Wavelength Winter Festival takes place from February 13-16, 2020, in Toronto. This year marks their 20th anniversary and they have big things planned. The festival launches Thursday, February 13, exactly 20 years since Wavelength’s first show at Ted’s Wrecking Yard. Despite that venue being a distant memory, Wavelength will provide a nostalgic nod to its older days by presenting the first night of the festival at Sneaky Dee’s! Festival venues also include Longboat Hall (Fri & Sat nights), Sonic Boom Records (Sat. afternoon – all ages) and The Garrison (Sun night).
“As one of Wavelength’s co-founders, I’m grateful and elated to be celebrating this momentous milestone of reaching our series’ 20th anniversary,” says Jonny Dovercourt (Jonathan Bunce), Wavelength Artistic Director. “When our original collective of independent musicians came together two decades ago to find new ways to build excitement and a sense of community in the Toronto music scene, we never expected it to have this longevity – or grow into an institution that continues to champion grassroots artists.”
Want to attend? You can purchase tickets in person at Rotate This (801 Queen Street West, Toronto) and Soundscapes (572 College Street, Toronto), or online at wavelengthmusic.ca.
We’ve put together a list of the Top 5 acts you shouldn’t miss at this year’s festival.
5. Silver Pools
Toronto, ON-based psychedelic dream-pop band, Silver Pools will be performing on February 15 at Sonic Boom Music at 2 pm. The show is FREE so there’s no excuse not to check out this amazing band, along with the 3 other bands playing the showcase, New Fries, Mimico and Psychic Weapons.
Montreal’s Little Scream is an Indie pop artist currently signed to Merge Records. Take a few moments to check out the new album, Speed Queen and if you like what you hear, be sure to catch the show on February 14 at Longboat Hall. Show starts at 7 pm and features The Hidden Cameras, Kaia Kater, and Sheenah Ko. You can see them all for $20 in advance, or $25 at the door!
3. Keita Juma
Mississauga, ON’s Ketia Juma is definitely on the list to check out at Wavelength Winter Festival. If you’re a fan of hip-hop or house music, you need to check him out. He’ll be performing on February 16 at The Garrison along with Notifi, Torii Wolf, and TRP.P. Show starts at 7 pm. Get your tickets for $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.
2. Lou Phelps
Montreal, QC-based electro-driven rapper, Lou Phelps (also the brother of Kaytranada) is a must-see. He’ll be performing February 15 at Longboat Hall and it will definitely be a great show, as it also features Yves Jarvis, Desiire, and Haviah Mighty. The showcase begins at 7 pm. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door!
The number 1 act you have to check out during Wavelength Winter festival this month is none other than Haviah Mighty. If you are a fan of hip-hop, you don’t want to miss the 2019 Polaris Prize winner femcee’s performance at Longboat Hall on February 15. Haviah has opened for such acclaimed artists such as Nelly, Ice Cube and more, and there’s no doubt why when you see her live!
That’s our list of the top 5 acts to check out, but we highly recommend you attend the whole festival, as it’s filled with incredible talent. For more information, go HERE.