By Scott Ferguson
PICK OF THE WEEK:
MS. LAURYN HILL & FUGEES – SCOTIABANK ARENA – THURS. OCT. 26TH
The “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour” rolls into Toronto. Hard to believe it has been that long since this legendary record was released. It’s impossible to overstate the brilliance and importance of that recording which Rolling Stone put at number 10 on its list of the greatest albums of all time. At the time we assumed it was the first of many to come, but maybe if you make a masterpiece the first time out, you have nothing else to prove. Of course, Hill was already a household name when her debut was released because of the Fugees. Along with Wyclef Jean & Pras she had a series of major hits with that group as well. Early reviews of this tour is that it lives up to the hype, though it’s a long night for Hill as Billboard reports that she does her solo set first, then brings on the rest of the Fugees to perform their biggest hits. It promises to be a legendary night, and despite postponing her performance in Philadelphia due to vocal cord strain, she has affirmed her commitment to taking the stage in Toronto next.
OTHER HOT TICKETS:
JOJI – SCOTIABANK ARENA – TUES. OCT. 24TH
Japanese singer Joji began his entertainment career more than a decade ago as a Youtuber focused on comedy, but he didn’t come to my attention until the hauntingly beautiful ballad “Glimpse of Us” last year that became a Top 10 pop hit across North America. The Pandemonium Tour is his fourth headlining tour. It started last month and will take him through the U.S. and Canada along with Australia and Asia.
GORGON CITY – REBEL – FRI. OCT. 27TH
British electronic duo Gorgon City released their debut single ten years ago and are still going strong. But the best part of this show really, is that another UK DJ Franky Wah is the opening act. I saw Franky at Electric Island last month and he was amazing.
BAHAMAS – MASSEY HALL – SUN. OCT. 29TH
Despite the name, Bahamas is actually a Canadian singer/songwriter. He just released his sixth album “Bootcut” where he shows off more of his alt-country side. Note there are two shows on this date. A matinee at 3pm and an 8pm show. I am not well-versed in his entire catalogue, but my favourite is the groove on “Stronger Than That” from his third album.