Jul
16
to Aug 16
Jul
17
to Jul 18
Squid Pistol
Squid Pistol is an alternative rock cover band that plays a mix of hits focusing on movie soundtracks. Our setlist features a range of tracks from some of our favorite films, in our own interpretation.
Jul
23
to Jul 24
Zuffalo
Zuffalo is an internationally touring psychedelic rock and roll band. Thick three-part vocal harmony is laced with funky bass, joyfully explosive drumming, and inspired keys and guitar playing that weave around each other like two painters sharing one canvas. Hailing from Toronto, traveling all across their homeland Canada, pulsating the dance floors across Europe and the United States, it is no doubt that Zuffalo has become one of the world’s most entertaining, must-see live shows.
The four-piece funky powerhouse formed in 2016 and has released two full-length studio albums (Zuffalo, 2018 & BIRDBRAIN, 2021), and one EP (Space, 2019).
Zuffalo has toured over 8 countries in North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom including performances at the legendary Glastonbury Festival in 2023. In the summer of 2024 the band embarked on their first tour in the United States, including a stop at Back Home Festival in West Virginia to play alongside the Wailers, Keller Williams, Sierra Hull, and Big Brother & the Holding Company.
“The charisma of the vocals, confident guitars, and a taut instrumentation unite to make for an effort that will tattoo its melodies deep into the minds and hearts of listeners.” - James McQuinstan, NeuFuture Magazine
Jul
24
to Jul 25
The Astros with special guests Noise Hotel
A loud, bombastic, energetic and unpredictable show. One minute we might be jumping around the stage, whipping our hair to a rock song, and then all of a sudden we are dancing to a pop song. We just try to go with whatever the audience vibes with
Listening to The Astros is like taking a trip through a black hole. A combination of cosmic guitar sounds and songwriting, but in truth, even scientists don’t understand how they work.
Based out of Kingston, Ontario, their interdimensional collection of tunes features a unique fusion of vintage groovy rock, with modern indie pop. This odd pairing comes together seamlessly during their unapologetically wild live performances. The Astros are like driving an old muscle car that’s way too loud with its wheels falling off. But that’s a lot cooler than your mom’s hatchback, isn’t it?
Jul
30
to Jul 31
Willy Nilly + Special Guests
An alt(ish)-rock(ish) band pulling from contemporary alternative and some early 2010s, Willy Nilly's influences don't just end there. Similar bands become harder and harder to point to the more you listen to Willy Nilly's wide ranging and growing discography. Members have changed around singer/songwriter Owen Fullerton since the band's birth in 2019, but the lyrically dense, vulnerable songwriting has remained at the center of the band's upbeat but laid back sound. They released their debut album in 2021 and are looking to release the newest full length in 2023.
Aug
20
to Aug 21
Frank Ryan & Friends
Frank Ryan, a singer songwriter from Dublin, will be taking the stage and playing a range of covers and original songs! His music has been described as “soulful rock” with hauntingly powerful and melodic vocals.
Support Frank Ryan & Friends by leaving a tip:
Jul
11
to Jul 12
Jelly Train
The band Jellytrain was originally formed in 2019 as “ Up jumped the Blues “ . With the departure of founding members Rick Flanagan, and Greg Duncan ( R.I.P. ) , and then keyboardist Craig Tousignant, Jellytrain was set to re- invent itself. With original members ZAK Colbert ( Bass ), Shawn Dore ( guitar, vocals ) and Mike Sakell ( drums, vocals ) keyboardist Alain McCann ( keys, vocals) joined the band offering his considerable talents. The result is a tight four piece Funk Blues band that is receiving high praise from live audiences every time they appear. With three lead vocalists, and sweet harmonies, they are sure to impress all who attend one of their live shows.
Jul
10
to Jul 11
The China Cat Riders
The China Cat Riders
We're a Grateful Dead tribute band from Kingston Ontario Canada. Newly formed out of a reunion of Hurricane Bob who played around town in the early 90's. Our members are all veterans of the Kingston music scene, and have a common love of The Dead.
