If some of the bands that have been on the scene of late made resolutions…and if I somehow knew what they were…and if they were resolutions that I wish lacked longevity and were in fact broken…than these would be them.

Picture the Broken Social Scene town meeting just before New Years,

“This year folks, we are going to collectively commit to no side projects.”

A hush of silence.

Some of the best albums of this past year in Canadian music have been Broken Social Scene sides.

I was saying to my wife a few days ago…I wish I was around for the days of bands like the Beatles and Dylan and the Stones who each put out 7 – 10 albums in 5 years. I said that it would never happen again. This might be as close as it will ever get.

Here are some more…

Local bands are going to keep grinding away on the traditional path to musical stardom.  Break it and try something bizarre and cutting edge to get your sound out.

Ticketmaster is going to add more convenience to their convenience charge – I can only imagine what this would entail…propably another $2.

Concert venues are going to continue pleasing the beer drinking audiences with serving only or two mainstream tasteless beers.  Come on…give us something decent and we’ll bitch less about having to pay $10.  Best venues for beer selection…Lee’s Palace, The Dakota Tavern and The Danforth Music Hall.

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

The holidays are about a lot of things, but behind the peace to all men and good tidings and joy is the notion of live music and pints with friends and family. Sunday December 23rd is a great night for that.

Two days before Christmas, all of the good venues are closed and not gigging. Right?

Kinda wrong. There are a few places open. Here’s what on the dance card in the city tonight – although it seems to be heavy on the country vibe…

Afternoon to Night..

Cameron House: Get Right Church w Chas Lawther & The Do-Gooders 3pm

Cadillac Lounge: Scotty Campbell 4pm

Gladstone: Prodigal Sundays w The Backstabbers (acoustic old time country) 5pm – 8pm

Castro’s: Smokey Frog (bluegrass)

Orbit Room: Stifler’s Mom (rock) – call to confirm

Dakota Tavern: Barn Dance w The Beauties (hollerin’ country) 10pm

Play safe and enjoy.

Post from: Toronto Unplugged

 Image credit: Margaret Mulligan

A good ol’ fashioned saloon with solid live music, a friendly atmosphere, a warm vibe, a few plaid shirts and loads of Bourbon and good beer can be hard to find in a big city.

Ladies and gentlemen…Toronto presents…The Dakota Tavern.

Where: 249 Ossington Ave. just north of Dundas Street.

Tunes?  Some country, some more country, bluegrass, folk rock, and random nights featuring some of the cities best local musicians – look for Jason Collett’s gigs this month.

 Here’s my favorite review of the Dakota… 

“If you’ve misplaced your used Wrangler shirt, have no fear — you don’t need to look like you’ve stepped out of a saloon to fit in at this place. It may be a country bar, but everyone’s got their own style”.

Here is what’s happening this week…

Tonight (Thursday) the 13th:  The Done Me Wrongs (country)

Friday the 14th:   The Calrizians Christmas Show (surf rock)

Enjoy

Post from: Toronto Unplugged