Photo: canadianmusicweek on Instagram 

For music aficionados who are waiting for the perfect escape without having to leave town, Canadian Music Week is set to hit Toronto from May 2-8. This year, the annual Canuck musical extravaganza kicks off at the bohemian Queen West bar Cameron House, with a 7 p.m. performance from local indie band Mermaids Exist.

The Toronto-based five-piece ensemble will be followed by Montreal folk band Will Driving West and alternative British singer Jake Morley. Meanwhile, Austin, Texas-based producer and songwriter Max Frost is slated to perform at the Drake Underground at 10 p.m. on opening night.

On May 3, a couple of well-known artists are set to join the lineup of emerging musicians. California-born singer-songwriter Tori Kelly performs at Massey Hall, as part of her Unbreakable tour. The 23-year-old rising songbird is known for her 2015 hit songs Should’ve Been Us and Nobody Love.

If you prefer artists from the True North, you’ll be thrilled to know that Toronto songstress Lights also appears at the Danforth Music Hall on May 3. Born Valerie Anne Poxleitner, the 29-year-old star recently released her latest album Midnight Machines.

Photo: canadianmusicweek on Instagram

Meanwhile, electric funk soul band Smoove and Turrell hail from Newcastle, England, and officially make a splash at Adelaide Hall on May 4. The next night, Whitby, Ontario-based indie folk singer Annie Sumi performs at Cherry Cola’s N Rock & Rolla Cabaret Lounge.

The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition Showcase takes over the Burdock pub on May 5, and stars Ottawa-based rising talent like blues and folk singer Catriona Sturton. For 2016, Victoria, British Columbia-born songstress Nelly Furtado is also set to receive the 2016 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards. The awards show will be held at the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Centre on May 5.

Closer to the weekend, the Osheaga Presents event takes place at Lee’s Palace on May 7. Guests can look forward to performances from Montreal indie pop band Motel Raphaël and Toronto pop-psychedelic group Dilly Dally.

For a grand celebration, the 2016 Live Music Industry Awards also take place at the Sheraton Centre Hotel on May 7. The show will honour Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo with a special Legends of Live award. Of course, the event also features an appropriately titled Hangover Brunch, which is a fitting meal to conclude a week of endless music and partying!