Featuring visuals and light show by Josh Garrett and special guest Harrison Stewart-Juby on the drums!
Jul
9
to Jul 10
Aurora's Reef
"CANADA'S CAPITAL REGGAE BAND." Aurora’s Reef is a six-piece reggae collective straight from the soul of Canada’s capital. Their fresh fusion of roots reggae, ska, and swing are signature to their performances. They've been featured at The Rainbow Bistro, Ottawa Ribfest and Kinaxis InConcert, and were keynote performers at the Ontario Moonshine Festival, North Buxton Homecoming Celebration, and the IndieCity Patio Live Summer Music Series.
Summer 2024 saw them on their inaugural tour from Montreal to Windsor, where listeners connected to their soon-to-be classic originals like Sarsaparilla, Road Burn, and Event Horizon. Now, they are crafting their self-titled album Aurora’s Reef.
“Aurora’s Reef strives to create a welcoming community through the unifying power of reggae music. Rooted in stories of resilience, their music reflects the spirit of connection and celebration. Hailing from North Buxton Ontario, frontman Duncan Travis honours his heritage as a descendant of the Underground Railroad through his original music. As a group, they honour a legacy of freedom and hope while inspiring others to find belonging and joy in every note they play.”
Jul
4
to Jul 5
Rocket Surgery
We’re bringing back a true Toucan tradition with Rocket Surgery the first Saturday of every month, featuring singer-songwriter Rueben deGroot and his supremely talented backing band.
From 2012–2018, Rocket Surgery’s electrifying blend of country rock ’n’ roll, roots rock, jazz, and prog lit up Monday nights at The Toucan—keeping crowds dancing and smiling week after week. Now, they’re back to bring that same magic to a Saturday night.
A staple of Kingston’s music scene, Rueben deGroot is known for his rich songwriting and dynamic stage presence. Over the years, he’s shared the stage with acclaimed Canadian artists like Corb Lund, Sarah Harmer, NQ Arbuckle, Coco Love Alcorn, and Oh Susanna—who even covered one of his songs on her 2014 album Name Dropper.
Expect a night full of top-tier musicianship, genre-bending grooves, and the kind of energy that only a Toucan classic can deliver.
Jul
3
to Jul 4
Ghetto Xpress
The ” Ghetto Xpress ” was formed in October of the year 2000, in response for the need of a new house band at the Toucan on Monday nights, a gig previously occupied by Kingston blues stalwarts Blue Monday for the previous 2 1/2 years. Blue Monday members Zak Colbert and Mike Sakell, decided to continue on with a different band and a change of concept, and formed the Express. With keyboard wizard Spencer Evans throwing his hat in, and the addition of a fresh new face on guitar, James Taylor, the band was complete. The original repertoire focused heavily on the sounds of Motown, and classic R&B, but with the addition of Jonathan Stewart a.k.a ” Bunny ” on tenor saxophone a few years ago, the band took a decidedly more funky New Orleans type approach. Zak and James eventually left the band to be replaced by Zak’s young protege, Alec Barken, on bass, and Mark Taras on guitar, and that has been the lineup for the last eight years.
Known for sharing the stage with musical friends who drop by now and then, many touring acts with a night off in Kingston, manage to find their way to the stage and sit in with the band.Some of the notable ones include, Colin James, the Blue man group band, Sarah Harmer, Ryan Lewis, and members of Trooper to name just a few. You never know who’s going to show up when Ghetto Xpress hits the stage.
This band is one of those “must see ” acts, so next time you hear about one of their shows, make sure to get out and see them,or sit in with them, and remember to keep on truckin….
Jul
2
to Jul 3
Good Co. + Fraser Wayne & The Desert Eagles
Good Gourd Records presents...
An evening of good-time-tears-in-yer-beers country rock from Kingston and Toronto!! FREE SHOW!! Live at The Toucan (76 Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario). Featuring:
GOOD CO.
https://linktr.ee/Goodcoygk
Good Co. is an Alt-Country band from Kingston, Ontario. What began as a solo songwriting project by Cody Allen James has evolved into a bonafide country rock outfit founded on a simple principle: write good songs and play them well. While they, of course, draw from the masters of the craft: Bob Dylan, John Prine, Gram Parsons, and The Rolling Stones, Good Co. has also been unavoidably influenced by more contemporary artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel, Deer Tick, and Demon’s Claws to name a few.
The core creative force behind Good Company comes from brothers, and lifelong songwriting partners, Cody Allen James (guitar/vocal) and Coyote Williams (bass/vocal). Growing up in rural Ontario, raised on roots country and rock n’ roll, James and Williams have developed and meticulously honed an intuitive sense for songwriting, with an unshakable focus on quality lyrics, memorable melodies, and air-tight song structure.
Seeking to form a solid four-piece core, Cody enlisted Dan Killen on drums and Mike Rapkins on electric guitar - occasionally playing with a keyboard player, fiddle player, pedal steel player, and/or other friends on guest vocals.
FRASER WAYNE & THE DESERT EAGLES
https://linktr.ee/therealfraserwayne
Born and raised in rural Ontario, bandleader and songwriter, Fraser Wayne, cut their teeth in the music world after moving to Montreal in 2014 and forming seminal garage rock band, The Fuzzy Undertones. Wayne was an integral part of the underground music scene in Montreal for the past 10 years before making the move back to Ontario to work on a farm and form a backing band of Toronto city rock n roll legends dubbed “The Desert Eagles.” The resulting project breaks into some diverse influences, ranging from Canadiana, folk-rock, spaghetti western sound- tracks and more. The group, including members of ROY, Darryl Hannah, Easy Rider, and other local acts, will be releasing their first full length album in the summer of 2026 via Good Gourd Records. Fraser has also collaborated with Kyle Popovich on a video series for the album, with the latest instalment, ‘Autumn Song,’ out now.
A cowpoke of many hats – you can catch Fraser playing an intimate solo set at your local dive bar, or headlining festivals with a full backing band – always blending their country / rock n roll influences with honest-to-the-bone lyricism. Wayne’s dedication to emotional authenticity from a queer perspective, has made them a mainstay in the burgeoning Toronto country music scene. With years of performing and touring experience behind them, including supporting slots for Zachary Lucky, Bobby Dove, Li'l Andy, Spindrift and The Sadies, Fraser Wayne’s haunting, gothic take on country and western is set to take no prisoners.
Jul
1
to Jul 2
Canada Day Karaoke Party
🇨🇦🎤 CANADA DAY KARAOKE NIGHT 🎤🇨🇦 hosted by Crossroads Entertainment
We’re turning the volume ALL the way up this Canada Day! Grab the mic, grab a pint, and sing your heart out to your favourite hits all night long 🍻✨
Whether you’ve got powerhouse vocals or just love a good chorus with friends, this is your night to shine on stage and celebrate Canada the best way we know how — together at the pub ❤️
Let’s make it a Canada Day to remember 🇨🇦🎶
Jun
28
to Jun 29
Karaoke
Karaoke Sundays hosted by Crossroads Entertainment
Grab the mic and own the night at The Toucan—Kingston’s favorite Irish pub—where every Sunday turns into a full-blown singalong. Whether you're channeling your inner rockstar, crooner, or 90s throwback queen, our stage is your stage from 10:30 PM till 2 AM.
🔥 No cover. 🍻 Cold pints, great vibes. 🎶 Endless song choices, epic memories.
Bring your friends, your best high note, and maybe a little liquid courage. It’s karaoke the way it was meant to be: loud, lively, and fueled by Guinness.
See you under the green lights this Sunday at The Toucan!
Jun
28
5:00 PM17:00
The Gertrudes + Hollow Body + Teilhard Frost
7pm: Teilhard (tay-YAR) Frost is a Canadian multi-instrumentalist, instrument maker, and folklorist specializing in traditional Appalachian, Scandinavian, and Celtic folk music. Based on Wolfe Island, Ontario, he is renowned for his work with the internationally acclaimed acoustic trio Sheesham, Lotus and 'Son.
