We asked eight Toronto music lovers — and Star staffers — to share their picks for this summer’s best concerts, top venues and all-time show memories

Manuela, 24

“I use fanny packs instead of purses to keep my hands and hips free for dancing.”

Current favourite music genres: “Salsa, reggaeton and indie rock.”

Upcoming shows: “Le Tigre!”

Top Toronto venues: “I love an intimate show at the Danforth Music Hall — the sound is great, I can usually get a good view, and the venue is beautiful — but History ultimately has the top spot. It’s spacious and cool, modern and has unmatched sound quality.”

Concert look: “I wear platform Dr. Martens to any concert — they’re comfortable, versatile and mosh-proof. But most importantly, they add about two inches to my height (I’m 5’4”).”

Adam, 62

“Music should really be live; it’s the magic of the moment as musicians play off one another.”

Current favourite music genres: “Jazz, rock, reggae, classical.”

Upcoming shows: “Herbie Hancock, Paul Reddick Blues Band, Alicia Keys and The Dave Young Brazilian Sextet.”

Best show you’ve ever seen in Toronto: “Robi Botos jazz (keyboard) and Larnell Lewis (drums) at The Rex. Music should really be live; it’s the magic of the moment as musicians play off one another and conjure music that is unimaginably ecstatic, exciting, original.”

Concert look: “I dress for comfort. If it’s hot, I might wear a pair of light, cotton pants and a linen jacket, tailored for me by Bebe’s in Hoi An, Vietnam.”

Dhriti, 23

“The Opera House has the most beautiful old architecture but isn’t too big, so you have a good view from anywhere. They also have a spacious, tiered balcony which is great for people like me who can feel claustrophobic in the GA section.”

Current favourite music genres: “I’ve really been enjoying both old school and newer soul artists like Etta James and Thee Sacred Souls. I’ve also been in a ’90s alt rock mood and have been listening to bands like The Breeders.”

Upcoming shows: “I don’t have tickets to either of these yet, but I’d be excited to see Declan McKenna and Florist.”

Best show you’ve ever seen in Toronto: “I really loved Lorde’s Solar Power tour last April! She played at Meridian Hall with Remi Wolf, who I’m such a big fan of as well. It was the first concert I had been to since the pandemic started, and a very special one because of how foundational her music was to my teen years. Her set design was beautiful and her energy was electric! The concert was also during the last week of my undergrad, so I cried a couple of times because it felt so full circle.”

Concert look: “I wore this to boygenius concert and it’s a new favourite! The shirt is from Ardene and I also wore it for the Caroline Polachek concert in April. My skirt is from Fabindia; my dad brought it back for me as a gift from his recent trip to visit our family. My shoes are Doc Martens and my necklace is moonstone, so it has this iridescent blue hue that reminds me of one of my favourite boygenius songs, ‘True Blue.’”

Janiece, 24

“I like that most venues in Toronto don’t take over 45 minutes to get to and they’re all close to public transit.”

Current favourite music genres: “I listen to a little bit of everything, but my favourites are R&B, hip-hop and dance hall.”

Upcoming shows: “Beyoncé (hopefully accompanied by Blue Ivy!) and Drake, both for the second time.”

Top Toronto venue: “History — not only is the sound experience incredible, the view is great no matter where you stand and there isn’t that overcrowded, claustrophobic feeling you usually feel in most general admission venues.”

Concert look: “I’d describe my look as cute and sensible. For me, it’s equally important to be stylish and comfortable, so I can dance the night away without having to readjust my clothes every few minutes. My bag will always hold the essentials — wallet, portable chargers and lip gloss — and it’ll usually be a clear bag to make security checks as smooth as possible. Also, running shoes are ESSENTIAL!”

Madi, 23

“I love meeting other people who enjoy the same artists and music. Whether it be in line, at the bar or in the washroom, I’ve always been able to befriend or vibe with someone at each show.”

Current favourite music genre: “As summer 2023 rolls in, you can catch me blasting all my Afrobeats playlists.”

Upcoming shows: “Rema, Brent Faiyaz, Rina Sawayama and shamelessly, The Jonas Brothers (I’m a Nick girl).”

Top Toronto venue: “Budweiser Stage has always had a special place in my heart, especially for summer shows. Lawn or in the 100s, every ticket I’ve purchased at Budweiser has been a good seat, view and show. Also, being able to settle in for a night of live music while getting to watch the sunset is unbeatable.”

Concert look: “In my culture, red is a lucky colour and if luck was an outfit, this would be it. While each part of this outfit was found separately, together, it’s a set that complements me and makes me feel confident under the bright, colour-changing concert lights.”

Gilles, 50

“Toronto has had a rep, at times, of being a stuck-up city, but I’ve always found the concert-going community friendly.”

Current favourite music genres: “I’ve really gotten into spin, and I like when the instructor loads up on rock from a range of eras.”

Upcoming shows: “My family and I are off to Madrid soon where I hope to catch a little of the Mad Cool Festival: Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Keys and more in Spain? ¡Ole!”

Top Toronto venue: “On a warm summer’s night to me you can’t beat Budweiser Stage. Great views even from the lawns, and the sound is usually top-notch. I really miss going to Barrie’s Molson Park, though!”

Concert look: “I think the best word to describe my look is ‘comfortable.’ You should never have to worry about what you’re wearing hindering any spur-of-the-moment air guitar or drumming while out in public, or even dancing despite my general crappiness at it.”

Cody, 31

“Toronto has good concert vibes — you can make new and wacky friends who are into the same weird music as you.”

Upcoming shows: “Hopefully, Queens of the Stone Age, 50 Cent & Busta Rhymes and Arctic Monkeys.”

Current favourite music genres: “Going off Spotify, a lot of pop and metal.”

Top Toronto venue: “Budweiser Stage because it’s all outdoors so it’s great for summer concerts.”

Concert look: “My go-to options are loose and comfy with little bit of colour so I don’t have to worry about feeling too restricted.”

Laura, 27

“I saw an Arabic jazz band one week and am going to see Beyoncé the next! I don’t think there’s a lot of cities you can find such a range in.”

Current favourite music genres: “Reggaeton, electronic pop.”

Upcoming shows: “Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour at the Roger Centre. I’m DYI-ing my outfit for the day. I just know the crowd will give their all to the show and I’ll be singing my lungs out. Sorry to my seat mates in advance! Also, Altın Gün at The Danforth Music Hall! They’re a Turkish psychedelic rock band and I find their sound so unique. And Rina Sawayama at History. Rina is a rising pop icon but she incorporates everything from country to metal rock into work.”

Top Toronto venue: “The Budweiser Stage. I feel like everyone who attends you know is coming in as a fan.”

Concert look: “I always like to stay comfortable with jeans or shorts but have fun with the top-half. I did that with this asymmetrical body suit, I think it keeps the all-black look a bit more interesting. Of course concerts are always a great excuse to wear my cowboy boots! I paired circle belt as a trendy addition to compliment them. I’m big on accessories especially for concerts when you want to keep your clothes on the comfy side. Lately I’ve been into metallics so that’s reflected in the chunky bracelets and shoulder bag.”

SHARE: