\ TO EAST \

For the past 18 months east-Toronto born and Oshawa-based Grunge-Pop songwriter Boris Buhot has been putting on an interesting series of monthly “In The Round” artist showcases that rotate between clubs in the two jurisdictions.

Taking place alternately at Hirut Café in east TO and Oshawa’s Simcoe Blues and Jazz club, the three or four participants, usually also including the host, do successive songs and in some instances also join together on tunes, sometimes with surprisingly satisfying results. I’ve attended several of the Hirut editions (including one I participated in on New Years Day in 2015!) and in each instance the shows have been delightful entertainment, featuring an interesting mix of accomplished songwriters.

Tonight the series wraps the TO portion of its second season (I believe there will be one more in Oshawa next month) with another dilly of a show at Hirut, at 2050 Danforth Ave. just west of Woodbine subway station.  If tonight’s installment were to have a theme name I’d call it “The Passionate Ones,” since in addition to Buhot’s own tunes about social duress (“Cross Fire”), alienation (“It’s A Shame”) and quest for identity (“All I Am”) two other songwriters who are not shy about speaking out about their take on society are also featured.

Harpin’ Norm Lucien, although he’s also the author of some tender love ballads (including “Strong Enough For Love,” which Folk artist Nicole “Songbird” Coward made the title track and only cover on her second album) over the past year or so has a become a sort of one-man social movement.  He’s been penning songs such as “Food and Water First” about our badly skewed community priorities, “Save Midhurst Now/Money Talks” about a political crisis in a small Ontario town besieged by developers and many other new tunes touching on issues of the day.  He now finally also has a new ep of five tunes recorded that he sells for $5, and says he’ll have some with him tonight.

Less prolific but no less fervently feeling composer Paul Cross employs a variety of musical styles to lambaste modern cultural decay, decrying the death of radio on “You Broke My Radio”, violence-laden modern media in “They Want Us To Fight” and also having written a touching paean to the late Jack Layton (“Man Of The People”) while also having penned some sweet love ditties such as “I Would Fly”.

Tonight’s roster also contains an extra bonus, however.  As I’ve mentioned previously, café owner Hirut has a lovely voice and her husband Tibebe is a deft guitarist and harmonica player (among other instruments) and apparently they’ve agreed to do a few tunes as well.

The most recent edition of the series I attended at Hirut, featuring Buhot, Country songwriter Herb Dale and superb Jazz/Pop guitarist and composer Tony Quarrington, attracted a full house, so it seems like this concept is certainly hitting its stride and makes it seem a shame that the season is wrapping up already —except that it’s probably due mostly to the fact that Buhot is working on a new album of his own originals.

But certainly the groundwork has been laid for a successful resumption in the autumn and those who enjoy this type of show can help encourage that by getting out to support tonight’s finale, which starts at 8:30.  Cover is “Pay If You Can” but suggested to be $10-15, all of which gets divided out among the participants.

-Gary 17, TorontoMoon.ca

SHOW LISTINGS for Friday, April 15, 2022:

Listings are organized by area in which the shows occur and within each area field shows are listed chronologically.

Listings preceded by an asterisk (*) are repeating weekly events. (Double asterisk indicates repeating event with different hosts/guest/etc.). Events preceded by question mark (?) usually take place but have not been confirmed. Admission prices followed by a slash and minus (/-) after the amount indicates door charge with availability of cheaper rates for some purchases. /+ indicates stated price is minimum.

Names of subscribers appear in bold, are underlined and, where applicable, include a live link to their websites. Advertisers’ listings are in larger type, highlighted, include live link to website and also have ad icon included in listings.

416 - Toronto Central

*3-7> acoustic jam with John Hutt @ Lola, 40 Kensington Ave., TO

*4-6> Hogtown Syncopators @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz; $

*5-8> Kensington Kitchen Party with host Kevin Jollimore of Sin City Boys, Kim Cadilla on bass & guest musicians @ Graffiti’s, 170 Baldwin St., TO ~Pop Rock with heart

*5-7> The Friends of Hugh Oliver @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO ~Folk

*5:30> Jazz Generation; Melissa Smeets @ Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St. E., TO ~Jazz

6> Heavy On The Willie @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO ~Country

6-8> Simone Morris Trio + 1 @ 120 Diner, 120 Church St., TO ~Jazz; $10/pwyc

6> Last Of A Dying Breed; The Luminary; Key To The North; more @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St., TO ~indie

6:30> Artie Roth Quartet @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz; $

7:30> Sarah Greene & special guests @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO ~indie; $10

8> Patrick Brealey @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen Street West, TO ~Country

*8:30-12:30> All Star Band feat. Joe Bowden & Brooke Blackburn @ Nawlin’s, 299 King St. W. TO ~Blues

9> Bill Wood & The Woodies @ Graffiti’s, 170 Baldwin St., TO ~Rock/Blues

9> Ron Hawkins & The Do Good Assassins @ Rivoli, 334 Queen St. W., TO ~Country-Rock; $

9> Daylight For Deadeyes @ Dominion Pub, 500 Queen St. E., TO ~indie Pop Rock

9> The John Show @ Drums N Flats, 1980 Avenue Rd., TO North

9> Ron Leary; When We Was Young; Jay Snider Band @ Cameron House (rear), 408 Queen St. W., TO

9> Pet Sun; Kurt Marble; Bueller; Red Lines @ The Silver Dollar, 486 Spadina Ave., TO ~indie; $

9> Biblical; Cell Phone; Not Of @ Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Rock; $10

9> Myriad 3 @ Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria St., TO ~original improvised modern Jazz; $

9:30> Road House @ The Cavern Bar, 76 Church St., TO

9:30> Darkest Side of The Moon @ Seven44, 744 Mount Pleasant Rd., TO North ~Pink Floyd tribute; $

9:30> Lady Kane @ Alleycatz, 2409 Yonge St., TO North ~Funk/Soul/R&B; $10

9:45> Alex Goodman Quintet @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz; $

9:45> Dee Dee & The Dirty Martinis @ Reservoir Lounge, 52 Wellington St. E., TO ~60s R&B; $

10> Dave Murphy Band @ Orbit Room, 480 College St. TO ~Rock/Funk/R&B; $

10> Freeman Dre @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen Street West, TO ~indie Roots-Rock

10> Jeff Eager Band @ Bier Markt Esplanade, 58 The Esplanade, TO ~Rock/Top 40

10> Running Red Lights @ Bier Markt King, 600 King St., West, TO ~indie Pop Rock

10> Joy Felt Analouge; Parkside Drive @ The Hideout, 484 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Rock

10:30> Mike McDonald & Pat Rush @ Grossman’s, 379 Spadina Ave., TO ~Blues

10:30> The Doozies @ Fionn MacCool’s Esplanade, 70 The Esplanade ~Pop Rock

416 - Toronto East

5-7> The Straight 8s @ Castro’s, 2116 Queen St. E., TO East

8:30> In The Round with Boris Buhot, Hirut & Tibebe, Paul Cross, Harpin’ Norm @ Hirut Café, 2050 Danforth Ave., TO East ~Roots/Pop songwriters; $10-15/pay-if-you-can

*9> open mic with Matt & Mike @ The Grover Pub, 676 Kingston Rd., TO East

9> Wayne Neon and The Amazing Tubular Orchestra @ Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave., TO East

*9:30> David Macmichael & The $5 Tall Boys @ Relish, 2152 Danforth Ave., TO East ~alt Pop originals and covers

9:30> Groove Stone @ Linsmore Tavern, 1298 Danforth Ave., TO East ~Rock ‘n’ Roll; $

10> Ben Crosby Duo @ An Sibin Pub, 709 Queen St. E., TO East ~Pop Rock

10:30> Lindsay Brohan @ Bier Markt Don Mills, 7 O’Neill Rd., TO East ~Pop Rock

416 – Toronto Etobicoke

7:30> Ori Dagan Trio @ Old Mill Inn, 21 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke ~Jazz; min table charge

7:30> Blind Witness @ The Rockpile, 5555 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke ~$

8-2> Tasha & The Sweet Talkers @ Placebo Space, 2877 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke

9> Vic & The Power Cables @ Blue Goose Tavern, 1 Blue Goose Rd., Etobicoke South ~Pop Rock/Top 40

9> Y Us @ Maple Leaf House, 2749 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Etobicoke ~Rock/Top 40

9:30> Freedom Train @ Timothy’s Pub, 344 Brown’s Line, Etobicoke South ~Pop Rock/Top 40; $

9:30> Ladyshake @ Refinery Public House, 3039 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke ~

