To stay at the forefront of Canada’s music scene, Toronto’s North by Northeast Music & Film Festival & Conference(NXNE) keeps growing each year. 2012’s recently announced line-up includes 650 bands, 40 films and 50 interactive panels from June 11-17. NXNE will be taking over venues throughout the city for its 18th year, with the largest venue being Yonge-Dundas Square (YDS) in the heart of Toronto, home of free public concerts throughout the week-long event. Flaming Lips, Bad Religion, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah and Matthew Good will headline YDS along with dozens of other acts. The Square is always a highlight of the week, packing in 10,000+ on some nights. With many clubs and venues open special extended hours during the festival, the City barely sleeps as festival-goers race across the city to see the latest buzzed about new act or some amazing veteran acts play small venues like they were starting out again.
The first wave of artists, speakers and films were announced recently with more to come as the festival approaches. Passes and wristbands are on sale now, visit NXNE.com for more information and to watch for more announcements.