6pm: Hollow Body is a Kingston, Ontario-based pop/rock/indie band formed by friends and neighbors Greg Tilson (guitar), Paul Clifford (bass), and Jay Middaugh (drums). Influenced by 90s rock (R.E.M., Wilco, Pixies), their sound is described as dynamic, and, ready to rock, often featuring original music. They hold a monthly residency at The Hotel Wolfe Island.
5pm: The Gertrudes bring together a versatile collective of musicians to create a unique and experimental folkestra in Kingston, ON. They have produced four full length albums, two EPS, participated in numerous festivals (notably Pop Montreal, Vancouver Folk Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion) and shared the stage with artists such Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs. Recordings and performances have brought together a manic collaboration of choirs, symphonies and over 100 local musicians.
Jun
27
to Jun 28
Sweet Pete & The Heat
Sweet Pete and The Heat are a collective of local musicians who play with various bands in Kingston. Meeting each other at various open mics and house parties we all share a love of dirty, funky blues music inspired by everyone from Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and Van Morrison to lesser-known artists such as Lucky Peterson and Snooky Prior. Our goal is to get people dancing and that’s what we do.
Jun
26
to Jun 27
Overrated
Overrated is packed with a wide experience musically. They cover Collective Soul and Stone Temple Pilots to anything in between. New and old rock to get your party going.
Here is a taste of what you will hear: AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, Headstones, Tragically Hip, Johnny Cash, Billy Idol, Black Keys, Big Sugar, R.E.M, Green Day, Rolling Stones, Glorious Sons, And more!
Jun
26
5:00 PM17:00
Dennis Bouwman live in Kirkpatrick's
A true blue collar songsmith. Bouwman writes and sings with a gritty honesty rarely seen these days. Be it with or without his band, Bouwman’s combination of heart-wrenching lyrics, warm melodies, and a voice like the bottom 10 pipes on a church organ is sure to captivate you and make you feel.
Jun
23
7:30 PM19:30
🍀 Tuesdays Unplugged: Traditional Irish Seisiún 🎻
Step into a true Irish experience every Tuesday night at The Toucan. From 7:30 to 10 PM, the lights dim, the amps turn off, and the soul of Ireland takes center stage in a cozy, unplugged Seisiún—a traditional Irish music session filled with fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and warm-hearted melodies.
🎶 Live acoustic Irish music 🍺 Pints flowing and stories growing ☘️ No cover, just good craic!
Musicians welcome, locals encouraged, and visitors embraced. Whether you're tapping your foot, raising a glass, or picking up a tune yourself, this is an evening for sharing music, laughter, and community.
Tuesdays at The Toucan—where the heart of Ireland plays on.
Jun
21
to Jun 22
Karaoke
Karaoke Sundays hosted by Crossroads Entertainment
Grab the mic and own the night at The Toucan—Kingston’s favorite Irish pub—where every Sunday turns into a full-blown singalong. Whether you're channeling your inner rockstar, crooner, or 90s throwback queen, our stage is your stage from 10:30 PM till 2 AM.
🔥 No cover. 🍻 Cold pints, great vibes. 🎶 Endless song choices, epic memories.
Bring your friends, your best high note, and maybe a little liquid courage. It’s karaoke the way it was meant to be: loud, lively, and fueled by Guinness.
See you under the green lights this Sunday at The Toucan!
Jun
20
to Jun 21
The Tone Kats
The ToneKats is a versatile & experienced Canadian band based out of Kingston, Ontario. They perform Classic and newer rock, some catchy country rock, and their own original high-energy rock! These Kats even take requests! The band plays something for everyone!
Jun
19
to Jun 20
JukeBox County + Jon McLurg and His Almanacs
JukeBox County is the stage name of Rich Tyo, whose prolific songwriting ranges from voodoo blues and gospel to astro-folk and rock. He creates sounds that are both danceable and introspective. The idea behind JukeBox County is to have a broad range of styles and sounds conveying a myriad of moods all the while embracing the root of good songwriting: storytelling. Drawing from influences such as Neil Young, Nick Drake, Ween, Velvet Underground, and The Beatles, JukeBox County music contains deep dialogues about what makes us human and how we cope with the questions that come with this profound and (at times) disheartening existence.
