Opening doors to the NXNE, Toronto

by Richard Moore | photos by Samuel Engelking

One step outside of Osgood subway Station and it was evident that North by North East had begun. The smell of street meat was in the air, and music could be heard off in the distance from every other open door.  As busy as Toronto is, NXNE brings out the full spectrum of people living in and around the city.  With 1000 bands playing in only 5 nights it’s impossible to not see at least one great gig.

Chicago natives Bailiff took the stage at 10:00pm Wednesday night at the Legendary Golden Horseshoe Tavern. Within second of the lead guitarist’s first strike the crowd was silenced. The trio had a mellow vibe to them, but around the half way mark of all their song the guys would step into high gear and rock out for the remainder of the song. People around the bar sat back with their feet up enjoying the music, turned out it was that kind of show.

The bar emptied as quickly as it filled back up but with almost twice the amount as before. Next up was a gangly group of young Torontonians called Grounders. Mid-way through the set lead singer Andrew Davis announced that one of the band members was related to American Singer/Songwriter Joe Walsh and it only makes sense that they play a cover of The Eagles to honor the bloodline.

Half a city over at the Drake Hotel’s Underground a more intimate crowd gathered to see a Calgary duo opera singer Brandi Sidoryk and bassoonist Krista Wodelet performing under Sidney York. Immediately the girls gave of a vibe of cheerful musical intelligence dancing around the stage while playing a variety of less conventional instruments: oboe, fiddle, and French horn. The room never did fill up but the small crowd of thirty was dancing and singing along.

NXNE Wednesday was off to a slow but solid start, and a good one at that. One can never be sure about what he’s missing when half of the city is a live show but kicking the week off with some vibrant live performances was without a doubt a great beginning.