NXNE: Night about town ends on sublime note

Evan Dando and Juliana Hatfield offered up 'top-notch, classic, stoner rock' at their North by Northeast music festival set in Toronto Thursday. (Laura Thompson/CBC)

It was a strong Thursday night at NXNE. But with a slow start.

The plan was to check out Forest City Lovers first, but that failed miserably as I arrived late at the Music Gallery -- just in time to be thanked for coming out. Moving on.

At the Rivoli, a bouncer with zero interest in the term "media pass" stood firmly between me and Peter Elkas inside, claiming the bar was at capacity. I join the queue for my first, but certainly not last, line-up of NXNE. I lament missing Elkas, who I imagine is still bearded and fabulous.

Bobby Bazini delighted fans, especially a few female ones, in Toronto for his NXNE show Thursday. (Laura Thompson/CBC)

Finally, things pick up when I get in for Bobby Bazini, one of my must-sees. He released his first album last year, was nominated for two Juno Awards this year and, oh ya, just turned 22.

Still, he's an old soul. His voice is steeped in experience he can't possibly have. A kid from Quebec with his heart on his sleeve, he's one of the special ones.

He impressed to the nines with his runaway radio hit I Wonder and a cover of Stealers Wheel's Stuck in the Middle with You. There was no ignoring the stir caused by his shaggy 'do and unbuttoned shirt, especially when an emboldened female fan screamed for "one more button!" This, as his wedding ring occasionally caught the light.

Next up: Imaginary Cities: a five-piece from Winnipeg who escaped the Prairies just in time to dominate the universe.

Marti Sarbit of Imaginary Cities has a 'smooth, crisp voice' and 'sweet moves to boot.' (Laura Thompson/CBC)

Female lead Marti Sarbit gives Amy Millan a run for her money. Her smooth, crisp voice slices through the air and she's got some sweet dance moves to boot. In certain light, she could be the lost Kardashian sister, though I imagine she'd hate me thinking that. Cities' debut album scored a spot on the Polaris Music Prize long list just yesterday and the band's NXNE set was nothing short of a celebration. Serious respect to a group that's absolutely one to keep an eye on.

Off to Lee's Palace, which proves to be much more civilized. A mellow scene perfectly suited for Juliana Hatfield and Evan Dando who deliver some top-notch, classic, stoner rock.

It was intimate with an improvisational feel, as the alt-rock heroes strummed away on acoustic guitars, whispering to make sure they were on the same page. It felt like old times. But time has passed: while Dando keeps The Lemonheads alive, Hatfield has a new solo album to hawk. Still, together again they shone with a set that was the perfect mélange of wistful indie sounds that harked back to simpler days. No hurries, no worries.

Definitely no complaints.

-- Laura Thompson