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:
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….
“Rueben deGroot has a vast arsenal of themes and ideas for a seemingly endless amount of excellent songs. His phrasing and melodic ideas are as strong and flawless as his clever lyrical choices and although comparisons can be made and influences seen, there is nothing predictable about his music and approach to songwriting. He is destined to make a lasting impression on many listeners in what will surely be a long and fruitful career.” – Luther Wright
Mellow Casualty is a Montréal-based alternative/indie pop band bringing dreamy melodies, catchy hooks, and a little bit of chaos to the stage. Expect an energetic mix of indie sounds, big choruses, and songs that’ll stick in your head long after the show.
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.
"Nich Worby is a Toronto-based songwriter equally in love with fuzzed-out guitars and the emotional geography of Southern Ontario. His upcoming LP, Labour Day, is his first in nine years, reuniting him with longtime collaborator Bryce Daigle."
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.
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.
Inspired by modern and classic blues, the Kingston, Ontario quartet Hellhound Trail formed in 2017 around the talents of Brandon Amey (guitar), Mat McAllister (drums), Matt Aylsworth (bass), and Jeff Dunn (vocals/guitar). Their blend of cutting blues, classic rock, and expressive soul delights listeners in a variety of settings, from an intimate brewery to larger venues. Hellhound Trail is highly influenced by the blues greats like Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins and BB King with a smattering of newer modern blues influences like Alabama Shakes and The Black Keys with hints of 90 alt rock mixed in. Hellhound Trail have been extremely busy in the Kingston area and are one of Kingston’s best local acts.
Chris Morris is a folk singer based in Prince Edward County. A casually charismatic performer with a penchant for tall tales and a near exhaustive repertoire of songs to charm audiences of all temperaments, musical stalwart Chris Morris has carved out a reputation as a popular, in-demand singer/songwriter/musician on festival stages, pubs and clubs throughout Eastern Ontario.
Known for invoking an atmosphere of unbridled fun, storytelling moxy and musical dexterity to any stage, Morris brings the same level of commitment to his sometimes wildly varied set list of classic covers as he does to his bitingly clever and unabashedly authentic original material, making for a potent, must-see experience.
While it’s easiest to identify his delivery and style under the broadly inclusive Folk umbrella, Morris cites the music of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, country troubadour Hank Williams, the psychedelic mastery of The Grateful Dead and jazzy machinations of Phish as equally inspiring alongside giants of folk such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly – not to mention the iconic Bob Dylan and of course Kingston legends The Tragically Hip.
NICE ON RETURNS TO THE TOUCAN! Funkifying today’s hits with fresh twists, Nice On compels you to get up and get DOWN.
Smooth, soulful power vocals meet fun punchy percussion, heavy basslines, filthy guitar licks, soaring sax solos and rich keys rhythms. There’s something for everyone here.
Comprised of some of Kingston’s most skilled and promising young musicians, members of Nice On met in the music scene and admired one another’s skills enough to form a supergroup of up and coming talent. During live shows, the positive energy is palpable, and the band feeds off it to create a delightfully unpredictable and joyful atmosphere.
It’s Nice On the ears.
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.
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!
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!
Double Barrel is a blues/rock/country trio based in Ottawa. Playing all your favourite songs so you can dance and sing all night.
Listen to them on instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFX4yaRPehV/?igsh=aWM2dXBtOG1raG8%3D
"Jeff Dunn (of Hellhound Trail) is a Kingston Ontario based blues artist. His cutting slide guitar paired with his powerful vocals, and well crafted original modern blues songs are inspired by blues legends like Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins and BB King. He has been performing in Kingston for over 2 decades."
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:
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.
The Mudlocks are a rock and indie band formed in Kingston, Ontario, composed of four veteran local musicians known for their energetic live sets.
The group specializes in a crowd-pleasing mix of original compositions, classic rock deep cuts, danceable jams, and expressive guitar solos. They are active performers across the local Kingston music scene, regularly headlining popular regional venues and festivals.
The band consists of four seasoned artists:
Chris Morris: Vocals / Guitar
Logan Brown: Guitar / Vocals
Alec Barken: Bass / Vocals
Harrison Stewart-Juby: Drums
Known for her intimate, engaging live shows, Mellow Lily connects deeply with audiences, delivering performances that are both musically rich and emotionally resonant. In addition to solo appearances, she frequently performs in festivals, markets, and music series across the country, gaining a loyal following and growing recognition as one of the country’s distinctive musical voices.
As her career continues to develop, Mellow Lily remains a compelling and evolving artist — one whose music bridges genres and speaks to a broad audience through authenticity, craft, and passion.
The Friendly Frogs Freakshow: The Friendly Frogs Freak Show Amphibian progressive funk energetically charged and ready to fire you up into a vortex of infinite sounds and colours, backed by an eclectic rhythm section offering dancy shivers and auspicious ambiances to make you bring out your inner frog.
