May 2015: Canadian Music Week returns to Toronto

Toronto is a mecca for music lovers, hosting a multitude of little-known and large-scale venues as well as an abundance of music festivals. So it's only sensible that the city throws its own auditory celebration each year: Canadian Music Week.

Canadian Music Week enters its 33rd year in 2015, running from May 1-10. It's expected to outshine all previous installments, spanning 10 nights of live performances by about 1,000 bands spread throughout more than six dozen downtown Toronto venues. These performers comprise a vast spectrum of genres, including hip hop, punk, rock, indie and pop. Check out some of this year's headlining acts:

• Faith No More
• Fidlar
• Death Cab for Cutie
• The Jesus and Mary Chain
• The Orwells
• Metz
• King Tuff
• Xavier Rudd
• Twin Peaks
• Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
• The Psychedelic Furs
• Billy Talent
• Monster Truck

While the performers may be the main feature, the event is made up of much more than music. It embraces all forms of auditory art, from broadcasting to sound recording, and explores every corner of the business of music. Patrons can peruse an expansive trade exhibition and partake in an array of conferences on topics such as digital media, radio, mobile apps and speakers. All convention functions will be held in the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

In addition to the music festival and convention events, Canadian Music Week presents both a comedy and a film festival. Some of Ontario's most talented up-and-coming comedians and filmmakers gather to present stand-up, improv and movies from a wide range of genres—expect to see retro flicks, never-before-seen premieres, special screenings and rare movies. Stick around at the end of the festival for a variety of awards shows, naming winners in both film and comedy. The highlight is the set of music award shows that recognize the most accomplished musical professionals of the past year: the renowned Canadian Radio Music Awards, Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards and SiriusXM Independent Music Awards.