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Information
on Canadian Blues Clubs below provided by:
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the city to view its clubs:
Bow
Island .
. Calgary
Dewdney Edmonton Etobicoke Gravenhurst Halifax Hamilton
Kitchener London Maple Ridge Mississauga Moncton Montreal Ottawa Penticton
Quebec Saskatoon Toronto Vancouver Winnipeg
Bow Island
Blues at the Bow
229 5 Avenue West
Bow Island, AB
Performers:
Dennis
Jones Band
Mississippi Heat
Victor Wainwright and The Wildroots
You'll know that you've reached the Bow Theatre, home of Blues at the
Bow, by the neon bow and arrow erected over the entrance. Here, you'll
encounter a blues joint that combines the pristine acoustics of a performance
venue with the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar. One more thing, when
you visit Blues at the Bow, make sure you bring your dancing shoes.
Calgary
The Blues Can
1429 9th Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB
403-262-2666
Performers:
Russell
Jackson
Big Dave McLean
T. Buckley Trio
Blues fans in Calgary are lucky. They live near one of Canada’s best
live music venues, The Blues Can. Every night, there’s at least one
gig at TBC. Their acoustics and sight lines will please even the most
demanding of live music fans. Also pleasing is their dark and intimate
atmosphere. It’s perfect for enjoying the blues.
Dewdney
Historic Dewdney Pub
8793 River Road South
Dewdney, BC
(604) 826-4762
Performers:
Dustin
Harder
Brickhouse
SwitchCraft
Don’t be confused if blues fans refrain from using the name Historic
Dewdney Pub. Patrons usually refer to this place as the “Church of
the Blues.” HDP earned the honorific because their building was originally
a church (opened in 1912) and they organize the epic Sunday Blues Jam.
This rural venue also serves the coldest beer and the most scrumptious
dishes.
Edmonton
Blues on Whyte
10329 82 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
(780) 439-3981
Performers:
Tim
Vaughn
Troy Turner
Alex Zayas
Blues
on Whyte is situated in the same building as the Commercial Hotel. So,
you can indulge in live blues, and over indulge on other things, without
worrying about driving home. BOW welcomes national and local talent. Their
Saturday afternoon blues jam is a favorite among hardcore supporters of
the blues.
Etobicoke
The
Blue Goose Tavern
1 Blue Goose Street
Etobicoke, ON
(416) 255-2442
Performers:
Whitey
& The Roulette
Gary Kendall
Mike Fitzpatrick
Every Sunday, from 4pm to 7:30pm, fly to The Blue Goose Tavern and enjoy
“Blues at The Goose.” After the set, enjoy a game of pool or
shuffleboard. You can also watch the broadcast of the Blue Jays and/or
Argonauts game. You’ve probably seen this "Hidden Gem in Mimico"
before. It's been used as a backdrop in nearly two dozen movies and television
shows.
Gravenhurst
Peter's Players
830 Muskoka Road South
Gravenhurst, ON
(705) 687-2117
Performers:
Guy
Davis
Danielle Nicole Band
Popa Chubby
Who’s played at Peter’s Players? It’s almost easier to
list blues legends who haven’t played there. Nonetheless, Jimmie
Vaughn, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, and Cameo Blues Band have all jammed
at Peter’s. The venue’s namesake is the extradentary impresario
Peter Swanek. He opened his blues mecca in 2000.
Halifax
Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs
1269 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS
(902) 423-2526
Performers:
Joe
Murphy and The Water St. Blues Band
Mark Green Band
Blues Lane
As their name implies, Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs is home to great
live blues and super-delicious ribs. Of course, Bearly’s is so much
more than that. It’s an accepting community haunt where people of
all persuasions enjoy live music and yummy victuals. On Wednesdays, BHBR
hosts a comedy hour and karaoke.
The
Carleton Music Bar & Grill
1685 Argyle Street
Halifax, NS
(902) 422-6335
Performers:
Norine
Braun
Thom Swift Trio
Hat Fitz & Cara + Three Finger Shot
The Carleton Music Bar & Grill is the brain child of Mike Campbell
and Mike Rhodes. Their passion and expertise have created one of Canada’s
top performance spaces. This is the premiere destination if you’re
into the blues, or just appreciate amazing live music. Founded in 2008,
Carleton has already filled its proverbial mantle with “venue of
the year” awards.
