Open Mic Stages
Where to join in to play or listen to local talent.
There are no upcoming events at this time.The Thursday Outlook – June 15 to 18, 2017
It’s always special when Victoria Yeh joins Chris Scerri at the Thursday Night Leeky Open Stage as she will tonight. She is usually willing to play along with anyone who asks and she is so talented and adaptable she adds a sheen to anything she accompanies, no matter what the style. The Leeky open mic starts at 9 now instead of 8 pm.
Don’t forget the other open stages that happen throughout our area every week. There are so many talented musicians locally an open stage is always a good bet. It makes for a great night out during the week, and there’s never a cover. Also on Thursday, Dave Russell regularly rocks out at the Corner Café open stage in Thornbury. Sunday afternoons at The Barn Coop are always inspiring, and on Tuesday nights Brianna McGowan hosts at Molly Blooms in The Village at Blue. Wednesday’s at Bruce Wine Bar is always crowded with Drew McIvor hosting an open mic.
Then there’s the granddaddy of all open mics every Wednesday at Ted’s Range Road Diner, the place where our area’s most impressive musicians learned their chops over the many years it’s been happening. Last night was a particularly auspicious night because Tara Mackenzie, indisputably the best vocalist for miles around (many miles, including the GTA) was able to perform again after being sidelined for many months by a concussion. This is good news for fans of the Mackenzie Blues Band, which may soon see them back in full force, with the combination of killer guitar from Trevor Mackenzie and those incredible vocals from the Tara.
Other legendary local favourites, Tinman and The Flying Monkeys, will be at The Leeky on Saturday night.
Saturday night also brings some impressive artists, fresh from European tours, to some out-of-the-way venues in the area. Christina Martin will be at Massie Hall on Saturday night, with a special appearance from Matt Epp. And in Desboro, Ben Kunder and Sarah MacDougall join forces at the Desboro Music Hall. They toured Ireland, Italy, UK, the Netherlands last fall and now they are in our area.
Friday night the place to be is Heartwood Hall to dance to K.C. Roberts and the Live Revolution, an 8-piece funk band that has excited fans and critics for years, being compared to Earth, Wind and Fire, Sly and The Family Stone, Tower of Power, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Review the listings on the right side of this page to find a long list of favourites who play often in our area so you can go check them out for the first time or revisit what you know will be a great performance.
Leeky Canoe
Thursday Nights from 8 to 11, open stage hosted by Chris Scerri. Every week he is joined by a different guitarist. They sing a few songs to start things off and then bring up local talents. Chris is a warm and welcoming host and will even lend his guitar to a performer. He is a powerful interpretor of songs and his accompaniests are always first rate. The Leeky Canoe is a favourite local eatery, scoring 4 out of 5 stars in Trip Advisor and known for their salads, burgers and draft beer. Across the street from Market Square beside Meaford Hall
Ted’s Range Road Diner
Out on Grey Rd. 112, the road that heads up to the military base at the west end of Meaford, Ted’s Range Rd. Diner is the most soulful venue in town featuring live jamming every Wednesday night. It usually kicks off around 9 or 10 and runs until 1 in the morning. This is a real electric jam with a house band of excellent players, most of whom developed their chops right here over the decades that the Wednesday night jam has been happening. The great thing is that if you play drums, guitar or bass you can join in – it’s not just for singers. Come for supper and enjoy a truly unique menu featuring a wide range of live game. This is a licensed venue.
Captain’s Corner
A famous fish and chips destination, Captains Corner at Sykes and Collingwood, featured music on the patio through the summer. Now it’s moved inside with weekly Wednesday jams hosted by Amanda Dorey and featured performers on the weekends, during the dinner hours from 6 to 9.In addition to their fish and chips and legendary homemade pies, Captains Corner is licenced for alcoholic beverages.
