Canadiana Backpackers Blog

As mentioned in the previous entry, the NXNE (North By Northeast) Music Fest is in full swing here in Toronto. Four hundred and fify bands in forty venues over four days!

We also said that a number of groups elect to stay with us here at the Canadiana. The first performer to arrive was Anita George, a folk/blues singer from Oz. The second to arrive was an Art/Punk Group from the UK who call themselves the Neutrinos.

As near as I can remember, a neutrino is some sort of sub-atomic particle. But unlike their namesake this band seems seems to be poised to make it “big”! Total Guitar Magazine has called them, “One of the hottest guitar bands of 2007.” That’s just one of the favorable reviews they’ve received.

Our folk/blues artist Anita, once said that performers tend to “look like their genre”. That really seems to be true. Anita reminds us of a young Joan Baez (only prettier). And the Neutrinos, too, certainly appear typical of their music type.

Karen, the singer, front person and sole female of the group really looks the part of an Art/Punk performer. Outrageous (but fashionable) attire; neatly coiffed, multicolored hair – and easy on the eyes.

The males (Simon, drums; Mark, guitar; and Jon, bass) also look the part one would expect. Outrageous (unfashionable) attire; long, unkempt, hair – and not-so-easy on the eyes.

They have been voted one of the “Critic’s Choices” for the festival where they will be playing two gigs. This evening (Friday the 8th) at Ciao Edie on College Street and Saturday at the Supermarket on Augusta Street in Kensington Market.

The Neutrinos, remember that name – and watch for them in the future.

Jon, Mark and Simon. (I told you! Hard on he eyes, huh?)

Karen. (Easy, very easy on the eyes!)

The Annual NXNE Festival kicks off in Toronto on June 7th. It’s a four-day showcase of talent featuring 450 bands in 40 venues across the city.

The film component of NXNE features 25 independent films to be shown at the National Film Board of Canada’s Mediateque situated just a hundred meters or so from the Canadiana’s doorstep.

The fullest possible spectrum of music will be presented ay NXNE venuse. Bands from as far away as South Africa; China and Brazil will be featured as well as the United States and, of course, Canada.

Each year a number of the performers elect to stay with us here at the Canadiana. Our central location makes us the ideal place to check out other artists in the NXNE festival.?

Many of the music venues are within a single block of the hostel? as we are located in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. Last year we had bands staying with us from as far as Sweden and Finland and several groups from across the United States.

We? did a hostel “Event” last year and saw several of the artists including Ashleigh Flynn from Portland, Oregon who wowed? everyone with classic country ballads such as’ “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” in addition to her own soulful compositions.

The first performer to arrive at the hostel for this year’s festival is a lovely young singer from? Oz by the name of Anita George. She has to hire a guitar locally for this gig because I’m told by other musicians that guitars quite often don’t travel very well.

Anita is going to play at Free Times Cafe on College a small, intimate venue known locally for it’s excellent folk and blues music. Once Anita picks up her “axe” (as rock musicians call them) we’ll see if we can inveigle her into giving us a number.

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