Aaron MillerWho: The Darcys
What: Possibly/probably one of the best unsigned bands in Toronto with a flair for grandiose proggish rock declarations and a pretty terrific debut album waiting for someone to put it out.
Why: They’re leading the bill for the next edition of Steam Whistle Unsigned, a showcase series put on by the local brewery for the purpose of introducing folks to up-and-coming talent and beer while donating door proceeds to the Artists Health Centre Foundation.
When: Friday, April 29, 2011
Where: The Steam Whistle Brewing Roundhouse, Toronto
Who else: Also on the bill are locals Wildlife and Freedom Or Death
How: Admission to the show is just $5, so giving away passes alone isn’t a massive-scale prize. Which is why courtesy of Steam Whistle, I’ve got to give away – in addition to a pair of passes – refreshment tickets, a pair of brewery tour passes and other assorted brewery swag. To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to whistle at The Darcys” in the subject line and your full name and mailing address in the body. Contest closes at midnight, April 25.

MP3: The Darcys – “The House Built Around Your Voice”

Michael Ann GermanWho: Fergus & Geronimo
What: Not the best ever death metal band out of Denton, but another duo from that same Texan town with a penchant for garage-fi doo-wop-inflected pop.
Why: Their debut album Unlearn just came out on Sub Pop subsidiary Hardly Art and they’re taking the show on the road.
When: Saturday, March 16, 2011
Where: The Garrison in Toronto (19+)
Who else: New Zealand noise-pop outfit Surf City will support.
How: Tickets are $10.50 in advance but courtesy of Embrace, I’ve got a pair of passes to give away for the show. To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want Fergus & Geronimo & me” in the subject line and your full name in the body and have that to me before midnight, April 13.
What else: Paste declared the band amongst the “best of what’s next” and the duo name their top ten favourite girls with English accents for The Village Voice.

MP3: Fergus & Geronimo – “Baby Don’t You Cry”
MP3: Fergus & Geronimo – “Powerful Lovin'”

FacebookWho: Ron Sexsmith
What: Torontonian who somehow manages to be amongst the most respected and underappreciated singer-songwriters the country has to offer has just released his twelfth album, the unexpectedly Bob Rock-produced Long Player Late Bloomer.
Why: In addition to capping off a Canadian tour in support of the new record, Sexmith was also the subject of a documentary film Love Shines, released last year, and will be the subject of the Canadian Songbook show at Massey Hall in June as part of LuminaTO. Maybe he’s finally getting his due after all.
When: Thursday, April 21, 2011
Where: Lee’s Palace in Toronto
Who else: Support comes from Winnipeg duo Ash Koley.
How: Tickets for the show are $25 in advance but courtesy of Collective Concerts, I’ve got two pairs of passes to give away for the show. To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Ron Sexsmith” in the subject line and your full name in the body. Contest closes at midnight, April 18.
What else: Sexsmith is the subject of features at The Vancouver Sun, The Calgary Herald, The Ottawa Citizen and See. In addition to the show at Lee’s, Sexsmith will play an acoustic in-store across the street at Sonic Boom at 6PM the same evening.

Video: Ron Sexsmith – “Late Bloomer” (live)

Christina VendittiWho: Sean Rowe
What: Implausibly deep and resonantly-voiced singer-songwriter and naturalist from upstate New York blends soul, blues and folk and yes – has a beard.
Why: Rowe is currently on tour in support of his recently-released debut album Magic.
When: Thursday, April 14, 2011
Where: The Dakota Tavern in Toronto (19+)
How: Tickets for the show are $11.50 in advance, but courtesy of Anti, I’ve got a pair of passes to give away for the show. To enter, email me at chromewaves.net with “I want to see Sean Rowe” in the subject line and your full name in the body. Contest closes at midnight, April 12.
What else: American Songwriter has a interview with Rowe.

MP3: Sean Rowe – “Jonathan”

Hayes CarllWho: Hayes Carll
What: Texan singer-songwriter who found success with 2008’s Trouble In Mind and seeks to follow it up with this year’s KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) (which is US military slang for “Kiss My Ass Guys, You’re On Your Own”).
Why: Put out a record, tour it. Put out a record, tour it. That’s how it works.
When: Sunday, April 10, 2011
Where: The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto (19+)
Who else: North Carolina’s Shovels & Rope – aka Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent – are opening up on this tour.
How: Tickets for the show are $13 in advance but courtesy of Collective Concerts, I’ve got two pairs of passes to give away for the show. To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Hayes Carll” in the subject line and your full name in the body. Contest closes at midnight, April 7.
What else: The Oklahoman has a feature piece on Carll.

Video: Hayes Carll – “She Left Me For Jesus”