Matt Berninger, frontman of The National, gestured at the H&M billboard across Yonge-Dundas Square while introducing a song. "This," he said gravely," is for Beyonce."

On Friday night, as part of NXNE's free concert series, The National played a long set in the packed square. Lit by neon billboards, they opened with "I Should Live In Salt," the lead track from their new album Trouble Will Find Me, and then proceeded to just rip through a well-curated 90-minute set. There was a great balance between old and new tracks, something that the more seasoned fans of the band in the crowd appreciated, I'm sure.

This new shop at Yonge & Gerrard may be hidden away in a basement, but its aesthetic and philosophy are far from subdued. As part retail space and part dance studio, its plans for the house brand - as well as young local artists - are ambitious to say the least.

Read my profile of NOZO Toronto in the Fashion Store section.

This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.

Rob Ford used his weekly radio show to brush off a drink-throwing incident that saw a woman charged with assault. The 27-year-old reportedly threw the beverage - reportedly a slushie (maybe a Slurpee?) - at the mayor during a walkabout at the College Street Taste of Little Italy festival. It missed, but some of the liquid splashed on Ford and he and members of his team chased after the girl.

"It's no big deal," he said, though he's now considering hiring a security team.

Toronto events on June 17th, 2013

LECTURE | Luminato Presents: Evening Illuminations - Verdi vs. Wagner: A Love Story?
A favorite TO festival, Luminato, is now in full swing! Tonight, as part of the festival's Evening Illuminations series, a special group discussion comparing and contrasting two composers: Verdi and Wagner. Italian-born, Romantic composer, Giuseppe Verdi was known for his operas, much like German composer Richard Wagner, but the latter's work was more complex, and his Gesamtkunstwerk concept is thinking on the level of 'multimedia'. But this is just scratching the surface, and the awesome panel of Alexander Neef, Canadian Opera Company director; singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright; Gerard Mortier, and others will delve far deeper tonight.
TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St West) 6PM $20

Photo by Vik Pahwa in the blogTO Flickr pool