Roger Waters: The Wall
SEP 16 & 18, AIR CANADA CENTRE, 40 BAY
Legend has it that Roger Waters — bassist, lyricist and the creative force behind Pink Floyd during their most successful period — conceived of the The Wall after an incident that involved him spitting in a fan’s face during a Montreal tour stop in 1977. The butterfly effect would lead to the rock opera being a monster success a few years later. Curious as to why he’s touring the album at 67? Maybe he just feels like playing again, or owes the tax man some money. Who cares? He’s playing The Wall. $69.75–$264.75. 8pm.
Caribou
SEP 17, PHOENIX CONCERT THEATRE, 410 SHERBOURNE
Dan Snaith, a.k.a. Caribou, does not fool around when it comes to music. He uses his math Ph.D. to create undulating electronic pop that earned him the Polaris prize for his ’07 album, Andorra. Caribou writes his music alone, but performs with a band that includes Enon’s John Schmersal. And later on, he’ll DJ the Drake Underground with Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan. $15. 8pm.
The Charlatans
SEP 17, LEE’S PALACE, 529 BLOOR W.
With their new single, “Love Is Ending,” gaining steam on radio, 20-year-old Brit-rock five-piece The Charlatans are far from irrelevant. Dubbed “a soulful voyage” by vocalist Tim Burgess, their 11th album, Who We Touch, is proof of their range as well as their insistence on the vintage aesthetic they are known for. Not to mention that they are damned proud of — just look at Burgess’ bowl cut. With Sherlock’s Daughter. $35. 9pm.
UPDATE: The drummer for The Charlatans, Jon Brookes, collapsed on stage last night during a gig in Philadelphia. Check their website to read the full statement, and keep checking for an annoucement on whether the Toronto date has been affected.
Old Music: The Songs of Arthur Russell
SEP 18, MUSIC GALLERY, 197 JOHN
Wild Combination, the riveting 2008 documentary about cellist and disco pioneer Arthur Russell (pictured) included mind-blowing performance footage. While his music’s popularity has swelled, Russell’s death in 1992 means his haunting songs are rarely played live. Enter Arthur’s Landing, a group of Russell’s NYC musician friends who include Steven Hall and ex–Modern Lovers bassist Ernie Brooks. $20; $15 member/senior; $10 student. 8pm.
Busking For CHANGE
SEP 21, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Any event whose lineup includes Gentleman Reg, Ruby Coast, Sunparlour Players and Raine Maida is sure to draw plenty of music fans, but you’ll have to move fast. The busking happens from 7am to 7pm on corners of major intersections across the city for War Child, an organization that helps children affected by war in countries from Afghanistan to Haiti. Open your wallets and for pete’s sake, take off your damn headphones.
09/15/10 >> 