Rich has developed numerous music-based mental health education programs for at-risk youth, he’s published his poetry in anthologies, and has spoken internationally on health, psychedelics, spirituality, and transpersonal development.
These past projects have been his main artistic endeavours of the past decade. Now, after years of community art-based education and lots of songwriting, JukeBox County will be releasing his first full length album with multi-instrumentalist and producer, Hugh Christopher Brown (Wolfe Island Records). The album, Inner Space Outer Space, is a fun and engaging album filled with songs that emerge from his experiences out on the streets working as a mental health crisis worker, in liminal realms, and from being witness to life’s hardships and the will to overcome through faith, compassion, firm grounding, and connecting to one’s passions above all else. The album will be released in Spring of 2021!
Join Jukebox County on a trip to inner space and outer space—the places of wonder and imagination, isolation and connection, alien abductions and re-discovering the deepest wisdom inside ourselves and connecting with all that is in this vast universe.
Jun
19
5:00 PM17:00
Chris Murphy
Kingston's Maritime Troubadour
With a voice that has been compared as often to Stan Rogers as it has to Steven Page, Chris Murphy has all the tools to tell stories expressively and emotively through the songs he sings. Many of those songs are his own creation, but he also relies heavily on the brilliant songs written by his friend and brother-in-law Jon McLurg, a songwriter who J.P. Cormier places alongside David Francey and Chuck Brodsky in his hierarchy of favourite songwriters.
Although Chris was born and raised near Kingston, Ontario, he has felt a musical and spiritual connection to Atlantic Canada. “Some say they have left their heart in San Francisco; mine has been left on Fogo Island, Newfoundland,” Chris states emphatically. Since 2000, Chris has been travelling to the East Coast, playing stages in Cape Breton and all across Newfoundland. In 2011, Chris got the opportunity to record an album produced by master musician J.P. Cormier in D’Escousse, Cape Breton. Hailed by J.P. as one of the very best projects he has ever produced, Finally Coming Home features songs written by Chris, as well as many songs written by Jon McLurg.
Jun
16
7:30 PM19:30
🍀 Tuesdays Unplugged: Traditional Irish Seisiún 🎻
Step into a true Irish experience every Tuesday night at The Toucan. From 7 to 10 PM, the lights dim, the amps turn off, and the soul of Ireland takes center stage in a cozy, unplugged Seisiún—a traditional Irish music session filled with fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and warm-hearted melodies.
🎶 Live acoustic Irish music 🍺 Pints flowing and stories growing ☘️ No cover, just good craic!
Musicians welcome, locals encouraged, and visitors embraced. Whether you're tapping your foot, raising a glass, or picking up a tune yourself, this is an evening for sharing music, laughter, and community.
Tuesdays at The Toucan—where the heart of Ireland plays on.
Jun
14
to Jun 15
Karaoke
Karaoke Sundays hosted by Crossroads Entertainment
Grab the mic and own the night at The Toucan—Kingston’s favorite Irish pub—where every Sunday turns into a full-blown singalong. Whether you're channeling your inner rockstar, crooner, or 90s throwback queen, our stage is your stage from 10:30 PM till 2 AM.
🔥 No cover. 🍻 Cold pints, great vibes. 🎶 Endless song choices, epic memories.
Bring your friends, your best high note, and maybe a little liquid courage. It’s karaoke the way it was meant to be: loud, lively, and fueled by Guinness.
See you under the green lights this Sunday at The Toucan!