10-2> Adam’s Rib @ Southside Johnny’s, 3653 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke South ~Rock/Top 40

10> Nice Boys @ Bier Markt Etobicoke, 199 North Queen St., Etobicoke ~Pop Rock

416 – Toronto Scarborough

9:30> Tommy Rocker Band showcase & jam @ Karla’s Roadhouse, 4630 Kingston Rd., Scarborough ~classic Rock

10> Rough & Ready featuring Mike Eby on drums @ Smiling Jack’s, 3482 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough ~Country Rock

10:30> jam with Sean Duggan & KROVE @ McGradie’s, 2167 Victoria Park Ave., Scarborough ~classic Rock/Top 40

416 - Toronto West

5-8> Sam Broverman and Peter Hill @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Jazz

5-7> Meredith Moon & The Oldest Man I Know @ The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~ol’ time Roots

7-9> Rachael Cariello and The O’Pears @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO W. ~$10

7:30> Adrean Farrugia Trio @ Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Jazz; no cover

8-10> Erin Ford with Dave Honan @ Humble Beginnings, 3109 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Roots/Roots-Pop

8:30> Martyn Joseph @ Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St. W., TO West ~songwriter; $25

9-1> Jacob Gorzhatssan Quintet featuring Kyla Charter @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Jazz

9> Delta Will album release; guests Rogue Tenant @ Burdock, 1184 Bloor St. W., TO West ~indie Blues; $15

9> The Beverleys album release for Brutal + guests Post3rboy; Lizz Boredom; DJ Twist @ Smiling Buddha, 961 College St., TO West ~indie; $

9> Borders @ The Tennessee, 1554 Queen St. W., TO West

9> Jimmy Byron album release for Transition @ Junction City Music Hall, 2907 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Rock/Blues; $

9> Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes @ The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~New Orleans Blues

9:30> Don Stevenson @ Amico’s Pizza, 1648 Queen St. W., TO West ~songwriter

9:30> Sugar Brown @ Fat City Blues, 890 College St., TO West ~Blues; $

10-2> New Grease Revival @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO W. ~$10

10> Saiint Stella & Michel Dequevedo @ The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave., TO West

10> Roberto Linares Brown @ Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Cuban Salsa; $15

10> YoYo Mama @ 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas St. W., TO West ~R&B/Top 40

519

7:30> The Speakeasies; The Red Factor; Mandala; Jillian Elizabeth @ Maxwell’s, 35 University Ave. E., Waterloo ~indie; $10

9> Paisley Road @ Fionn MacCool’s Kitchener, 4287 King St. E., Kitchener ~Pop

9> Trucker Mouth; Voodoo Curse @ Brando’s Beach House, 135 Market St., Brantford

9:30> Tom Kovacs @ Fionn MacCool’s Orangeville, 75 Fourth Ave., Orangeville ~Pop

705

5-7> Chester Babcock @ The Garnet, 231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough

5:30> Rick & Gailie @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough

8-11:45> Even Steven @ Harbour Street Fish Bar, 10 Keith Ave., Collingwood

8> Last $2 Punk Show with Wayne Kennedy; Pseudo; Garbage Face; Goodnight Sunrise; Van Dammaged; Jaws The Band; Whipstaff @ The Spill, 414 George St. N., Peterborough ~Punk; $2

8:30> Rob Phillips Band @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough ~Jazz

9:30> Rezonator & JP Hovercraft’s 64^th birthday party @ Red Dog Tavern, 189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough

9:30> Jon Knight & Soulstack @ Sticky Fingers Dunlop, 150 Dunlop St. W., Barrie ~Soul/Blues

10> David Newberry; Jenny Berkel @ The Garnet, 231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough

905 East

9-1> Wallace Harley @ Simcoe Blues & Jazz, 926 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

9> Renegade Riders @ The Corral, 433 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa ~Country

9> Anniverary; In The Act of Violence; Aberrations; Voltang @ The Atria, 59 King St. E., Oshawa ~Hard Rock; $

9> Highs record release @ The Moustache Club, 15 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

*9:30> Karaoke with Rob MacArthur & Lorraine @ Royal Canadian Legion #322, 112 Hunt St., Ajax

