Show picks of the week (April 24 – April 30)

Although it SNOWED yesterday, Spring is (apparently) on the way, and the avalanche of May shows is just around the corner. This week brings another eclectic mix of events, with a few hot tickets, including a sold-out theatre show for Sufjan Stevens, and a pair of sold-out Patrick Watson gigs at Theatre Fairmount. Check out our recommendations for the coming week below, and let us know what you plan on seeing in the comments!

Friday April 24

California X at Bar le Ritz PDB
The Vakarme folks are launching the third volume of their print zine tonight, and have wrangled a fine assortment to bands to help them celebrate, including New Jersey’s sludgy California X, Ottawa noise-punk duo Big Dick, and locals Sigh Down One and Nobro. 8:00pm, $12/$15 (with zine), 179 Jean Talon West.

Saturday, April 25

Dave Hause at Quai des Brumes
Former Loved Ones frontman Dave Hause now principally records as a solo act, with a pair of full-length LP’s and an impressive number of singles already under his belt. His rousing, working-class anthems should appeal to anyone in the Hot Water Music / Gaslight Anthem camps. Opening the show are Ontario’s Kalle Mattson, and Montreal’s Greg Laraigne. 9:30, $13/$15, 4481 St-Denis.

Police des Moeurs at Bistro du Paris
Local cold wave band Police des Moeurs launch their “Punk” tape tonight, featuring their minimal synth take on classic punk tracks including covers of Reagan Youth and Anti-Cimex. Stream the complete album below. Rounding out the bill are the dance punk of Motorkiller and the primal punk of Torment. 9:00pm, $5/$10 (with tape), 4536 St-Denis.

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Mark Little at Theatre Sainte-Catherine
Canadian comedian Mark Little (Picnicface, Space Riders) brings his playfully manic stand-up to Montreal for a pair of shows at the intimate Theatre Sainte-Catherine tonight. It’s rare to see great standup talent outside of the Just for Laughs months, so don’t miss out on this one. Mark Little is also the guest on our podcast this week – check it out here! 8:00 & 10:00pm, $15/$20, 264 Rue Sainte-Catherine East.

Sunday April 26

Patrick Watson at Theatre Fairmount
Montreal singer-songwriter Patrick Watson is set to launch his new album, Love Songs For Robots, on May 11, and will premiere the new tracks at a pair of intimate shows at Theatre Fairmount tonight and tomorrow. Unfortunately, if you don’t already have tickets you’re out of luck – they sold out within minutes of going on-sale this week. However, with the huge buzz surrounding these shows, expect to see Watson announce a follow-up show as soon as the new record is out. 9:00pm, Sold Out, 5240 Parc Ave.

Wednesday, April 29

Danko Jones at Petit Campus
Toronto Rock N’ Roll spokesman Danko Jones has been kicking it for nearly 20 years, and his live shows are always a powerhouse blast of energetic rock. Say Yes open, featuring members of Alexisonfire and Saint Alvia. 8:00pm, $18/$20, 57 Prince Arthur East.

Thursday, April 30

Sufjan Stevens at Place des Arts
Following the recent release of his heartbreaking new album Carrie & Lowell, which recounts his mother’s battles with schizophrenia and drug abuse, Sufjan Stevens is set to embark on a lengthy tour, which includes this rare Montreal stop at Place des Arts. There is no better suited venue in town to catch the introspective singer-songwriter, so hopefully you didn’t sleep on getting tix (this one is long sold out). Opening is Montreal’s Little Scream. 7:00pm, Sold Out, 175 Sainte Catherine West.