Previews: Record Releases, Tours and Shows
Discover the Canadian albums, tours and live performances worth watching. The Maple Music Lounge delivers informed previews, early announcements and critical perspectives on established icons, emerging artists and important moments in Canadian music.
OCTOBER 2026
- October 18 | Bill King — Life Between the Notes, The Redwood Theatre, Toronto
- October 31–November 1 | Loreena McKennitt — The Mask and Mirror Anniversary Tour, Massey Hall, Toronto
NOVEMBER 2026
- November 5–27 | Arkells — Between Us Tour, selected Canadian cities
- November 14 | Sam Roberts Band — Chemical City 20th Anniversary Tour, Ottawa
- November 20 | Barenaked Ladies — OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls
DECEMBER 2026
- December 17 | Arkells — Sleigh The Night, Niagara Falls
- December 27 | Blue Rodeo — OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls
What We’re Watching
Most Anticipated Release
Bruce Cockburn — The Blood of Others
Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn returns on October 16, 2026, with The Blood of Others, a collection exploring songs that helped shape his musical identity. Drawing from folk, blues, gospel, jazz and other traditions, the album revisits influences stretching back to his early years. With more than five decades of recording and performing behind him, Cockburn offers listeners a personal interpretation of music that influenced his development as an artist. It is a compelling autumn release for fans of Canadian songwriting and musical history.
Tour Worth Travelling For
Loreena McKennitt — The Mask and Mirror Anniversary Tour
Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt brings her celebrated The Mask and Mirror Anniversary Tour to Eastern Canada this October. Revisiting her influential 1994 album, the tour offers audiences an opportunity to experience the Celtic, folk and world-music influences that have defined her distinctive sound. The tour concludes with performances at Toronto’s Massey Hall on October 31 and November 1, 2026. For music lovers interested in combining an autumn getaway with an atmospheric live performance, McKennitt’s anniversary concerts offer a memorable cultural experience.
Editor’s Early Pick
Hayden — The Recent Past
Toronto singer-songwriter Hayden returns November 6, 2026, with The Recent Past, his tenth studio album. More than three decades into his recording career, Hayden continues to explore the intimate, reflective songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. Released through his own Hardwood Records imprint, the album offers another chapter in a career built on understated melodies and thoughtful storytelling. For listeners who appreciate Canadian independent music beyond the mainstream, this is one of November’s releases worth discovering.
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