Live Music entertainment in Canada
-
A
Zaphod Beeblebrox
‘Zaphod Beeblebrox’ means ‘kick-ass live music venue’ in an otherwise undecipherable alien tongue. Grab a Gargleblaster cocktail, and let the trippy beats (from New Age to thumping African rhythms) take you on a ride to the edge of the universe.
reviewed
-
B
Wise Club
This comfortably grungy former church hall is a friendly neighborhood gem that’s close to the heart of in-the-know locals, who flock here to catch live ska, salsa, improv shows and the occasional hip-hop DJ night – check the eclectic schedule for events or just hang out in the lounge (ask the bartender to sign you in as a guest). It’s a great place to mix with cool East Vancouverites; the bouncy floor here brings out the moshpit desires in the most reluctant of dancers.
reviewed
-
C
Media Club
This intimate, low-ceilinged indie space tucked underneath the back of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre books inventive local acts that mix and match the genres, so you may have the chance to see electro-symphonic or acoustic metal groups alongside power pop, hip-hop and country bands – although probably not on the same night. A great place for a loud night out (earplugs not supplied), this rivals the Railway Club and the Rickshaw for catching up-and-coming Vancouver acts.
reviewed
-
D
Cobalt
Vancouver’s punk, hardcore and metal fans almost swallowed their tongue studs in anger when the owners of this insalubrious Eastside hotel kicked out the legendary Wendy Thirteen, promoter of the city’s alternative music scene, who had been scheduling acts here to great, spit-lobbing acclaim for years. The ‘new’ venue has yet to take off with the old crowd but it still schedules live acts – not all of them hardcore – almost every night.
reviewed
-
E
Commodore
Up-and-coming local bands know they’ve finally made it when they play the city’s best mid-sized music venue, a lovingly restored art deco ballroom that still has the bounciest dance floor in town – courtesy of stacks of tires placed under its floorboards. If you need a break from your moshing shenanigans, collapse at one of the tables lining the perimeter, catch your breath with a bottled Stella from the back bar then plunge back in.
reviewed
-
F
Anza Club
This wood-built community hall – which has the ambience of a worker’s club without the edge – is popular with East Vancouver hipsters and old-school hippies who have been coming here for years. Along with its eclectic roster of quiz and darts nights in the Tiki Lounge, there’s a popular filmmaking club in the main hall plus regular DJ and live-music events – check the website for calendar details.
reviewed
-
G
LopLops
This inviting venue is coated in earthy tones, with the occasional splash of a neon polka dot. Grab a glass of imported wine from the glittering steel bar and enjoy an evening amid strumming guitars while eavesdropping on the restless murmurs of tortured artists. Unleash your inner diva at one of the many open mic nights or catch the latest folk and jazz music from local and visiting artists.
reviewed
-
H
Pat’s Pub
Saved from gentrification annihilation by its grungy location, the recently revived Pat’s Pub was once a hopping jazz club. Now focusing mostly on thrasher, rockabilly and ska bands (do the names Raygun Cowboys and Napalm Willy ring any bells?), there’s also a surprisingly good bar and beer menu (the own-made Pat’s Classic Lager is always cheap). Music is mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.
reviewed
-
I
Jericho Folk Club
Hosted by the Jericho Folk Club in this convivial beachfront sailing center, local folkies start their regular Tuesday-night event at 7:30pm with a fun drop-in jam session. The evening then progresses to an open-mike hour – make sure you bring your tambourine – and concludes with a headline act that’s guaranteed to have your toes tapping and your beard growing.
reviewed
-
J
Main on Main
Complete with a restaurant serving good Greek comfort food, the warm and welcoming Main is one of Vancouver’s liveliest folk and roots music venues. Professional performers – usually heartfelt local soloists or guitar-wielding singer-songwriters – hit the stage Thursday to Saturday, delivering an ideal accompaniment to your souvlaki or moussaka.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Rivoli
Songbird Feist got her start here, and the talents keeps rolling in. Nightly live music (rock, indie and solo singer-songwriters), weekly stand-up comedy and monthly hip-hop nights are all part of the line-up. CD launches, art shows and Saturday-night DJs complete a very renaissance picture. There’s also a pool hall, and the food is fabulous!
