12 must-see concerts in Toronto this May

The must-see concerts in Toronto this May are all about experimental beats and female power. Festival fans, rev up for the return of Canadian Music Week, Electric Island and CBC Music Festival. There’s also Jorja Smith, HAIM, Panda Bear and more to look forward to.

Concerts

Date

About the Event

Location
- Panda Bear
  
  May 2
  
  Panda Bear
  
  After putting out his latest vinyl-only EP in January, Animal Collective’s sample-loving co-founder has hit the road solo, bringing fellow experimental AC member, Geologist, along for the ride.
  
  Phoenix Concert Theatre
- Jorja Smith
  
  May 5
  
  Jorja Smith
  
  This UK singer-songwriter has Drake's stamp of approval, but even without high-profile fans it’s obvious why the soulful 20-year-old’s music is getting tons of attention. And why she’s already sold out two nights at the Opera House.
  
  Opera House
- The Breeders
  
  May 6
  
  The Breeders
  
  A decade on from their last LP, The Breeders are finally back to doing cool alterna-rock things with their newly-released album, "All Nerve". Give it a listen when they arrive at The Phoenix.
  
  Phoenix Concert Theatre
- HAIM
  
  May 7
  
  HAIM
  
  California’s biggest sister act might still be recovering from opening for Beyonce at Coachella, but I'm confident they'll be at the top of their game for their show at Massey Hall. Especially when they have energetic rapper Lizzo in support.
  
  Massey Hall
- Alice Glass and Zola Jesus
  
  May 11
  
  Alice Glass and Zola Jesus
  
  I can't name all of the CMW picks here, but if you need one to see it should be Alice Glass and Zola Jesus. Jesus' emotional 2017 release, Okovi, has been expanded and was re-released in April.
  
  Mod Club
- Fever Ray
  
  May 17
  
  Fever Ray
  
  Almost nine years after her first solo outing as Fever Ray, Karin Dreijer took the persona out of storage for last year’s acclaimed electro adventure, "Plunge". She’s now taking Fever Ray on tour with a stop at REBEL.
  
  Rebel
- War On Women
  
  May 17
  
  War On Women
  
  A hardcore crew from Baltimore, War On Women makes feminist punk that is crucial listening in today’s political climate. After being included in a major New York Times music feature, their profile seems poised to rise.
  
  Hard Luck
- Frog Eyes
  
  May 18
  
  Frog Eyes
  
  While Death From Above 1979, Wolf Parade and many other acts from Canada’s thriving mid-00s indie rock days capitalize on reunion fever, this B.C. group is going the other way. After 17 years, this will be their last tour before disbanding.
  
  Garrison
- Broken Social Scene and Portugal. The Man
  
  May 24
  
  Broken Social Scene and Portugal. The Man
  
  Now it definitely feels like winter is over. Our city’s darling indie collective will launch Budweiser Stage's summer concert series, accompanied by fellow breezy indie troupe Portugal. The Man, before heading out on tour.
  
  Budweiser Stage
- Slayer
  
  May 29
  
  Slayer
  
  The metal legends are calling it quits (I guess when your frontman starts posting implicitly pro-Trump Instas, it’s a sign that your time as progressive music icons is over). Their stacked farewell includes Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth and Testament.
  
  Budweiser Stage
- Khalid
  
  May 30
  
  Khalid
  
  The rising R&B star has alluded that more good things are on their way with a brand new track. In honour of his recently adopted dog, he's emBARKing (sorry!) on “The Roxy Tour” where a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to local animal shelters.
  
  RBC Echo Beach
- For Esmé
  
  May 31
  
  For Esmé
  
  This locally grown electro-pop group has been around a while, but their upcoming LP, Righteous Woman, promises to be their most intriguing yet, bringing feminism and empowerment to the fore.
  
  Drake Underground
Lead photo by
Matt Forsythe