Kicking off their city-wide tours, Arkells will take the stage for three shows in Vancouver. It's a new way of touring, playing mini residencies at different-sized venues in each city, allowing the band to switch up the setlist on a nightly basis, play deep cuts and celebrate their new album, Between Us, in a unique way that prioritizes human connection.
Also this week, Saskatoon’s Katie Tupper brings her debut album, Greyhound, to Toronto and Montreal, while Montreal-born singer Alicia Creti flexes her rising star power at The Drake Hotel Underground. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea performs his jazzy new record in Southern Canada, and Punjabi-Canadian superstar Karan Aujla plays major arenas in Toronto and Winnipeg.
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Concert of the Week
Arkells, Multiple venues, Vancouver — May 7-9
Arkells are going on city-wide takeovers.
The Hamilton, Ontario rockers are calling their tenth studio album, Between Us, “an ode to the sacred, human connection we share, and the debt we owe each other” — echoing a similar sentiment to frontman Max Kerman’s guest column in Billboard Canada. To celebrate the album’s release, the group are hitting the road in a different way.
“We're planning these city takeovers in venues we haven't played in over a decade, and some we've never stepped foot in, but places we know matter deeply to the music community,” the band wrote on Instagram.
By headlining multiple nights in the same city, the quintet can mix up their setlists and throw in some unexpected deep cuts."Playing multiple nights lets us introduce the new record, stretch across our entire catalogue and create a different experience each night,” they revealed. And yes: every sing-along you've been waiting for.”
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Fingers crossed they’ll play their Billboard Canada Airplay chart hit “Money,” a collaboration with Portugal. The Man, which has made waves on Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock.
Over the next couple of months, Arkells will continue their city-specific shows in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto.
Karan Aujla, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto — May 9-10; Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg — May 13
Punjabi-Canadian superstar Karan Aujla is wrapping up his Canadian trek, playing at some of the country’s biggest arenas, further illustrating Punjabi music’s reach across North America. The major dates follow the success of Aujla’s latest album, P-Pop Culture, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, making it the highest-debuting Punjabi-language album in Canadian history — a record set by Aujla himself, three years ago.
Katie Tupper, The Mod Club, Toronto — May 7; Bar le Ritz PDB, Montreal — May 8
Saskatoon’s Katie Tupper is bringing her debut album, Greyhound, to a lone Quebec show. The neo-soul singer’s smoky alto voice is instantly captivating, elevating listeners from the first note. Despite her often serious-sounding music, her on-stage presence is capped with humour, creating an authentic experience for fans. “Rehearsing for these shows has been a dream and I’m really excited to bring you my best show yet,” she wrote on Instagram.
Alicia Creti, The Drake Hotel Underground, Toronto — May 9
Former finance student, Alicia Creti, bet on herself and is officially reaping the rewards. Known for her soulful, raw R&B-pop vocals, the Montreal-born, Los Angeles-based singer gained popularity on TikTok with soulful covers in 2020, which led to her scoring a record deal with Atlantic Records/Warner Music Canada. Focusing on themes of heartbreak and self-discovery, Creti has secured herself as a rising star by being earnest with her audience.
Flea, The Opera House, Toronto — May 9; Théâtre Beanfield, Montreal — May 10
Although he claims the Red Hot Chili Peppers are teasing new music, the group’s bassist, Flea, and his jazz band are venturing out on their own, playing back-to-back sold-out shows in Southern Canada. They’re gearing up to play songs from the eccentric artist’s debut solo record, Honora. Notably, the band includes a bassist who isn't Flea — presumably, meaning that he’ll be mostly playing the trumpet.
