Shortly after voters ended the “dry” status of The Junction area back in the 2000 municipal election, Axis Gallery & Grill opened at 3049 Dundas St. W. and almost immediately started offering live music. I had already met veteran bass player Dave McManus while writing about a little joint located just outside the dry border called Floofers (it closed a couple of years later) and he quickly gravitated to the new spot, becoming a fixture at its new weekly jam.

Axis has thrived and so has Dave. Tonight at 9:30 he brings his newest band, The Junction City All-Stars (which also hosts the Sun. aft. jam at Hole In The Wall) to the club that remains the centre of this buzzing area. The lineup also includes drummer Bart der Stepanian, guitarist Les Hoffman and guest Blues-Rock six-stringer Paul Storm.