Capacity doesn't matter where some Toronto music venues are involved: smaller stages and rooms offer audiences a closer and more intimate experience with favourite artists and emerging talent.
Many established Toronto musicians started off in tiny bars, cafes, and halls, letting fans boast that they not only saw them when, but where. From the Southern Cross at the Tranzac to Castro's Lounge in the Beaches, Toronto has no shortage of enviable music venues with a capacity of 100 or less.
Here are my picks for the top intimate concert venues in Toronto.
Cameron House
The Cameron House has been a fixture on the Queen St. since the '80s. In January, 2015, the front music room (capacity 50+) was made over with a larger stage and new sound system. Prior to that revamp, the back music room (capacity now 60) had its tiered seating removed to offer fans more space. How can you not love a venue that has its own record label?
Smiling Buddha
Though always a live music venue, Smiling Buddha has been thriving since the dive bar's revamp in 2014. Heavy guitar riffs and happy drinkers fill the 100 capacity space nearly every night, while the basement also accommodates live music and DJs. The Buddha hosts film screenings and TV theme nights as well of late.
Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar
Around 2005 the Gladstone Hotel's remodeling included the restoration of The Melody Bar with Victorian windows, exposed brink, new flooring, and generally a much brighter and inviting atmosphere. The rental seating space of 70 converts to a 100 person capacity room for live music, DJ parties, and other events.
Double Double Land
Find Double Double Land by passing through a narrow Kensington Market alleyway. Shows at the second floor non-commercial DIY art-space are carefully curated and vary widely: attendees (up to about 100) venture up the stairs for live music, dance parties, performance art, theatre shows, film screenings, art shows, and more.
Array Space
Array offers Toronto artists a space to not only perform, but to experiment, collaborate, and explore, with synths, multiple, pianos, eclectic percussion instruments, and more on site. The studio loft measures at 1,200 sq. feet with a seating capacity of 60, and hosts concerts, performances, workshops, recording sessions, rehearsals, and more.
Junction City Music Hall
JCMH is no longer one of the city's best kept secrets. Pass a sign over the front door reading, "Live Music & Good Times Downstairs," through a long narrow hallway to a 100 person capacity room filled with wood booths and arcade games. Music features a rotating list of DJs, theme nights, karaoke, and a diverse array of live music.
Placebo Space
Genre spanning events, eclectic furniture, and abstract art make Placebo Space a popular spot for Etobicoke musicians. The City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot 2015 aims to "shine a spotlight" on Etobicoke's growing cultural scene, and Placebo's 55-person capacity room will host several events as part of the initiative.
Not My Dog
By capacity, at 40 or so persons, Not My Dog is certainly one of Toronto's smallest music venues. It's also a favourite among Parkdale residents and indie-songwriters. Along with Asian-themed food you'll find a resident cat, wooden stools, and piano. A back patio offers more space for having a pint.
Belljar Cafe
Named for Sylvia Plath's novel, this Dundas West/Roncesvalles spot is more a place of ideas and "breaking free." During day hours partners Geoff and Lisa serve coffee and a mix of snacks and sandwiches. Nightly, they transform the venue into an entertain spot with movie screenings, indie artists, and DJs.
C'est What
Along with having one of the best sounding music rooms in Toronto, C'est What has impressive list of craft beer, a diverse menu of comfort food, and fireplaces. The venue features a range of music genres nightly with a focus on supporting the local indie-scene for the past 25 years. Its music room is licensed for 100 people.
BONUS
Burdock & Ratio
Though both opened recently, Bloordale venue/restaurant The Burdock (spring 2015) and Kensington DIY art space Ratio (winter 2014) have quickly filled gaps in the city, hosting multiple live music shows and events each week in narrow, cozy spaces for intimate crowds of less than 100 listeners.
What did I miss? Add your suggestions for Toronto's top intimate concert enues in the comments. Photo by Jesse Milns of Burdock.
by Ryan Ayukawa via blogTO
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