Exploring Toronto's Rich Live Music Culture
The city of Toronto is the vibrant capital of Canada's music scene. From indie gigs and jazz clubs, to classical performances and stadium concerts with the world's biggest artists, the city offers wide variety of music venues that serve as the playgrounds for budding musicians and passionate music lovers. In this post, we'll dive into the 10 best music venues in Toronto, tailored for students, providing not only a stage for performance and musical exploration but also opportunities for inspiration by some of the world's finest musicians.
Quick Menu
1. The Horseshoe Tavern: A Historic Venue In The Famous Queen West Neighbourhood
Located in the heart of Queen Street West (2nd coolest neighbourhood in the world according to Vogue), The Horseshoe Tavern is a historic landmark in Toronto's vibrant music scene. While it is small and intimate, the venue has hosted legendary international acts acts like The Rolling Stones, The Police, Etta James, Linkin Park and the Talking Heads, to name a few. For students seeking an exciting live music experience, The Horseshoe Tavern programs a wide variety of acts ranging from rock to folk. The venue boasts a rustic charm and intimate atmosphere which help to foster a welcoming environment where students can lose themselves in the raw energy of live music. The venue also features new bands on Monday, providing a platform for up and coming musicians to reach new audiences and perfect their craft. The outstanding bands are frequently given a the opportunity to support a larger act or to headline the venue at a later date.
Pro Tip!
Live music events are an amazing experience but they can get extremely loud and may damage your hearing. Make sure to protect the health of your ears by using high-quality earplugs. Click here to see our top pick for an affordable set of earplugs for concert-goers and musicians alike.
2. The Opera House: Historic Charm With A Contemporary Flair
The Opera House, located on Queen St. East, is a must visit for students & music lovers with a fondness for culture and architecture. Originally built in 1909, this venue offers historic charm with a contemporary flair. The venue is fairly large, with a capacity of 950 people, and programs a diverse range of artists ranging from indie bands to EDM acts and everything in between. The Opera House showcases both well-known artists and up and coming acts making it a great option for students looking to get started performing and sharing their music. Its majestic architecture and state-of-the-art sound system create a memorable concert experience for students and music lovers.
3. Lee's Palace: Gritty With Lots Of Character
Located on Bathurst St. in Toronto's vibrant Annex neighbourhood, Lee's Palace is a staple in Toronto's spirited music scene. It's instantly recognizable for the interesting painting on the front of the building and the laid-back atmosphere foster the ideal environment for listening to new artists. In fact, many international artists such as Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Blur have made their Toronto debut at this legendary venue. From punk rock to experimental pop music, Lee's Palace has done a great job creating a sense of community among musicians and music enthusiasts. Concert goers can look forward to an intimate performance and an exciting atmosphere no matter the concert. On weekends, the venue also offers the Dance Cave upstairs where people can listen to the hits of yesterday and today and dance the night away. Lee's Palace is a wonderful music venue that celebrates Toronto's diverse indie music culture.
4. The Danforth Music Hall: An Icon of the Toronto Music scene
Originally constructed in 1919, the Danforth Music Hall is one of Toronto's oldest and most celebrated music venues. Located in the East end of the city on Danforth Ave. this charming venue is packed with history. Originally built as a vaudeville theatre in, it has evolved into one of the city's premier concert hall hosting a wide range of performances. Since 2011, world renowned artists such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Disclosure and Lorde have graced the stage, to name a few. At the Danforth, concert goers will immerse themselves in the deep cultural history of this magnificent city while enjoying live music in a historic landmark. The Danforth boasts ornate architecture and fantastic acoustics, creating an excellent setting for experiencing your favourite acts or discovering new ones.
Never Forget Your Concert Experience!
Make sure to pack a portable phone charger so that you can make sure to take photos and videos, even if you're running on low battery! It's also helpful in case you get split up from your friends and family during the show so you can meet up after. Click here to see our top choice.
5. The Axis Club Theatre: Formerly Known As The Mod Club
Situated on Toronto's busy College St. in the heart of Little Italy, the Axis Club Theatre offers an exciting and intimate setting for students to experience concerts. With its comfortable atmosphere and top-notch production, this venue is a favourite for indie artists and up-and-coming bands. The Axis Club Theatre caters to a diverse range of musical tastes and concert goers can enjoy everything from intimate acoustic sets to high-energy performances by full bands or DJs. Students will enjoy an immersive live music experience with a strong connection between artists and listeners.
6. The Rivoli: Where Music Meets Culture
Located in the heart of Queen West, The Rivoli has been a staple of Toronto's eclectic music scene since its inception in 1982. A hub for both music and culture, this multi-faceted venue boasts a great concert space, delicious restaurant, and pool hall, making it a meeting point for artistic expression and social interaction. Students can dive into the magnificent energy of Toronto while listening to live music and eating delicious food at The Rivoli. The venue takes pride in programming eclectic performances from both local artists and touring acts. Students can go to hear everything from indie rock to jazz and there truly is something for everyone in this excellent music venue in Toronto.
7. The Cameron House: Quirky Charm
Nestled away in the bustling Queen Street West are of Toronto, The Cameron House has quirky charm and artistic flair. This small venue features multiple stages, an acoustic piano and a diverse lineup of musicians ranging from folk singers to jazz ensembles. Students can relax in its cozy environment to get lost in the soulful sounds of Toronto's bustling music scene. The Cameron House's intimate setting and relaxed vibe create the perfect setting for finding new artists and soaking in live music.
Pro Tip!