reviewed
-
L
Casa del Popolo
One of Montréal’s cutest live venues, this place is also known for its vegetarian platters, its talented DJs, and as an exhibition space for showing art-house films and spoken-word performances. It’s associated with the tapas bar La Sala Rosa and concert venue La Sala Rossa.
reviewed
-
M
Logan's Pub
A short stroll from downtown, this old-school sports pub looks like nothing special from the outside, but its roster of shows is the heart and soul of the local indie scene. Friday and Saturday are your best bet for performances but other nights are frequently also booked - check the pub's online calendar before you arrive.
reviewed
-
N
El Mocambo Lounge
The derelict palm-tree nightclub sign suggests Miami, but it's all local bands at the internally renovated El Mocambo – alt-rock, hip-hop, reggae jams, funk, jazz and anything else. This is the place where Mick Jagger once writhed as the ex-prime minister's wife danced approvingly on the tabletops.
reviewed
-
O
Horseshoe Tavern
Well past its 60th birthday, the legendary Horseshoe still plays a crucial role in the development of local indie rock. Not so local, The Police played here on their first North American tour – Sting did an encore in his underwear. Buy tickets at the door or check Ticketmaster.
reviewed
-
P
Les Voûtes de Napoléon
Another jubilant boîte à chanson. Its impossible-to-find-on-your-own entrance means it will likely be just you and the locals – it’s underneath the Restaurant Bonaparte. If you can’t find the entrance, just ask a local to point you in the right direction.
reviewed
-
Q
Bovine Sex Club
Don't worry, this isn't some kind of twisted fetish establishment. BSC is a maverick punk, metal and retro rock room that's been here since the 1991, one of the first venues to latch onto the Queen West arts explosion. A rusty tangle of scrap metal spews down over the front wall to the doorway.
reviewed
-
R
Chez Son Père
One of the city’s best-loved boîtes à chanson, this spot boasts a great atmosphere and is probably the first place locals will send you if you’re interested in seeing this rollicking kind of French folk music. Cover charge varies; sometimes it’s free.
reviewed
-
S
Music Showbar
Off to one side at C'est What ?, Music Showroom is a small-capacity live venue with a stellar sound system. Expect intimate pop-rock with an edge – Jeff Buckley, The Tea Party and Wilco all played here. Tickets are sold at the door – first come, first served.
reviewed
-
T
Sneaky Dee’s
Spangled with graffiti on the prominent Bathurst/College St corner, Sneaky Dee’s isn’t so sneaky-looking. The downstairs bar has battered booths with skeletons painted on them; upstairs is a darkened breeding ground for new TO rock talent. Fill up on Tex-Mex while downing cheap beer.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
A range of classics, Cole Porter–era pops and new music from around the world are presented by the TSO at Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall and the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Consult the website for the answers to such questions as ‘What if I need to cough?’ and ‘Should I clap yet?’.
reviewed
-
V
Marquee
This is the choice venue for touring bands and big-name locals; shows start around 22:30. Up-and-coming musicians play downstairs in Hell's Kitchen. Admission to the Marquee gets you into Hell's Kitchen, but not vice versa. Check their website for information on upcoming events.
reviewed
-
W
Healey’s
The 300-capacity Healey’s has an idiosyncratic lineup of rock, blues, soul and roots. Swing by when owner Jeff Healey, a Canadian music icon, audiophile and radio DJ, gets up on the stage with his house band. Tuesday open-jam nights and Saturday muso matinees are free.
reviewed
-
X
Glenn Gould Studio
Glenn Gould Studio’s acoustics do the namesake famous pianist honors. Purchase advance tickets for evening concerts of classical and contemporary music by soloists, chamber groups, choirs and sinfonia between September and June. Young international artists are often featured.
reviewed
-
Y
Graffiti's
This diverse bohemian bar has credible acoustic rock, roots, blues and jazz acts, as well as open-mic nights and 'cabarets' that could (and usually do) embrace any subject. There's Sleeman Cream Ale on tap, jazzy murals, Persian rugs and beautifully painted marble tabletops.
reviewed
