Polaris Prize Gala Performers Announced, Nominees Arcade Fire Not Playing

We knew Arcade Fire would make it all the way to the Polaris Prize Gala. After winning the top awards at the Grammys, it was doubtful the Montreal rockers would be shut out from the short list for this critic-voted competition in their homeland. But what we didn't know was if Win Butler and crew would be taking the gala stage on Sept. 19 in Toronto to perform alongside their nine fellow nominees. And sadly, the superstars are sitting this one out.

Though Arcade Fire members will be on hand during the televised broadcast (check out the Polaris Prize site for details on how to tune in) should they need to pop up and accept the big award -- or perhaps we should say, when they do -- you won't see the collective serenade the invite-only crowd. That's not to say there won't be plenty of other applause-worthy acts performing that night, though.

Nominees Austra, Braids, Galaxie, Hey Rosetta!, Ron Sexsmith and Timber Timbre will all hit the stage to play tracks off their lauded albums. Plus, Damian Abraham of F---ed Up (who took the Polaris Prize crown in 2009) will be co-hosting the soiree, so the lack of Arcade Fire is no reason to make other plans.

Also up for the $30,000 honour this year are Destroyer, Colin Stetson and the Weeknd, with all the runner-ups nabbing a cool $2,000 consolation prize. The sixth-annual gala is definitely worth marking on your calendar, even if there's no rousing rendition of 'Rococo.' We promise.