While they make for a great night out and opportunity to enjoy some of the best music that the city has to offer, not all music venues do a great job of keeping their bathrooms clean. Nobody wants to sit down on a toilet seat covered with who-knows-what! Consider picking up a pack of disposable toilet seat covers. Click here to see the ones that we use when going to concerts. You can also consider bringing a pack of flushable wipes just in case! Click here to see our favourite ones. Both of these products will easily fit in your purse or pocket.
8. The Velvet Underground: Underground Sensations
Once a less-than-stellar venue, The Velvet Underground has been newly renovated and is a hidden gem located in the heart of Toronto's famous Queen West neighbourhood. This venue boasts an intimate setting and hosts an eclectic lineup of local and emerging artists. Students can get to know new artists and lose themselves in the raw energy of Toronto's underground music scene at venue affectionately know as The Velvet. The venue's cool atmosphere and unique charm make it a go-to among local music lovers seeking an unforgettable concert experience. Budding musicians who have the chance to play at the Velvet will feel like rockstars when they get to relax in the greenroom, located upstairs, that is equipped with a shower, 2 bathrooms, laundry facilities and a rooftop patio.
9. The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar: Jazz Haven
The Rex Hote Jazz & Blues Bar is Toronto's premier venue for Jazz & Blues music and a must for anyone who loves these genres. An outing to the Rex is the gate to a haven of soulful melodies and mesmerizing improvisation. With performances throughout the day and night by some of Toronto's finest jazz musicians, as well as many from abroad, this quaint venue provides an intimate setting for students to take in the rich traditions of jazz music. Out-of-towners can consider booking a room in the hotel to be right where the action is. The Rex also boasts a full kitchen, serving up tasty food and snacks to enjoy when you soak in the sounds. Many legends have graced the stage at the Rex, including but not limited to Randy Brecker, Snarky Puppy, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Derek Trucks, Ani Difranco, and Maceo Parker.
10. Roy Thomson Hall: Sweet Symphonic Sounds
Roy Thomson Hall is the home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and stands as the hub for classical music excellence in Toronto. Students can experience the wonders of orchestral performances and classical compositions in this coveted venue. From symphony concerts to chamber music recitals, Roy Thomson Hall offers a refined cultural experience for music enthusiasts of all ages. The prestigious venue boasts world-class acoustics and is a must-visit destination for students seeking to get lost in the beauty of classical music.
11. The Tranzac Club: Where Creatives Meet
Nestled in the heart in the Annex neighborhood of Toronto, The Tranzac Club is a vibrant hub for the indie music and arts community. Boasting 3 rooms with varying capacities and various sized stages, this venue is completely run by volunteers who are passionate about live music. The Tranzac hosts a diverse range of performances, including live music, theatre, visual arts and even hosts an annual Christmas market on the weekends in December. It's a welcoming space that allows students to connect with like-minded individuals while exploring their creativity. The Tranzac has been the host of many of our very own recitals and our students absolutely love performing here.
12. Scotia Bank Arena: Home Of Major Concerts & Events
Scotia Bank Arena, formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, is one of Toronto's largest indoor venues and the home of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. Scotia Bank Arena attracts major international pop, rock and EDM acts. This iconic venue provides students with the opportunity to experience world-class entertainment on a large scale. With its state-of-the-art facilities and central location in the heart of downtown, Scotia Bank Arena always delivers an unforgettable concert experience for music lovers.
13. The El Mocambo Tavern: Toronto's Legendary Rock Venue
The El Mocambo is a historic Rock n Roll venue that dates back to the 1940s and is well known to many in the Toronto music scene. This legendary concert venue has hosted performances by Rock N Roll royalty such as The Rolling Stones, U2, and Nirvana, among others. Students can enjoy the rich rock 'n' roll history while enjoying live music from both established acts and up-and-coming talents. The El Mocambo's hip atmosphere and legendary past make it a must-visit destination for music lovers seeking an authentic rock experience. Fun fact: The ElMo almost closed down permanently before being purchased by Canadian entrepreneur, Michael Weckerly, and being totally renovated and reopened.
14. Drom Taberna: Cultural Fusion & Late Night Music
With its exciting blend of live music, Mediterranean cuisine and a refreshing cultural experience, Drom Taberna is one of Toronto's most exciting small music venues. Nestled in the heart of the Queen West neighborhood, this cozy venue showcases an diverse range of performances from afternoon into the wee hours of the morning. Students will find everything from world music, jazz, and folk and can indulge in delicious food and drinks while enjoying the vibrant sounds of live music. Drom Taberna's intimate setting and warm hospitality make it the perfect choice for an unforgettable night out in this bustling city.
15. Lula Lounge: Toronto's Home of Salsa & Latin Music
Lula Lounge can be found in Toronto's vibrant Dundas West neighborhood and is Toronto's premier destination for Latin music and dancing. The large venue hosts live bands, salsa nights, and dance workshops, DJs and more, providing students a chance to learn about the beautiful rhythms of Latin America. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or interested in learning the basics, Lula Lounge will welcome all and provides lively atmosphere and warm hospitality. Don't forget to try the delicious food as well!
Conclusion: Explore, Experience, and Embrace the Music
Toronto is a bustling music city that gives students access to many live music venues that cater to all musical tastes and interests. Whether you enjoy indie rock at The Horseshoe Tavern or jazz at The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, each venue offers a unique experience that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Toronto's music scene. Now all you have to do is grab your earplugs, immerse yourself in the sweet sounds of the city, and let the music take your mind.