9:30> Acoustica @ The Edge, 250 Bayly St., Ajax ~Pop Rock

10> Deuce @ Tartan Tavern, 555 Rossland Rd. E., Oshawa ~Pop Rock

10-2> Rock Asylum @ Fionn MacCool’s Ajax, 36 Kingston Rd., E., Ajax ~Pop Rock/Top 40

905 North

8:30> Neil Chapman @ Lake Simcoe Arms, 21089 Dalton Rd., Jackson’s Point

9> The Chums @ King Richard’s Pub, 15570 Yonge St., Aurora ~Pop Rock

9:30> Skip Tracer @ Jake’s Boathouse Brampton, 59 First Gulf Rd., Brampton ~Pop Rock

9:30> Bill Grima @ Oscar’s Roadhouse, 1785 Queen St. E., Brampton ~Top 40/Rock

*9:30> open mic @ Big Daddy’s, 460 Elgin Mills Rd., E, Richmond Hill

10> Al Reilly’s Catalyst @ CJ Barley’s, 312 The Queensway, Keswick ~classic Rock

10> Switch Beat @ Aw Shucks, 15230 Yonge St., Aurora ~Pop Rock

905 – South

6:30> Ferguson Young with Liam McGlashon @ Corktown Pub, 175 Young St., Hamilton

8> Jane Lewis; Joni NehRita @ Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., Hamilton ~songwriters

8> Ugly Dog @ Pub Fiction, 1242 Garner Rd. W., Ancaster ~Rock/Top 40

9> Castor Troys; Bad Words; Dinosaur Sex Change @ @ Homegrown Hamilton, 27 King William St. Hamilton ~indie; $8

9> Brooke & Kristin @ Coach & Lantern, 384 Wilson St E., Hamilton ~acoustic Pop

9> Gillian Nicola record release & guests Ben Somer; Wild Rivers @ This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., Hamilton ~indie; $10/15

9> Tokyo Police Club @ The Casbah Lounge, 306 King St. W., Hamilton ~indie Rock; $

9:15> The Old Winos & guests Frank & Kim Koren @ The Old Winery Restaurant, 2228 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-On-The-Lake ~Blues/Roots

9:30> Soul Train Sessions @ Corktown Pub, 175 Young St., Hamilton ~Soul; $

10> Madhatters @ Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub, 6400 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls

905 West

*5> Adam Ostrosser & Joel Guenther @ Carrigan Arms, 2025 Upper Middle Rd., Burlington ~Pop

*6-9> Krista Blondin @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Blues/Jazz/Pop

8> Alfie Smith Blues Workshop with guests Mary Simon & Andrew Aldridge @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville ~Blues; $10

8-11:30> The Ballroom Babies @ The Purple Heather, 3600 Dundas St. W., Burlington

9> The Pub Jugs @ Fionn MacCool’s Oakville, 350 Dundas St. E., Oakville ~Pop

9> The Rider Project @ Fionn MacCool’s Burlington, 2331 Appleby Line, Burlington ~Pop

9:30> Kenny V @ Shore Grill, 71 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Pop Rock/Top 40

9:30> Ragwax @ Fionn MacCool’s Britannia, 825 Britannia Rd. W., Streetsville Mississauga ~Pop

9:30> Side B Vibe @ Abbey Road, 3200 Erin Mills Parkway, Mississauga ~Rock/Top 40

9:30> Two For The Show @ The Franklin House, 263 Queen St. S., Streetsville ~Pop Rock

9:30> Infringements @ Cuchulainn’s Irish Pub, 158 Queen St. S., Streetsville-Mississauga ~Pop Rock

9:30> Kimberley Wetmore Band with Kat Lovett subbing in for Kimberley @ Gator Ted’s, 1505 Guelph Line, Burlington ~Rock/Blues

9:30> Oh Geronimo album release @ Boston Manor, 4460 Fairview Ave., Burlington

9:30> The Fletcher Project @ Jersey’s Bar, 1450 Headon Rd., Burlington ~Rock/Top 40

9:30> Hellbent Rockers @ Black Swan Pub Burlington, 4040 Palladium Way, Burlington ~Pop Rock

10-2> Max Unlimited @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~$

10> The Wrong Kids @ Bier Markt Mississauga, 55 City Centre Drive, Mississauga ~Pop Rock

10:15> The High Rollers @ Failte, 201 City Centre Dr., Mississauga ~Pop Rock

10:30> The Killin’ Time Band @ The Dickens, 423 Elizabeth St., Burlington ~Pop Rock

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