Jun
13
to Jun 14
Jelly Train
The band Jellytrain was originally formed in 2019 as “ Up jumped the Blues “ . With the departure of founding members Rick Flanagan, and Greg Duncan ( R.I.P. ) , and then keyboardist Craig Tousignant, Jellytrain was set to re- invent itself. With original members ZAK Colbert ( Bass ), Shawn Dore ( guitar, vocals ) and Mike Sakell ( drums, vocals ) keyboardist Alain McCann ( keys, vocals) joined the band offering his considerable talents. The result is a tight four piece Funk Blues band that is receiving high praise from live audiences every time they appear. With three lead vocalists, and sweet harmonies, they are sure to impress all who attend one of their live shows.
Jun
12
to Jun 13
The Boo Radley Project
The Boo Radley Project is a indie-funk septet founded in 2011 in Guelph, ON.
Boo’s music evokes an intimate connection within the textured grooves, the kind that can only be conjured up by a group of close-knit friends. They have been likened to everyone from Wilco and Mr. Bungle to Primus and Tower of Power.
Boo’s toured coast to coast, packing into the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan and playing festival stages at Hillside Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion, and Riverfest Elora. The band just released the single “Schneiders Sign, Take Me Home” in December, which Exclaim! called the “perfect ode to the ubiquitously sausage-laden roadside masterpiece” billboard along Highway 401.
Jun
12
5:00 PM17:00
Sean Patterson live in Kirkpatrick's
Sean Patterson of Oakridge Ave. is back at The Toucan from 5–8pm! 🎸
A phenomenal guitarist and talented lyricist, Sean brings the kind of performance that reminds you why live music matters. Join us for an evening of great songs, incredible musicianship, and your favourite neighbourhood pub atmosphere.
Jun
9
7:30 PM19:30
🍀 Tuesdays Unplugged: Traditional Irish Seisiún 🎻
Step into a true Irish experience every Tuesday night at The Toucan. From 7:30 to 10 PM, the lights dim, the amps turn off, and the soul of Ireland takes center stage in a cozy, unplugged Seisiún—a traditional Irish music session filled with fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and warm-hearted melodies.
🎶 Live acoustic Irish music 🍺 Pints flowing and stories growing ☘️ No cover, just good craic!
Musicians welcome, locals encouraged, and visitors embraced. Whether you're tapping your foot, raising a glass, or picking up a tune yourself, this is an evening for sharing music, laughter, and community.
Tuesdays at The Toucan—where the heart of Ireland plays on.
Jun
6
to Jun 7
Danceland
Danceland is a five-piece Toronto-based neo-jam band blending psychedelic Americana, blues, and funk. Evolving from the Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia tribute, Cherry Garcia Band, during the pandemic, they are led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Joe Ferland and his wife, vocalist Jale Ferland
Jun
5
5:00 PM17:00
Jessica Wolowich live in Kirkpatrick's
Jessica Wolowich is an indie singer-songwriter based in Kingston, Ontario. With a background of performing with various bands, Jessica's solo work takes a different path, featuring stripped-back instrumentals that emphasize her melodies and lyrics. In May of 2024, she released her debut single, "Stay", along with an accompanying music video. This marks the beginning of her first summer of live music touring.
Jun
2
7:30 PM19:30
🍀 Tuesdays Unplugged: Traditional Irish Seisiún 🎻
Step into a true Irish experience every Tuesday night at The Toucan. From 7 to 10 PM, the lights dim, the amps turn off, and the soul of Ireland takes center stage in a cozy, unplugged Seisiún—a traditional Irish music session filled with fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and warm-hearted melodies.
🎶 Live acoustic Irish music 🍺 Pints flowing and stories growing ☘️ No cover, just good craic!
Musicians welcome, locals encouraged, and visitors embraced. Whether you're tapping your foot, raising a glass, or picking up a tune yourself, this is an evening for sharing music, laughter, and community.
Tuesdays at The Toucan—where the heart of Ireland plays on.
May
31
to Jun 1
Karaoke
Karaoke Sundays hosted by Crossroads Entertainment
Grab the mic and own the night at The Toucan—Kingston’s favorite Irish pub—where every Sunday turns into a full-blown singalong. Whether you're channeling your inner rockstar, crooner, or 90s throwback queen, our stage is your stage from 10:30 PM till 2 AM.
