Toronto, I knew I liked you for a reason…
According to the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Little Portugal and Trinity-Bellwoods in Toronto are the biggest and fastest growing location for singers, songwriters, musicians, and those involved with making music.
After taking a quick stroll on Google Maps, I saw that SOCAN might be right. After all, there are a ton of venues in the area. So that’s why so many musicians are being drawn there. Here are seven highlights. Which of the seven have you been to? Which is your favorite?
The Smiling Buddha
With an nondescript exterior, you might accidentally walk right past. But once you find your way inside, you’ll find everything that you’ve been looking for in a 140 person venue.
Go there for the up-and-coming artists; stay for the bar and friendly vibes throughout.
Mod Club Theatre
With this one, we’re getting into the medium sized venues. This one holds over 600 people. It’s massively popular and if you’re in the Toronto music scene, you probably already know all about it. Widely regarded as one of the best places in the area to see shows.
Sneaky Dee’s
Is it a venue or a restaurant? It sure is. With emo nights, ’90s parties, and everything in between, Sneaky Dee’s is just a straight up good time. Everyone from Arcade Fire to Feist has graced the 200+ capacity venue.
The best part about the place is you can grab dinner downstairs, go watch a show upstairs, then head back down until 4 AM for their King’s Crown Nachos. A local favorite.
The Hideout
Huge supporters of indie music and artists in the area. Started up by a set of Irish brothers, this place is awesome. They’re not only bringing new talent to the stage seven nights a week, but they’ve supported festivals like NXNE, CMW, and Indie Week every year since they opened in 2006.
They also just moved into a new spot at the Old Nest for 500 of your nearest and dearest concert goers.
The Great Hall
With a comprehensive renovation and modernization finished up in 2016, this 125+ year old building is like a new venue.
This is one of the most beautiful buildings inside and out and holds four separate venues inside to host anywhere from two to 1200 people.
Small World Music Centre
Since 2014 this venue’s been the hub for global music and the people who enjoy it. With a 100 person room, it’s perfect for intimate performances. Even the stage itself is perfect for everyone to be able to hear and enjoy the performance.
One of the best parts about the space is the fact that they’ve got a “Virtual Concert Hall” which means, they can record high-quality audio and video and share any and all performances with the world.
Velvet Underground
With an incredible name and a 350+ standing room only room, this place reopened in early 2016 and has been one of the go-to venues for rock, new-wave, DJs, and metal in downtown Toronto all year. It’s a simple venue, with a simple beer menu, and it’s simply perfect for up-and-coming artists as well as international acts on tour.
Which are your favorites? Are we missing any in the area? Tell us on Twitter!
Go out tonight, and any night. Jukely is a concert subscription that gives members guestlist access to hundreds of music events – for one price. Whenever you want to go out, you’ll always have something to do. Learn more and sign up at jukely.com.
