NEXT’s Live Music Guide for December 2024

Aurora, Avvays, BADBADNOTGOOD and more

Norway’s Aurora brings her Arctic chill to the bright lights of The North, Alvvays spend three nights at the Concert Hall with cootie catcher, Mobb Deep are at the Phoenix and BADBADNOTGOOD come home to headline at History.

Here are our top picks for live music, concerts and events happening in Toronto this December.

Aurora

Aurora

Mon., Dec. 2

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E
Genre: Pop
Why you should go: The Norwegian singer has emerged as one of the leading figures of the alt-pop scene in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning vocals are a big part of what makes her such an exciting live performer, but it’s also the unique theatricality that makes her a one-of-a-kind.

Lowest of the Low

Lowest of the Low

Thurs., Dec. 4

Where: Rivoli, 334 Queen St. W.
Genre: Roots
Why you should go: Venerable Queen West roots rockers the Lowest of the Low play their classic album Welcome to the Plunderdome plus other tracks from their extensive repertoire.

Junkhouse

Junkhouse

Fri., Dec. 6, Sat., Dec. 7

Where: The Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W
Genre: Rock
Why you should go: Help celebrate ’70s years of the ’Shoe with these rocking Hammer Heads from Hamilton who were once fixtures at the Queen West club. One of Tom Wilson’s first bands, they’ll play two nights in what will be emotional gigs without founding member, bass player Russell Wilson, who sadly died earlier this year. Fans will come together at the intimate venue to create a special atmosphere full of songs and dancing and remember “Rusty.”

Alvvays

Alvvays with cootie catcher

Thu., Dec. 5, Fri., Dec., 6, Sat., Dec. 7

Where: Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St.
Genre: Indie
Why you should go: Beloved east coast Canadian band plays three nights is support of their remarkable catalogue of music including amazing 2022 album, Blue Rev

Kylira – A spectacle of ghosts

Kylira – A spectacle of ghosts

Sat., Dec. 7

Where: TD Music Hall @ Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.
Genre: Metal
Why you should go: A full-scale metal musical production! Featuring symphonic metal, a dance crew, skits, sword fights, monsters and more! Go on a journey with KYLIRA, and uncover a world of magic, mystery…and GHOSTS!

Rich the Kid

Rich the Kid

Tue., Dec. 10

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.
Genre: Rap
Why you should go: Following the success of Carnival, his viral collaboration with Kanye West, Playboi Carti and TY Dolla Sign, Rich the Kid has re-introduced himself in a big way on the rap scene. The crowd will be electric as he performs big hits like Plug Walk and New Freezer.

kellylee evans

Kellylee Evans

Fri., Dec. 13

Where: Hugh’s Room, 296 Broadview Ave.
Genre: Jazz
Why you should go: If you’re in the festive mood and looking for a wholesome night full of stunning vocals, then head to Hugh’s Room to see JUNO-winning artist Kellylee Evans perform songs from her Christmas album, Winter Song.

suki waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse

Sun., Dec. 15

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E.
Genre: Pop
Why you should go: Suki Waterhouse is riding the wave of success. The British artist recently supported Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour in London and also dropped a new album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin. She shows no sign of slowing down, especially with her upcoming North American tour in which she will perform hits like Good Looking and Moves.

Mobb Deep

Mobb Deep

Sun., Dec. 15

Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St.
Genre: Hip hop
Why you should go: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed rap albums of all time, Mobb Deep’s The Infamous. The special event will see Havoc & Big Noyd of Mobb Deep performing classic anthems like Shook Ones Pt. II and Survival of the Fittest and sets from Smif-N-Wessun and Buckshot from Black Moon.

The O’Pears

The O’Pears

Tue., Dec. 17

Where: Hugh’s Room, 296 Broadview Ave.
Genre: Indie roots
Why you should go: One of the “younger” bookings for Hugh’s, these indie roots rockers with gorgeous voices are on the rise.

BadBadNotGood

BADBADNOTGOOD

Tue., Dec. 17

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E.
Genre: Dance
Why you should go: Canadian instrumental band BADBADNOTGOOD thrill audiences with their innovative take on jazz and hip hop with a performance full of immersive visual effects that will transport the audience into the world of their music. We gave their latest album, Mid Spiral, 5 Ns.

The Skydiggers

The Skydiggers Holiday Concert

Sat., Dec. 21

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.
Genre: Roots mixed with holiday
Why you should go: Canadian roots legends, The Skydiggers bring their annual holiday-infused shows that highlight their gorgeous voices and generally uplifting vibe.

Nicolette and the Nobodies

Nicolette and the Nobodies Holiday Party

Sat., Dec. 21

Where: Horseshoe Tavern, Queen St. W.
Genre: Fresh take on old country
Why you should go: With think Nicollette and the Nobodies and their fresh take on vintage country is among the most exciting music around. The Nobodies are joined by Espanola, Bent Neck & the Joints and Ivan Rivers.

crack of dawn

Crack of Dawn

Sat., Dec. 21

Where: Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E.
Genre: Soul
Why you should go: Canadian soul legends the Crack of Dawn bring their big sound to this beautiful room on the city’s east side. The Redwood is a gorgeous hidden gem with great sound that was first a theatre in 1914. This will be a special night as they play vintage hits that are still powerful today.

You Might Also Like

Music / Events

NEXT’s Toronto Live Music Guide for November 2024

"The Boss" is back just in time for Taylor's Toronto takeover

By Adam Davidson