🔥 No cover. 🍻 Cold pints, great vibes. 🎶 Endless song choices, epic memories.
Bring your friends, your best high note, and maybe a little liquid courage. It’s karaoke the way it was meant to be: loud, lively, and fueled by Guinness.
See you under the green lights this Sunday at The Toucan!
May
31
5:00 PM17:00
The Gertrudes
The Gertrudes bring together a versatile collective of musicians to create a unique and experimental folkestra in Kingston, ON. They have produced four full length albums, two EPS, participated in numerous festivals (notably Pop Montreal, Vancouver Folk Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion) and shared the stage with artists such Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs. Recordings and performances have brought together a manic collaboration of choirs, symphonies and over 100 local musicians.
May
30
to May 31
GOLDEN FEATHER + KAKAOW
GOLDEN FEATHER
Hamilton, ON
set time: 11:45pm - 2:00am
Blending elements of funk, jazz, psychedelia, classic rock, and yacht rock, Golden Feather is an immersive jam-band experience that takes you by the hand to your closet for your tie dye shirt and dancing shoes. For fans of Little Feat, The Allman Brothers Band, or the Grateful Dead, the six-piece offers a modern take on the jam-band tradition, as the album embodies the communal spirit and creative exploration as the heart of the group.
KAKAOW
Kingston, ON
set time: 10:30pm -11:15pm
KaKaow is a psychedelic and funk infused multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, performer and creator. Receiving the Creators Award at the 2021 Kingston Mayor’s Arts Awards, KaKaow has established himself as a leader within the local music community. Drawing from a wide array of influences from Parliament-Funkadelic and Hendrix to K+Lab and Stickybuds, KaKaow is an up and coming contemporary Indigenous artist not to be missed.
May
29
to May 30
HOT GARBAGE + ACE OF WANDS + THE STRANGE HAPPENINGS
HOT GARBAGE
Toronto, ON
set time: 11:30pm-12:30 am
Calling on the driving rhythms of dark post-punk and motorik krautrock, Toronto’s Hot Garbage seamlessly work shining melodies and swirling textures into deliberate, brooding arrangements. Fans of Sonic Youth, Broadcast and 70’s era Iggy Pop should no doubt find a familiar pull into their raw sound, which draws inspiration from a wide and eclectic range of musical genres and art forms. As they put the last touch on a third long-player to be announced later this year, the four-piece venture into noise rock with the release of standalone single "Wewu."
ACE OF WANDS
Toronto, ON
set time: 10:30-11:10pm
Forged and led by the vision of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lee Rose, Ace of Wands has become one of Toronto's most creative and captivating bands since forming in 2017. Evoking the art-rock of PJ Harvey, the orchestral-pop of Kate Bush, and the alt-rock fuzz of Nirvana — Ace of Wands is known for their explosive and charismatic live performances, astonishing musicianship, and gothic-rock aesthetics. Lead vocalist Lee Rose alternates between violin and guitar, while simultaneously playing synth-bass foot pedals, joined by Anna Mernieks on guitar and Jody Brumell on drums. Together, they create a fantastical and immersive world of yearning, dread, euphoria, and insight — defining the essence of Dream Rock.
STRANGE HAPPENINGS
Wolfe Island/Kingston, ON
set time: 1:00-2:00am
The Strange Happenings are based out of Kawehnóhkwes tsi kawè Hunting Lands; Kingston, Wolfe Island and Frontenac Islands area. In purposeful savagery, The Strange Happenings serve up some post-punk, spaceship garage with jumpy psychedelia; gruesome fuzzed out druidic guitar licks and a motorized miasmatic rhythm that is equally infectious and relentless.
This showcase is co-presented by Wavelength Music
Wavelength Music is a non-profit arts platform that presents concerts, festivals, and conversations about music and city-building in the Toronto area. Established in 2000 by a collective of indie musicians, Wavelength supports emerging and under-recognized artists across diverse genres, curates immersive event experiences, and leads transformative research and development projects.