As a new academic year approaches, Queen’s will be treated to a fresh group of students, eager to experience the city of Kingston, and what better way to explore what the city has to offer than its bustling music scene.
It’s no secret that Kingston produces musical talent, from The Tragically Hip, The Glorious Sons, and Kasador, to name a few. Continuing this legacy of musical talent, young bands and artists are booking and performing shows with the intent of being heard.
However, some may wonder the best places to experience the live music scene in Kingston, and to understand how they differ.
At the end of the day, opinions are subjective, but my own experiences playing at some of these venues in a local student band, Dutchbaby, has added to my appreciation and understanding of live music in Kingston.
This article serves as a guide to Kingston’s best live music venues, based on factors such as the genre most often played there, its location, and the overall atmosphere.
To begin, there are a few live music events that don’t occur regularly but are well worth the effort to see. Namely, Alepalooza, occurring in March, brings the top active student bands to the club scene and provides a larger stage than any other venue in Kingston. Student bands participate in a “battle of the bands” to get a spot. Similarly, the club, MUSE, hosts many “tiny desk” concerts throughout the year. These events offer bands a more intimate environment to play in.
Now, to look at more permanent live music venues.
The Buckle is a country themed bar located on Princess Street. A lively scene with two floors dedicated to performances, The Buckle welcomes music acts of all kinds from rock, to pop, to country. Although the atmosphere is indeed exciting, the venue’s early closing and smaller crowds make it a non-essential location.
The Merchant is one of the most consistent and accessible venues for fans of live music in Kingston. The bar’s open space allows for more socialization and movement than other Kingston venues. However, the size of the stage is long and narrow, restricting a band’s setup and performance. This also affects the actual viewing experience of the audience, as the concentration around the small stage limits visibility.
Broom Factory, the furthest venue from the downtown area, has the liveliest environment for rock music in Kingston. The large stage and open area allow performers more room for theatrics and mobility, while also providing audiences with an authentic live music experience, more removed from the “bar scene” of many venues. Though, its location really does detract from its accessibility.
Finally, The Toucan, located on Princess Street, is the most reliable and consistent location to see live music. A classic “Irish pub,” the environment of The Toucan is communal, loud, and active, with music until 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Its location in the heart of downtown makes it a perfect walking distance and they are famous for welcoming bands of many genres.
At The Toucan, expect regulars such as The Chinacat Riders (a Grateful Dead cover band), Sweet Pete and the Heat, and Ghetto Xpress. Whether you are a Queen’s student or a Kingston local, The Toucan never disappoints.
Although it isn’t located in Kingston itself, Hotel Wolfe Island deserves an honourable mention on this list. Only accessible by ferry, the distance to Hotel Wolfe Island allows for a lovely excursion to an area that’s often overlooked. The venue itself is warm and inviting, with local acts performing music of varying genres such as jazz, soul, and classic rock. While the journey time may deter some, it is the only venue that offers a truly unique experience from the rest, making it worth a visit this year.
While all these venues have their own individual pros and cons, they each have something unique to offer for live music. Whether students prefer venues to be personal or busy, isolated or close, or to play country or rock, there is a place in Kingston.
Tags
bands, Live Music, Music, Student life, venues
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