From Ashnikko to Wu-Tang and Nas, emerging artists and icons make up the majority of concert announcements this week.

Ashnikko

Since the release of her 2021 mixtape Demidevil, which was critically lauded by Vogue, the New York Times, and Pitchfork, Ashnikko has been one of music’s most-watched emerging artists. With the announcement of WeedKiller, their highly anticipated debut album due out on June 2, the pop star is now embarking on a sprawling world tour. Along with her genre-blending music, Ashnikko is also known for her futuristic sense of style.

When: October 19

Where: PNE Forum

Tickets: On sale Friday, March 10 via Ticketleader

Begonia

Formerly of the Juno-winning group Chic Gamine, Begonia (the solo project of Alexa Dirks) is becoming a household name in her own right. The Winnipeg singer-songwriter has been gradually building up a fanbase and getting industry attention; her 2019 album, Fear, received nods from Polaris Music Prize and the Junos. Now, with her latest effort, Powder Blue—a reflective triumph of self-discovery—Dirks is poised to breakthrough to superstardom.

When: May 23

Where: Fox Cabaret

Tickets: On sale Friday, March 3 via Ticketweb

KISS

It’s time to KISS the glam metal legends goodbye. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and co. bring their End of the Road farewell tour to Vancouver in November. The run concludes in New York, where the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers started their career half a century ago. KISS is one of the best-selling bands and most influential bands of all time. The group also notably helped innovate the landscape of concert production, with their unique stage sets, pyrotechnics, and branded merch. 

When: November 8

Where: Rogers Arena

Tickets: On sale Friday, March 10 via Ticketmaster

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas

Hip hop icons Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are co-headlining their N.Y. State of Mind Tour, which stops across Australia, Europe, and the U.S. before landing in Vancouver in October. Wu-Tang, formed in Staten Island in the early ‘90s, is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential hip hop groups in history—and, undeniably, one of the most prolific: their complete anthology, including solo albums, spans more than 85 full-length releases.

Nas also originates from New York and, like Wu-Tang, is considered of one of the greatest hip hop artists ever. His 1994 debut, Illmatic—featuring songs like “The World is Yours—was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

Wu-Tang and Nas recently toured together last year.

When: October 16

Where: Rogers Arena

Tickets: On sale Friday, March 3 via Ticketmaster