Live Music entertainment in North America
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A
El Gallinero
Dance to live Caribbean music.
reviewed
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B
Pageant
A big venue for touring bands.
reviewed
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C
Koolhaus
Inside Guvernment nightclub.
reviewed
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D
Hoy Como Ayer
This Cuban hot spot – with authentic music, unstylish wood paneling and a small dance floor – is enhanced by cigar smoke and Havana transplants. Stop in nightly for son (a salsalike dance that originated in Oriente, Cuba), boleros (a Spanish dance in triple meter) and modern Cuban beats.
reviewed
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E
Weathervane Gallery & Performing Arts Café
This great hangout is where you’ll find the kind of cool, witty guy behind the counter that you always see in movies. Slide into one of the giant booths and enjoy light fare (dishes $1 to $10), a full bar and live music. The latter is usually bluesy/folky, but can also be wild and ear-splitting on select nights.
reviewed
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F
Carelton
Catch acoustic sets then enjoy the reasonable meals including a late-night menu.
reviewed
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G
Blue Gator
Blues, rock, acoustic jam and more at the valley's sweaty temple of live music and cold beer.
reviewed
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H
Spadina Freehouse
In a gentrified part of the center north of the river, this place doesn't inspire from the outside. But it has a swell selection of brews and live music that runs from soul to rock. In summer the terrace out front will make you forget the architecture behind.
reviewed
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I
Seahorse Tavern
The place to see punk, indie and metal bands.
reviewed
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J
Roy Thomson Hall
reviewed
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Rocky's Place Lounge
Rocky's hosts bands from time to time, but even if the mics are quiet it's a friendly place to hoist a brew.
reviewed
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Outdoor Summer Concerts
In summer, downtown venues from Officers' Sq to the Lighthouse on the Green feature live local music ranging from highland bagpipes and drums to country and blues. Check the website for schedules.
reviewed
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K
Massey Hall
reviewed
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Harbourfront Centre
The vibrant Harbourfront Centre puts on a variety of world-class musical performances throughout the year, including Sunday family shows and free outdoor summer concerts in the Toronto Music Garden and on the Concert Stage.
reviewed
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L
Henry Strater Theatre
Internationally renown, producing old-world music-hall shows, live bands, comedy, community theatre and more for nearly 50 years.
reviewed
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Santa Fe Brewing Co
One of Santa Fe's best venues for out-of-town bands, especially reggae masters. Enjoy a handcrafted microbrew, from pilsner to porter to stout. Out on Hwy 14, just south of town.
reviewed
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M
Sand Dollar Blues Lounge
Dive bar with live blues nightly after 10pm.
reviewed
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N
Pearl
Modern rock acts like Gwen Stefani and Morrissey have burned up the stage at this 2500-seat concert hall with brilliant acoustics.
reviewed
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O
Paragon
The choice venue for touring bands and big-name local acts.
reviewed
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P
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
With an entry awning protruding over Front St like a Hummingbird beak, this place is hard to miss. Book through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ca) or at the box office for shows like Annie, performances by the American Dance Theatre or maybe the Soweto Gospel Choir. In true North American style, there's pizza and beer available in the lobby.
reviewed
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The Stage
The Stage is many things: edgy art gallery, live music venue, arts and crafts bazaar, occasional bar, and sometimes all of these things at once. Check the website to see what shows are playing and try to catch a party here – you may see a more bohemian, creative side of Miami than you initially expected (on our last visit a one-man folk-bluegrass-punk band played for a crowd dressed in rockabilly chic). On Sunday afternoon The Stage hosts family-friendly all-ages shows starting at 2pm.
reviewed
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BB King's
One of bluesman BB King's stable of clubs, this Mississippi Delta–themed nightspot in CityPlace has a menu of (mediocre) Southern soul food and an excellent lineup of blues and jazz bands.
reviewed
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Q
Jim Cullum's Landing
Jazz at the Landing is not just a San Antonio tradition; it's also a syndicated show on NPR (National Public Radio). Reservations recommended.
reviewed
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R
El Rey
A fabulous venue for local and national rock, blues and country acts. Over the years, it's hosted such stars as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Arlo Guthrie. It also does national poetry slams and occasionally hosts CD launch parties.
reviewed
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S
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
A sister to the legendary Nashville honky tonk of the same name, this Tootsie's may lack the dusty character of the original, but the nonstop live country music is still plenty boot stompin'.
reviewed