Cities/YYZ

Backxwash

It’s no surprise. Montreal-based, Zambia-born rapper Backxwash’s hard-hitting hip hop samples Black Sabbath among its beats. She picked up the critics’ choice Polaris Prize in October 2020.

Saturday, February 20, Backxwash 9 pm; Zoon (Indigenous-led noise pop), 8 pm; Mary Zee (Montreal electro pop), 7 pm.

Beverly Glenn–Copeland

A rare performance, virtual or otherwise, by folk legend and trans pioneer, Beverly Glenn – Copeland who has been making important music since the 60s.

Saturday, February 27. Beverly Glenn-Copeland, 9 pm; Witch Prophet (trip hop. 2020 Polaris short list) , 8 pm; Shabason, Krgovich & Harris, (Torornto – Vancouver new age pop), 7 pm.

Hannah Georgas

Vancouver-based Hannah Georgas is a smooth, folk rock force with personal songs that both uplift and understand.

Sunday, February 21, Hannah Georgas, 9 pm. Clerel (Cameroonian-Canadian folk pop), 8 pm.

The OBGMs

Toronto’s punk-rock powerhouses, The OBGMs, hope their thundering approach inspires other African-Canadian kids to follow them to guitar glory. Their blistering release, The Ends, is a 2020 highlight.

Friday, February 26, The OBGMs, 9 pm; Kali Horse (psychedelic rock), 8 pm.