By Harry Myles, Feature Photo via NXNE

From June 16-25, North by Northeast (NXNE) returns to Toronto with a variety of live music, video game tournaments, and events across the city. Yearly the festival has grown in size, expanding their featured artists with 2017 being no exception. To help you with your festival experience, Demo has compiled an overview of some of the must-see performances and activities NXNE has to offer.

For the Gamer in You

From June 16-18, NXNE is hosting Game Land with Canada’s largest free e-sports competition happening at Yonge and Dundas Square along with virtual reality demonstrations and other game-inspired events.

Highlights

• Starcraft II: Top North American players tournament with a $10,000 prize
• Street Fighter V: 128 player tournament with a free play area
• Super Smash Brothers: 128 player tournament with a free play area

For more information regarding the Game Land festivities visit: http://nxne.com/game.html

For the Music Fan

Live music has been an integral component of NXNE and this year is no different. Continuing their Port Lands music festival, NXNE has expanded the Port Lands venue to three days from June 23-25. In addition to music, the Port Lands will also feature a comedy tent, mid way rides, carnival games, art installations, and the best of Toronto’s food trucks.

Highlights

June 23: Headliner- Post Malone

• Cold Specks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKngft4Qjyg
  • Toronto born, Cold Specks have steadily rose as the Canadian soul-R&B talent to watch. Since their emergence in 2011, Cold Specks have not only released two albums, but various collaboration pieces as well, and have played world wide. Now, the artist is back in the studio and preparing to promote their third upcoming album.
• Other notable acts:
  • Sleigh Bells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGtB6K8q8k
  • Twin Peaks: https://www.youtube.com/user/twinpeaksdudes

June 24: Headliner- Kaytranada

• Bleachers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQy12GH1Fl4
  • Jack Antonoff, a.k.a Bleachers, released his debut album in 2014 to much critical acclaim. Since then, he has worked alongside pop artists like Charlie XCX while working on his Strange Desire follow up. On June 2, the indie-pop album Gone Now was released featuring additional vocals from Carly Rae Jepsen and Lorde.
• Other notable acts:
  • Ebhoni: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcvOCfX1eA
  • Son Little: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zilN0KCkhRA

June 25: Headliner- Passion Pit

• The Soul Rebels Ft. Talib Kweli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOBOZnRmQ5A   
  • The Soul Rebels spent 2016 trekking the globe and collaborating on tour with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Marilyn Manson, Joey Bada$$, Big Freedia, Lettuce, Umphrey’s McGee, Robert Glasper, Kool & The Gang, Rakim, Slick Rick, and many other acts. Talib Kweli has worked with notable artists such as Mos Def, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams and now has teamed up with the Soul Rebels to produce a performance of riveting soul paired with captivating lyricism.
• Other notable acts:
  • Teen Ravine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6iCCmvoP00
  • Yukon Blonde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5m6elTfiHE

For a complete lineup of the Port Lands visit: http://nxne.com/index.html

For the Club Hopper

From June 19-22, NXNE is also hosting Club Land, a collection of artist-curated shows taking place across the city. For $20, an attendee can receive a club-hopping wristband and experience the diverse talent of the city, Canada, and beyond.

Highlights

June 19: Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene curates the Baby G

Join Brendan Canning as he presents four incredible acts at the Baby G, including Charlotte Cornfield, Kira May, Adrian Underhill, and Blue Sky Miners.

June 20: Leah Fay of July Talk curates the Baby G

At the Baby G, Leah Fay has a selection of fantastic artists, featuring Tush, Emperor X, Regina, and Bueller.

June 22: Ian D’Sa of Billy Talent curates the Horseshoe Tavern

Ian D’Sa has a series ready to impress at the Horseshoe Tavern with The Lazys, Crown Lands, the Anti-Queens, and Sweatshop Kids.

For a complete list of the Club Land series (including other venues like the Rivoli and the Garrison) visit: http://nxne.com/club.html