Hamilton
Mississippi Queen Foods
635 King Street East
Hamilton, ON
(416) 516-9522
Performers:
Jerome
Godboo & Eric Schenkman
Steve Marriner
Suzie Vinnick
Connie Rouble, the Mississippi Queen, is an actual Mississippi native.
She founded Mississippi Queen Foods to bring a bit of the American South,
especially “Southern Cooking,” to The Golden Horseshoe. When
she’s not making Canadians’ mouths water, she’s booking
musicians skilled in making the blues.
Kitchener
The
Lancaster Smokehouse
574 Lancaster Street West
Kitchener ON
(519) 743-4331
Performers:
Matt
Weidinger
John McKinley Band
Alfie Smith
The Lancaster Smokehouse cooks up scrumptious southern style barbeque
and sensational blues. Their meats (as well as their beer and wine) are
locally sourced. All their ingredients are super fresh, and their meals
are made from scratch. You’ll leave TLS with a full stomach and indelible
blues licks ringing in your ears.
London
The
Wortley Roadhouse
190 Wortley Road
London, ON
(519) 438-5141
Performers:
Village
Blues Band
Geoff Masse Band
Chris Murphy Band
If you’re looking for a blues club to take the entire family to,
you’ve found it. The Wortley Roadhouse is a friendly, neighborhood
establishment that serves terrific food and books gifted musicians, most
of whom are proficient in the art of blues. At WR, you can dance to live
tunes, watch the big game, or unwind under the sun on their inviting patio.
Maple Ridge
Kingfishers
Waterfront Bar & Grill
23840 River Road
Maple Ridge, BC
(604) 463-0094
Performers:
Pete
Sweetzir
James Rogers Band
Lonesome Sinners
About 45 minutes east of Vancouver, you’ll find Kingfishers Waterfront
Bar & Grill. Billed as Maple Ridge’s first gastropub, this lake-adjacent
pub and restaurant consistently attracts top talent to the area. That’s
especially true during their legendary Maple Ridge Friday Night Blues.
Stay the weekend because Saturday they host Date Night, a showcase that
focuses on original music.
Mississauga
Roc'n
Doc's Live Music Grill
105 Lakeshore Road East
Mississauga, ON
(905) 891-1754
Performers:
Chuck
Jackson
Kevin Reid & THE DEDBEATS
Matt Zaddy
Roc'n Doc's Live Music Grill serenades the soul with dynamic live music—a
lot of it blues or blues related—and satisfies the appetite with
memorable morsels and libations. Whether you come for some 12-bar blues,
or some other kind of music, you’ll enjoy Roc’n Doc’s laidback
atmosphere and affable servers.
Moncton
Plan
b Lounge
212 St. George Street
Moncton, New Brunswick
(506) 384-2019
Performers:
Jim
Dan Dee
Garrett Mason
The BackYard Devils
Okay… Plan b Lounge is not dedicated to the blues, and yes, blues
concerts are few and far between. It’s on our list because it’s
such a wonderful live music venue. Plan b books top local, regional, and
national acts. Founded in 2009, this “little room with a big heart”
has already won the coveted MNB "Venue of the Year" award multiple
times.
Montreal
Bistro
à Jojo
1627, rue Saint-Denis
Montreal, Quebec
(514) 843-5015
Performers:
Steph
Dumont
Freedy Freedom
Carlos Veiga
Early shows, those before 9pm, are free. All they ask is that you tip
the performers. Once 9pm strikes, there’s a cover charge, but Bistro
à Jojo is worth the cost. The world-famous Bistro à Jojo
was established in 1975 and welcomes live musicians seven days a week.
Their cozy venue comfortably seats 100.
Ottawa
Irene's
Pub
885 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
(613) 230-4474
Performers:
Paul
Reddick Band
The Ghost Town Blues Band
Paul James
Irene’s Pub was founded in 1985 under the leadership of Irene Corey.
Today, IP is owned and operated by Kara-Lee and Alex Golota. Since its
inception, Irene’s Pub has been passionate about live music and dedicated
to their community. Lofty words frequently used to describe Irene’s
Pub include “special,” “soulful,” and “spiritual.
Rainbow
Bistro
76 Murray Street
Ottawa, On
(613) 241-5123
Performers:
James
Armstrong
The Troy D Band
Paul Reddick
You don’t often hear blues venues described this way: Rainbow Bistro
has a “chalet” atmosphere. In other words, there’s a lot
of exposed brick, plenty of timber, a fire place, and two stories. In
Ottawa, The Rainbow Bistro is the home of the blues. They schedule free
matinees five days a week.
