NORTH BURKE NORTH EAST

There is a new sheriff in town and he goes by the name of Dan Burke. Dan got lots of praise for the non-NXNE show he put on during the North by Northeast weekend. Magneta Lane, Uncut, Death From Above, controller.controller and Tangiers filled the bill. Kindly, Dan accepted NXNE wristbands at The Comfort Zone (anyone else have any Grade 10 flashbacks of puking in the washroom?) and he just wanted to put on a fun show. He succeeded, despite being threatened, bullied and harassed for weeks on end by the North by Northeast committee. Okay, none of that happened, but apparently, they didn't like the idea of the show and wanted him to 'œmake it disappear.'? It didn't. Dan 1, NXNE 0.

OVER THE HILLSIDE

Hillside is this month. Big fuckin' hippie score. I kid, I kid. Hillside actually has a really great line-up this year. It takes place outside Guelph on July 23 to 25th. World famous ultimate mega-stars the Arcade Fire will be playing along with Matt Barber, Oh Susanna, The Golden Dogs, The Two Minute Miracles, Nathan Lawr & the Minotaur Orchestra, and The Arrogant Worms. Sweet. www.hillside.on.ca

PAPER BAG GOES TO TOWN

After major labels picked up most of their artists, Paper Bag Records had to do something. So they signed a shit load of people. First is Jake Fairley. His new album is called Touch Not The Cat. Jake used to be half of the original Uncut, but left to concentrate on his solo material. Then Memphis, who were brought together in 2002 by Stars front-man Torquil Campbell and long-time friend and musician Chris Dumont. Their album will be released on August 31. Lastly, Magneta Lane. Sweet sweet Magneta Lane. Mmm mmm mmm. Again, I kid. Magneta Lane are awesome. Yes, they are young, but stop talking about their age because it pisses them off. And I wouldn't piss them off if I were you. Their album, The Constant Lover, will be out in September. They are playing Wavelength on the 25th of this month. www.paperbagrecords.com.

L'AFTERPARTY

Not just another catchy headline, L'afterparty is actually the name of a new comedy show happening at the Rancho Relaxo on Thursday July 8th. Hosted by Nick Flanagan (obviously), L'afterparty will have jokes, DJs, dancing and more. L'afterparty is also the first show of Nick's tour. He will be going on tour down the east coast of the USA with Drag City post-comedy recording artist Neil Hamburger. http://homepage.mac.com/version/index.html.

CHICKFEST 2004

OK, it's Ladyfest. It's in the works. It'll be in Toronto and it'll kick so much ass. Details coming soon.

ANOTHER BLUE BABY

Congratulations to Dave (from Another Blue Door) and his girlfriend Hilary who just had a baby on Friday June 11th. Lee Schoonderbeek is the lad's name. This is probably a good thing for Another Blue Door, who finally get a chance to catch their breath since playing relentlessly after their signing to Stinky Records. www.anotherbluedoor.com

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Wavelength will now be a publicly traded company. Wavelength's CEO and the executive team would like to thank you, the shareholders, for coming to the Wavelength zine fundraiser at the Dovercourt House. The show was a blast and we hope y'all had a good time.

BARN PARTY

This just in: 'œToronto's Premier Backup Band invite y'all back to Delta, ON (near Kingston) for a Raise The Roof Barn Dance this July 24th. Bring tents and camp out all weekend to take advantage of sporting activities, scenic hikes, and the 175th Delta Fair, Ontario's second oldest fair. Saturday night's barndance will feature The BackTheFuckUps (feat. members of More Plastic, The Dirty Hearts, The Old Soul, ex-Creeping Nobodies), backing up a slate Toronto's finest singers covering everything from Hank to The Band to the Boss to the Funk. New this year, a 'duets' section. Admission is 10 bucks, with all proceeds going into a new roof for the barn. There is 80 acres worth of fields to camp in, and we'll be organizing a BBQ.'? www.full-fledgedproductions.com/delta

IT'S HUNTING SEASON

Manhunt is on in Toronto! The Hide-And-Go-Seek/Tag hybrid takes place every Thursday in a different neighbourhood in Toronto. To get in on this, check the Manhunt thread in Random Weirdness on 20hz.ca or email hiphopjorge@zombieworld.com, attn: manhunt.