Hopefully, at some point in your life you’ve had the chance to attend a concert. Whether it be a small, medium or large venue, there is no denying the experience we get from attending a live performance. As artists tour the world, the excitement reaches an all time high when fans are given the chance to witness these performers in their element. With numerous events coming to a city near you, The Come Up Show has compiled a list of the top concerts to attend this month (October 2013).
1. J. Cole & Wale “What Dreams May Come” tour (Tuesday October 8th, 9th @ Massey Hall, Toronto)
J. Cole and Wale are no strangers when it comes to visiting Toronto. Back in June, J. Cole performed for a sold out crowd as part of his “Dollar & A Dream” tour. Wale was featured as a guest at OVO Fest this year as well, along with J. Cole who made a special appearance. Coming off the success of their brand new albums, Born Sinner and The Gifted, the Roc Nation affiliates have also collaborated on songs such as “Bad Girls Club,” and “Winter Schemes.” If you haven’t been able to catch either act in the past than now is the time as these two join one another on stage.
Why you should go: It’s been a very strong year for both rappers and with such a high demand to see them perform, a second show has been added to Toronto on October 9th. Don’t miss out!
2. Freedom Writers “NOW” Official Album Release Concert (October 10th @ The Mod Club, Toronto)
Consisting of producer Big Sproxx and emcees Theo 3, Tona, Adam Bomb, Frankie Payne and Progress, Freedom Writers will celebrate the release of their debut album, NOW along with a performance at the Mod Club. The album has taken the group 2 years to complete and won’t disappoint. They will be joined by MC/Producer Rich Kidd and by the 5 Fingers 1 Fist Poetry Collective featuring Jordon Veira (JV), Randell Adjei, Trevlyn Kay and Quentin VerCetty TheArtivist.
Why you should go: This will be a historic night for Canadian hip-hop and full of celebrations, Music will be provided by a great lineup of DJ’s including Deejay Riccachet, DJ Thera-P, DJ MelBoogie, Deejay Grouch, DJ D Scratch , and DJ Phat Tony Anthony Corsi.
3. Black Milk “No Poison No Paradise” tour (Tuesday October 15th @ Mod Club, Toronto)
Detroit MC/Producer Black Milk will be returning to Toronto in support of his upcoming fifth studio album, No Poison No Paradise due October 15 (the same night as the show). Known for his soulful music, he has also worked with artists including Elzhi, Canibus, Lloyd Banks, Pharoahe Monch, and more. We had the privilege of reviewing Black Milk last year where he said “he calls Toronto his home away from home,” and we’re just as excited as he is when he makes his way to the Mob Club.
Why you should go: High energy throughout his performances along with great music are what separates Black Milk from so many other artists.
4. The Weeknd “The Fall” tour (Thursday October 17th, 19th, 20th @ Massey Hall, Toronto)
The Weeknd has always been known to put on for his city and this year will be no different. After releasing his debut studio album on September 10, 2013 Abel landed at No. 2, selling 95,000 copies of Kiss Land in the first week. Currently on “The Fall” tour in support of the album, he will wrap things up by performing three shows in his hometown of Toronto at the Massey Hall on October 17, 19, and 20. With loyal fans and continuous sold out venues, one thing for sure is that The Weeknd sounds great live. Don’t miss your chance to see him.
Why you should go: With the opportunity to see Abel perform three different times in four days, there’s no excuse as to why you shouldn’t be there.
5. Janelle Monae “The Electric Lady” tour (Saturday October 19th @ Kool Haus, Toronto)
With six Grammy nominations and her third studio album, “The Electric Lady” in stores now, Janelle Monae isn’t slowing down by any means. The 27 year old singer–songwriter has released consistent bodies of work throughout her career, including her feature on the smash single “We Are Young” by the band Fun. It will be interesting to see Monae perform when she takes center stage at Toronto’s Kool Haus.
Why you should go: An energetic young performer, the multi-talented female has received rave reviews from many critics.
6. Shad “Flying Colours” tour (Tuesday October 19th @ The Opera House, Toronto)
Shad has been rapping since the age of 14 and now the London, Ontario native is gearing up to release his fourth studio album, Flying Colours on October 15. Signed to Black Box Recordings, the emcee has an incredible catalogue of music and continues to craft quality material. He’s even opened up for superstars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis as he continues to watch his fanbase grow.
Why you should go: Anyone who’s seen Shad perform in the past knows his humble demeanour, lyricism, and liveliness on stage are contributing factors as to why he’s one of the best in the game.
7. “The Smokers Club” tour 2013 (Sunday October 20th @ Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto)
The “Smokers Club Tour” has become an annual event in which fans get the opportunity to see several great acts come together under one roof. Originating in 2010, the tour has featured appearances from Curren$y, Smoke Dza, Joey BadA$$, Big K.R.I.T., Method Man, Fiend, and many more. With Ab-Soul & Joey Bada$$ set to headline this year’s tour, it will definitely be an event you won’t want to miss out on.
Why you should go: With 3 successful tours in the past, The “Smokers Club” Tour seems to attract more individuals every year with a balanced lineup consisting of popular acts as well as up-and-coming artists.
8. Drake “Would You Like A Tour” tour (Sunday October 24th @ Air Canada Centre, Toronto)
This year’s OVO Fest fell nothing short of spectacular and it looks like Drake is taking the same approach as he embarks on his “Would You Like A Tour” featuring Miguel and Future. Drizzy also released his third studio album, Nothing Was The Same on September 24, selling 658,000 in the first week. The Toronto native sure knows how to put on a great show and although he recently delayed this tour due to an “intense rehearsal schedule and technical production requirements that will be part of the show” it’s almost certain that it will be worth the wait.
Why you should go: Drake’s Toronto date on the tour falls on the same day as his Birthday. Party anyone?
Let us know which event(s) you’ll be attending in the comments section and tell us if there are any others we may have missed!