Be a tourist in your own city.
Horseshoe Tavern 370 Queen Street West, Toronto I took a Detour to Toronto to see one of my favourite artists ever, Kate Nash, at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. I’ve heard so much about the venue and many of my friends have played there, so it was about time I made my inaugural visit … Read more
This Ain’t Hollywood 345 James Street North Hollerado are one of my favourite bands to see live. The release of their second full length album, White Paint, took them on a mini tour of intimate club dates before hitting the road to open for Billy Talent. I was super stoked to see that they were … Read more
This Ain’t Hollywood 345 James Street North This event completely epitomized I Heart Hamilton for me. On the Friday before, Arkells announced they would be playing a small show at This Ain’t Hollywood on the Sunday. Unbelievable! Didn’t I just confess in my post on Q in Hamilton that I had shamefully never seen the … Read more
The Balconies Stonewalls 339 York Boulevard I’m really excited to bring a proper feature on one of my favourite bands, The Balconies! I first discovered the band (from Ottawa, now based in Toronto) when they performed at Hamilton’s annual Spring Music Festival back in May 2010. One listen to “Serious Bedtime,” and I was hooked. … Read more
Jack & Lois 301 James Street North This Ain’t Hollywood 345 James Street North I had been trying to meet up with the guys of Redanda for a while now and see them live. When they let me know they would be playing at This Ain’t Hollywood with friends The Great Machine, another band I’ve … Read more
The Box Tiger Mulberry Street Coffee House 193 James Street North For my first Rendezvous of 2013, I got to chat with Toronto band The Box Tiger before their show at The Brain. After scoping out the venue and getting set up, I wandered next door to Mulberry with Sonia, Jordan, and Ben to find … Read more
Club Absinthe 38 King William Street This was one for the books and one of my favourite shows of 2012 – San Sebastian‘s first hometown show in over a year. Making it even more full circle, the opening act were my new favourites, New Hands. Absinthe was the perfect place for San Seb’s hometown show. … Read more
Burly Calling The Queen’s Head, 400 Brant Street, Burlington I had heard of Burlington’s DIY music festival Burly Calling for a few years now. They always have a great lineup of bands and the idea is to get to see big-name bands in intimate settings. The festival began with members of Burlington band Saint Alvia … Read more
This Ain’t Hollywood 345 James Street North When I heard Diamond Rings was coming back to Hamilton, I knew I had to be there! John O & co. have been on a whirlwind of promotion for the new album Free Dimensional, including performances on late night staples Leno and Letterman. I’ve been a fan since … Read more
This Ain’t Hollywood 345 James Street North What a way to be introduced to Cowlick‘s live show! The Hamilton rockers hosted a party at This Ain’t Hollywood to launch the release of their new EP, Night Vision, as well as debut their music video for “Money Money.” Now, this isn’t just your average music video. … Read more