Penticton
The
Dream Cafe Penticton
67 Colourful Front Street
Penticton, BC
(250) 490-9012
Performers:
David
Gogo's Blues Bash
Little Miss Higgins Trio
Roy Forbes
The Dream Café Penticton is more than a live music venue. It’s
a community. When you visit this colorful Colorful Front Street establishment,
you’ll be surrounded by music lovers and cordial revelers. Their
marque is frequently graced by blues practitioners as well as artists
proficient in rock, folk, jazz, world, and spoken word. Founder Pierre
Couture has created an unforgettable place to hang out and take it easy.
Quebec
Saint
Alexandre Pub
1087, rue St-Jean
Quebec, Quebec
(418) 694-0015
Performers:
Kenny
Dupree
Charlie Price
Jay Sweall
How best to describe Saint Alexandre Pub? How about an “authentic
English pub.” As for live music, SAP has it going on, and by that
we mean they book live music Monday through Sunday. Blues artists are
frequently on their calendar as well as those skilled in jazz, folk, and
pop. Their dishes and pours will definitely enhance your listening enjoyment.
Saskatoon
Buds
on Broadway
817 Broadway Avenue
Saskatoon, SK
(306) 244-4155
Performers:
Three
String Fretless
Dustin Harder's Prairie Soul
Michael Charles
The legendary Buds on Broadway might as well change their name, every
Saturday from 3pm to 8pm, to “Blues on Broadway.” That’s
when they host Saturday Jam Session. This weekly event is a staple in
Saskatoon’s blues community. Come to hear mind-blowing music, or
bring your axe and trade licks with mind-blowing musicians. BOB also serves
great food and drink.
Toronto
Alleycatz
Restaurant Lounge
2409 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
(416) 481-6865
Performers:
Red
Velvet
Sound Parade
Otto & The Pilots
Alleycatz Restaurant Lounge welcomes a variety of artists to Yonge Street
and that includes bona fide blues men and women. Every Wednesday at 7pm,
Andrew "VooDoo" Walters hosts Midtown Blues Jam. Alleycatz is
a handsome venue with superb lighting, exciting accents, and elegant stone
work. Their menu is the cat’s meow.
Cadillac
Lounge
1296 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
(416) 536-7717
Performers:
Pete
Anderson
Robert Gordon
Tinsley Ellis
Cadillac Lounge is a lot of things. It’s a blues venue, bar, restaurant,
and community member. What’s it like at the Cadillac Lounge? Paraphrasing
what owner Sam Grosso wrote on his establishment’s website, it’s
a place where you might hear Hank Williams on the jukebox while Dean Martin
and Johnny Cash tip back a few at the bar.
Gate
403 Bar & Grill
403 Roncesvalles Avenue
Toronto, ON
(416) 588-2930
Performers:
Julian
Fauth
Fraser Melvin Blues Band
Darcy Windover Band
Every night, Gate 403 Bar & Grill brings outstanding live music to
the Roncesvalles Village. Most of the acts they book play blues or jazz.
Gate 403 is a classy establishment; it has the feel of a piano bar. While
you’re there, enjoy a selection from their incredible menu as well
as a refreshing cocktail or two.
Grossman’s
Tavern
379 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, ON
(416) 977-7000
Performers:
Hold
the Bus with Rebecca Campbell
Cedarstrip Rocketship
J.D. Stone and The Dread Rider
You can’t have a list of the top blues clubs in Canada and not include
Grossman’s Tavern. It was founded in 1943 and is often referred to
as the “Home of the Blues.” Grossman’s also books folks,
jazz, rock, and roots acts. The best part about GT is there’s never
a cover charge.
Hugh's
Room Live
2261 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
416-533-5483
Performers:
John
Hammond
Guy Davis
Three Kings
Hugh’s Room Live is all about diversity. They book an array of distinguished
musicians including renowned blues masters. Meanwhile, their kitchen serves
a diverse range of savory dishes. HRL is the perfect size, artists have
ample room to perform, but it’s small enough to still feel intimate.
The
Linsmore Hotel
1298 Danforth Avenue E
Toronto, ON
416-466-5130
Performers:
The
Gary Cain Band
The Legendary Castaways
The John Findlay Band
The Linsmore Hotel books bands on Friday and Saturday nights. At the time
of comprising this list, Blues Sunday was being held down by Jermone Tucker
Band. Besides great live music, The Linsmore also offers dart boards,
several large-screen televisions, and a pool table. The hotel opened in
1934.
