi helped form the hardcore spirit of ‘81 in the UK. 2010 will see the release of their newest LP, Duisg!, and a split record with punk band Appalachian Terror Unit. They play Toronto on  January 16 at the Kathedral with Murdersquad T.O. - making it double as good. Check out Myspace for specifics and other Canadian dates. 

Canadian Indie rock sensations Tegan and Sara are in Toronto for two dates this month – January 19 at Massey Hall and January 20 at the Kool Haus. The critically acclaimed guitar playing, lyric weaving twins from Calgary are trekking across Canada for the next couple months in support of their latest album, Sainthood.

On January 21 90s grungy/experimental style punk band Dinosaur Jr are playing the Pheonix Concert Hall in Toronto. The show is a rescheduled event, so tickets are going to be scarce, but if you try your luck on a scalper you might be able to get one. Mv & Ee and Lou Barlow are scheduled as opening acts.

Toronto punk rockers Career Suicide are at the Poor Alex Theatre in Toronto on January 22. The all ages show starts at 8 pm and is only 10 bucks!

At the end of the month, on January 24, Toronto’s legendary punk club The Kathedral will host its last ever punk show. The venue will be completely closed February 1. On the bill for the night are Toronto area punk bands Wraithriot, Lowerend, Random Killing, G-Men, Punch Drunk, Class Assassins, and more bands are expected to sign on for the night. This will be crowded, so get there early.

And on January 27 speed-metal infernos Arch Enemy grace the stage at The Pheonix. If you’re a fan of insanely squealy and face-melting guitar riffs, thunderingly punchy drums, and hot blondes who enjoy growling over shopping, this is your scene.

Okay, that is a small list of some cool concerts happening this month in Toronto and area. February also looks promising, with thrash band of all thrash bands Slayer on their Canadian Carnage tour alongside Megadeth, they will be at the ACC on February 19. And Toronto punk band F***ed Up is doing a date with British punks Leatherface in St. Catherines on the 23^rd.