I missed this feature last month, as I’ve been busy lately, but there’s just too much good stuff happening in June to pass up.

As usual, this is by no means a comprehensive list–just some of the shows I might try to attend (not enough hours in the day lately though, so we’ll see what actually happens). That said, if you want something a little more exhaustive check out the ever-omniscient HistoryJen, as she manages to list just about every musical pin-drop happening in Toronto each week.

As for me, I’m going to try to get out and see Hey Rosetta! at The Horseshoe tomorrow night (June 3). They’re performing as part of the weekly Nu Music Night, so it’s free, which is a huge bonus for poor people like myself. It’s a tough call though, as Eric’s Trip is at the Mod Club tomorrow as well. Strangely, I’m a big fan of both Julie Doiron and Rick White, but somehow managed to miss out on their combined efforts in Eric’s Trip over the years (something that I’ve been making steps to rectify). In any event, I recommend checking that show out if you’re able.

The Tranzac has some excellent stuff going on this month as well. In fact, this week alone Sandro Perri is playing (June 6), as are Ryan Driver (June 7)—whose new album, Feeler of Pure Joy, is excellent, by the way—and Paul Linklater (June 8). That said, you could probably show up at the Tranzac just about any night of the week and find something worthwhile.

This week also sees Bellevue celebrating the CD release of The Road to Recovery on June 7 at Smiling Buddha Bar (the recently featured “One Two Three” should be all the reason you need to check these guys out).

Of course, the big elephant in the room is NXNE, as the lineup for which is both massive and enticing (check it out here). Suffice to say that I’ll be at the 2nd annual Kelp/Saved by Radio BBQ at Global Village Backpacker’s Hostel on June 13 (it was an awesome time last year). This time around the lineup features the likes of The Hilotrons, The Violet Archers, and Andy Swan. Add to that some hamburgers, beer and downtown craziness and you can’t lose!

Speaking of The Violet Archers, Tim Vesely and company are celebrating the release of their excellent sophomore album, Sunshine At Night, at The Cameron House on June 20.

This is as far ahead as I’ve looked thus far, so I’m sure some others will creep in there, but with my current schedule I’ll be happy if I get to half of these.

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Eric’s Trip - Behind the Garage