Events

BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE: CARRY IT ON
In theatres, 90 mins.
Premieres Thurs., Sept. 8,
8:30 pm / Documentary
Buffy Sainte-Marie, live performance
Thurs., Sept. 8, 7 pm
Slaight Music Stage, King St. W. / Toronto
Free

Canadian Indigenous singer, activist and icon Buffy Sainte-Marie gets the documentary treatment with Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On, and the film is getting gala presentation at two major Canadian film festivals. The film features archival and present-day performance footage as well as interviews with the artist, bandmates and those she has inspired. Carry It On is an opening night film at the Toronto International Film Festival, Thurs., Sept. 8. Sainte-Marie will perform live for free on the fest’s Slaight Music Stage on King Street at 7 pm. Carry It On will also screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, which runs Thurs., Sept. 22 through Sun., Oct. 2.

MOONAGE DAYDREAM
In theatres, 159 mins.
In theatres, 160 mins.
Fri., Sept. 16, IMAX; Fri., Sept. 22, wide release

Sanctioned by the David Bowie estate, this documentary features tons of rare vintage performance footage of the singer in all his groundbreaking glory. Director Brett Morgen had access to all of Bowie’s archives, including unseen live shows, and offers context about the singer and his impact beyond the stage.

BREAKOUT WEST
Calgary, Wed., Sept. 28, to Sun., Oct. 2
$15 festival wristband, $296 conference
breakoutwest.ca

The Canadian music industry, especially the western part of it, gathers in Calgary for the 20th anniversary session of Breakout West (BOW), an industry conference featuring live music showcases and awards. Industry veterans and aspiring up-and-comers gather by day for a conference featuring practical sessions, interviews guest speakers and issue-oriented discussions. The festival runs for five nights with over 50 bands at 15 venues. The Western Canadian Music Industry Awards are presented on Sat., Oct. 1.

POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE
Toronto, Mon., Sept. 19
$68 / Carlu
polarismusicprize.ca

Canada’s “other” music award, the Polaris Music Prize is picked by a panel of Canadian music critics with very non-chart-driven results. Last year’s winner was Cadence Weapon and this year’s nominees include NEXT cover stars Charlotte Day Wilson and Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Organizers have moved the tables at this year’s show, going even more for the party vibe on the night. Coverage on CBC platforms.

NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY

It’s officially National Truth and Reconciliation Day — Orange Shirt Day for short — on Fri., Sept. 30. Wear an orange shirt and remember the lost and the damaged Indigenous children. Look for healing and/or learning events in your community they tend to be small and personal.