N'Awlins
Jazz Bar & Grill
299 King Street West
Toronto, ON
Performers:
Joe
Bowden
Brooke Blackburn
Collin Barrett
N'Awlins Jazz Bar & Grill is a quaint and cozy music venue that’s
also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat. Their menu leans towards
Cajun, Creole, and Italian fare. Despite having “jazz” in their
name, N’Awlins frequently schedules talented men and women who perform
the blues.
The
Orbit Room
580A College Street
Toronto, ON
(416) 535-0613
Performers:
The
Dave Murphy Band
Pretzel Logic
Jordan John
The Oribit Room is just plain cool. Not only can you catch amazing blues
acts, you can also catch acts specializing in jazz, funk, and rock. Situated
in T.O.’s “Little Italy” neighborhood, The Orbit Room was
founded in 1994 by Tim Notter and Alex Lifeson. Yes, that Alex Lifeson,
the guy from the rock band Rush.
The
Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar
194 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
(416) 598-2475
Performers:
Wynton
Marsalis & Lincoln Center Orchestra
Harry Connick Jr.
Derek Trucks Band
Yes, The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar is known more for the former than
the latter, but it attracts enough blues artists to make our list. The
Rex opened in 1951 and has been a premiere live music venue since the
late 1980s. Listen to music, dine on remarkable food, and imbibe liberally.
You can always sleep it off in your own hotel room.
Vancouver, B.C.
Cottage
Bistro
4470 Main Street
Vancouver, B.C.
(604) 876-6138
Performers:
Match
Box Blues
Blues de Jour
Shelly Kantrow
Come to Cottage Bistro to relax, enjoy a beverage, and experience ear-pleasing
live music. On Saturday night, CB hosts a can’t-miss Blues &
Root Jam. Although this list is about blues clubs, we should probably
mention that they dedicate Mondays to jazz. CB is proud of having Vancouver’s
best selection of single malt Scotch.
The
Fairview Pub
898 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
(604) 872-1262
Performers:
Arsen
Shomakhov Trio
Hells Gate Blues Band
Rez Blues
The Fairview Pub is a good-looking venue that consistently plots a robust
lineup of live entertainment. They made our rundown because blues artists
regularly grace their venerated stage. In between sets, enjoy quality
libations or shoot some stick on one of their pool tables.
Pourhouse
Vancouver Restaurant
162 Water Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 568-7022
Performers:
The
Poorboy Trio
The Burying Ground
Jesse Waldman
This Vancouver institution is amazing. Pourhouse Vancouver Restaurant’s
food is to die for and their beverages are divine. They serve wine, beer,
and coffee—try all three. Musically, their marquee is devoted to
an eclectic mix of artists, but they generally focus on blues, jazz, and
folk. The Pourhouse resides in a building that’s north of a century
and contains a 38-foot bar.
Revel
Restaurant & Lounge
238 Abbott Street
Vancouver BC
(604) 687-4088
Performers:
Louie
Quinn
William S Taylor
Laurie Coyle & Marshall Zahlek
Thanks to Revel Restaurant & Lounge, the blues are alive and well
in Vancouver’s Gastown district. Also thriving are the genres of
jazz, roots, and rockabilly. Tuesday through Saturday, from 4pm to 6pm,
Revel hosts a set of boogie piano. Enjoy the music while sipping on a
selection from their Bourbon-rich cocktail menu.
The
Yale Saloon
1300 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 428-9253
Performers:
The
Wheelgrinders
The Neon Stars
Honky-Tonk Dilettantes
The Yale Saloon is a "country blues BBQ." At the heart of what
they do is their penchant for “Southern comfort cookin’.”
Visit them on Tuesday for exhilarating live music. Yale also boasts a
mechanical bull, an attentive staff, and plenty of room to host your event
or party.
Winnipeg
Times
Change(d) High & Lonesome Club
234 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 957-0982
Performers:
The
Perpetrators
The Mudmen
Carolyn Mark with The D. Rangers
Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club is known as “Winnipeg’s
finest honk tonk.” That means you can catch solid bluesmen as well
as rock, country, and roots artists. Times Change(d) has a dive bar feel
but it wears that description like a badge of honor. While you’re
there, make sure you sample their menu. You won’t be disappointed.
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