After lots of last minute planning I finally made it to Toronto for the 2009 North by Northeast Music Festival. Here are a few of my highlights.

My weekend festivities began Friday night with the Nevado Records showcase at The Supermarket. This up-and-coming indie label put on a stellar show featuring Bahamas, Bass Lions, The Paint Movement, Fox Jaws and Parlovr. I’ve seen Bass Lions a few times and Fox Jaws played our show in Montreal on June 3rd, love both bands but I was especially excited to see Nevado’s other bands perform.

Three piece band Parlovr opened the show with a bang. Cute boys, catchy songs and entertaining stage presence. Check them out in Montreal when they play Osheaga on August 2. Must see!

Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen), best known as the guitarist of Feist (who was at the show) just completed his debut solo album Pink Strat set to release on July 21. Loved the track What’s Worse where he showed off his hip swaying moves and soft vocals. Watch out for this guy.

Jazzy rockers The Paint Movement had the best band-audience interaction of the night. The crowd loved these guys and so did I. There needs to be more saxophone in indie rock. Can’t wait till they come to Montreal.

Saturday night started with the always entertaining performance of Icelandic/Montreal band Nista. These guys put on a great show and they gave out candy and free surprises! What more can you ask for? If you’re looking for something different from the indie rock sound, check them out.

The rest of the night I headed in and out of half a dozen other shows. I caught a great performance by Ruby Coast and the beginning of Jason Collett’s set at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern. Regretting not staying for all of Collett’s set but the venue was packed so tight I had to get some fresh air and missed the rest of the show.

I ended my last night in Toronto with my favorite metal heads Fattooth at The Hideout. Their high energy performance blew me and the crowd away! I’m still on a high from this performance. If you’re a metal fan check these guys out on their upcoming tour.

Biggest disappointment of the weekend: I didn’t get to taste Sneaky Dee’s famous King Crown nachos.

Biggest surprise of the weekend: Torontonians are nicer than I remembered. Except for the weird drunk girl at The Hideout who flashed me in the woman’s bathroom.

All in all, it was a great weekend, met some amazing people. See you next year NXNE.

Laura