It’s 2015, five friends in a jam night bonding together by their love of funk music, fun and frogs are cry-laughing over a complilation of words starting with the letters ‘fr’. Since then, they have traveled around the Quebec and Ontario regions, spreading their love of frogs through their weird bland of funk music, leaving everyone astonished behind them. The musical collective now counting 8 members, their performance varies by adding or removing highs such as guitars, saxophones, violon, trumpet or keyboards to go along with bass and drums, making each of their performances unique and distinguished.
The Ratskin Family Band: For decades, country and western fans have been begging for an all-drag-queen, -king, and -thing band. The Ratskin Family Band is an answer to these prayers. This glamorous group of critters plays country standards, reimagined pop hits, and original country songs with queer themes. In this band you will find familiar faces from Toronto’s drag and music scenes: Amanda Prior (banjo/mando), Kitty Creature (fiddle), Terry Dickoff (bass), Zephline (acoustic guitar), Sherry Douglas (pedal steel/electric guitar/dobro), and Tago Mago (percussion). Formed in January 2024, The Ratskin Family Band has spent the past two years raising hell and delighting audiences in Toronto’s best music venues. The Ratskin Family Band has just wrapped a 6-month residency at Drom Taberna in downtown Toronto and preparing to release their debut EP in the fall. They will be touring Ontario over the summer in support of this release. This group sets out to show audiences that country music is for everyone, and as a band, they have carved out the space they wanted to see: an unabashedly queer, country, rollicking good time. The Ratskin Family Band is known for a drag show like no other and a concert the likes of which can’t be found anywhere else on this planet. Laugh, cry, dance, and witness some queers absolutely shred some twangy tunes.
"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.”
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.
“The future of the music industry is in good hands with up and coming bands like WHYGO in the ranks” - Scott Legge, Atlantic Spotlight
Originally from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, now based in Kingston, Ontario, WHYGO is a three piece alternative rock band with versatility, taking inspiration from genres such as blues, soul, classical, metal and virtually anything in between.
Consisting of Bass, Drums, Guitar and three unique vocalists, WHYGO uses their tight knit chemistry as a weapon when authoring heartfelt poeticism and composing graceful yet thrashing epics, all with the deliverance and edge that the world has come to crave when they hear the words "power trio.”
If you've ever belted out One Great City!, argued over the best Weakerthans album, or found yourself unexpectedly emotional over a song about a cat, this one's for you.
Catch Chump Worsley's debut show at The Toucan as they take on 30 Weakerthans songs in one night, featuring tunes from Fallow, Left and Leaving, Reconstruction Site, Reunion Tour, and The Falcon Lake Incident with Jim Bryson.
Featuring Adam Chartrand, Joe Kenny, Sean Patterson, and Harrison Stewart-Juby — come grab a pint, sing along, and hear a whole lot of Weakerthans.
Kingston's own Chris Royer brings a unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, gritty vocals, and high-energy acoustic performances to every stage he steps on. Best known as the frontman of local punk favourites Pound Salt, Chris's solo shows strip things back while keeping the same passion and intensity that have made him a staple of Kingston's music scene. His performances weave together original folk-inspired songwriting with crowd-favourite covers spanning decades and genres, creating the perfect soundtrack for a Friday night at the pub.
Whether you're settling in with a pint or singing along with friends, Chris delivers an authentic, engaging performance that feels right at home in an Irish pub. Join us for Acoustic Fridays at The Toucan & Kirkpatrick's and kick off your weekend with one of Kingston's favourite local musicians.
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.
No Great Mischief is a Kingston-based Celtic trio featuring Meghan Balogh on fiddle, Erik Coleman on bouzouki and guitar, and Ian Leslie on uilleann pipes and whistles. Its members have three lifetimes' worth of combined musical experience, and have played with groups such as The Wakami Wailers, Night Sun, Dog Tooth Violet, David Francey, comedian Tom Green and many more. Grown from the traditional music scene in Kingston, the music of No Great Mischief belies their enthusiasm for the tunes of Ireland and other Celtic traditions, and their unabashed enjoyment of each other's musical company.
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.
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?
Kingston's own Chris Royer brings a unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, gritty vocals, and high-energy acoustic performances to every stage he steps on. Best known as the frontman of local punk favourites Pound Salt, Chris's solo shows strip things back while keeping the same passion and intensity that have made him a staple of Kingston's music scene. His performances weave together original folk-inspired songwriting with crowd-favourite covers spanning decades and genres, creating the perfect soundtrack for a Friday night at the pub.
Whether you're settling in with a pint or singing along with friends, Chris delivers an authentic, engaging performance that feels right at home in an Irish pub. Join us for Acoustic Fridays at The Toucan & Kirkpatrick's and kick off your weekend with one of Kingston's favourite local musicians.
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
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!
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.
Performing a live acoustic set upstairs in Kirkpatrick’s, every Friday of February Jon McLurg is a singer-songwriter based in Kingston, Ontario. Jon has been a staple of the local folk music scene for more than 15 years as a solo performer and member of Turpin’s Trail, Crooked Wood, and The Goodnight Irenes.
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.
🇨🇦🎤 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 🇨🇦🎶
