Canadian Bands a Big Presence 2010 CMJ Music Fest

As a big fan of Canadian indie music, I'm glad to see a big turnout of bands from up north at events like this week's CMJ Music Festival. Brooklyn Vegan said it all in its headline yesterday: "Canadian invasion @ CMJ 2010." Invasion may be a strong word, but the always-notable Canadian presence at the jam-packed five-day New York City festival may be stronger than ever. (The CMJ Music Fest began Oct. 19th and ends on the 23rd.)

The largest assembly of Canadian talent in one place at once will be the M for Montreal CMJ showcase at Arlene's Grocery on the Lower East Side on Thursday, Oct. 21st. Here's the lineup:

7 p.m.: The Luyas
8 p.m.: Uncle Bad Touch
9 p.m.: PS I Love You
10 p.m.: Random Recipe
11 p.m.: Red Mass
12 a.m.: The Pack A.D
1 a.m.: Radio Radio

Besides the M for Montreal showcase, there are plenty of other gigs featuring Canadian acts at the CMJ Festival. The Brooklyn Vegan article notes many of them (including Woodhands playing Friday night and Two Hours Traffic on Saturday). And Dan Mangan plays the Mercury Lounge at 7 p.m.

Speaking of Thursday, there are plenty of other interesting acts playing that day, and night. Among the many, many performers on Thursday's CMJ schedule:
1:30 p.m.: Walter Parks at Gallery Bar
7:30 p.m.: Oberhofer at Public Assembly
8 p.m.: Eisley at Gramercy Theatre
8 p.m.: John Vanderslice at Mercury Lounge
8:30 p.m.: Susan Cowsill Band at Maxwell's, Hoboken