Have we mentioned recently how much we love living in Toronto? We could talk endlessly about our favourite city and never run out of things to say. The shopping, the dining, and the non-stop fun activities are just the beginning. Friendly communities and beautiful green spaces also help make Toronto a unique and exciting place to call home. And if you’re a music lover, you might think you’ve just discovered heaven on earth. Whether you love an intimate performance in a small venue or the excitement of a sold-out stadium, Toronto has it all and more. What can you expect from the vibrant music scene? Here is just a taste of what you’ll find in a few of Toronto’s incredible venues.
World Class Concert Halls
Want to join thousands of fellow fans applauding and singing along to your favourite superstars? Toronto is home to incredible concert halls where your favourite musical events will live forever in your memories. Here are the major venues where the world’s most famous megastars will own the stage:
Budweiser Stage
Summer isn’t summer until you’ve enjoyed your first outdoor music bonanza! Originally known as the Molson Amphitheatre, Budweiser Stage has a capacity of approximately 16,000 people. When your favourite band strikes the first chord, it’s electrifying! And thousands of other people will share your enthusiasm and applause.
Rogers Centre
Once called the Skydome, the Rogers Centre is the site of some of Toronto’s biggest concerts and sporting events. Though initially intended as the home of the Blue Jays, the recent addition of the SkyTent means the acoustics are now ideal for musical acts. Plus, easy access to Union Station and public transit makes getting to and from your show a breeze. With a capacity of over 49,000 people, the Rogers Centre is the largest venue in Toronto. Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Guns’ n’ Roses, and U2 are just a few acts that have brought the house down in the past.
Scotiabank Arena
The outstanding acoustics of the Scotiabank Arena have made it the premier venue for some of the world’s most popular bands and musical acts. Like the Rogers Centre, the downtown location is highly convenient, giving you plenty of places to grab a snack before or after the show.
The seats in the Scotiabank Arena are spacious and comfortable. Not that you’ll spend much time sitting, however. Once your favourite band starts to play, you’ll soon be on your feet, cheering and swaying to the music! Evanescence, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Rush, and Beyonce have all performed at this magical venue.
What else is there to see and experience in Toronto? The list never ends!
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Small and Lively Venues
Taking in a concert at one of Toronto’s big three venues may be exhilarating. But the prohibitive cost of tickets may mean you must choose your adventures carefully. What to do if you can’t get enough live entertainment but don’t have the time or money to invest in major performances?
Toronto’s plentiful array of small venues means the music never has to stop! You’ll find tribute bands and talented local musicians nearly every night of the week sprinkled throughout the city. Here are just a few examples you will want to check out soon.
Danforth Music Hall
Located in the heart of the Riverdale neighbourhood, the Danforth Music Hall accommodates up to 1500 audience members. Originally constructed in 1919, it began hosting musical acts in the 1970s and has become one of Toronto’s favourite venues. Though small and intimate, world-famous artists like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Lorde, Metric, and Iggy Azalea have performed for fans lucky enough to snag a ticket.
DROM Taberna
Looking for a night out in a hip and trendy venue with great food and lively music? The DROM Taberna has everything you’re asking for, complete with friendly service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Musical performances include anything from classical quartets and big bands to world music, folk and soul. We bet you won’t be able to stay in your seat once the excitement begins.
Phoenix Concert Theatre
The Phoenix Concert Theatre is a nightclub and concert hall with three distinct venues under one roof. The Main Room has a 20 x 20 stage, five bars, and a cutting-edge sound and lighting system. The Balcony overlooks the Main Room and offers ultra-comfortable lounge seating with unobstructed stage views. A VIP bar exists for up to 100 guests. The Parlour is a self-contained entertainment space off the main room with a separate sound system, allowing for multiple performances in the same evening. The venue has hosted an impressive roster of musical artists and entertained thousands of patrons for 20 years and counting!
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Toronto? Here are some resources that will get you off to a great start:
- Is Staging Your House to Sell Still a Good Idea?
- Selling Your Home? Here’s How to Maximize its Value in Any Market
- What You Need To Know About Buying A House In A Changing Market
Toronto’s Showstopping Music Festivals
When you think of Toronto, one word might jump instantly into your mind. Festivals. The city is famous for them, with many events drawing thousands of visitors. Best of all, many of these outstanding music festivals are absolutely free! Here is just a sample of what Toronto residents can look forward to each year:
- Canadian Music Week – As one of Canada’s most influential music conferences, this event has included artists and producers such as Slash, Our Lady Peace, Gene Simmons, David Foster, and more.
- NXNE – If you’d love to be one of the first to catch a performance by the next rising star, this event is not to be missed.
- TD Toronto Jazz Festival – One of Toronto’s most popular events runs for 10 days, with more than 1,500 musicians performing at various locations throughout the city.
- Afrofest – North America’s largest free African music festival features performances by local and international artists.
- Beaches Jazz Festival – This free annual festival runs for an entire month and draws nearly one million visitors annually. Here’s your chance to catch a show by internationally acclaimed musicians and new emerging local artists!
- VELD Music Festival – Canada’s largest electronic music festival features three stages and an eclectic mix of hip hop and dance music artists.
- Toronto Caribbean Carnival Weekend – Also known as Caribana, this 3-week music festival features stunning musical and dance performances and draws millions of visitors each year.
There are countless reasons to make Toronto your new home, and the incredible music scene is just one of them. Want to know more? Reach out today at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 and we are happy to answer all of your questions.
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