I’ve said it before and I don’t mind saying it again: “I don’t go out of town to hear live music often; but when I do, I prefer The Moonshine Café.” And I’m not alone in holding the cozy, quirky room in the heart of Oakville in high regard, as evidenced by the fact that it has now been operating for seven years. That can’t be easy, being located (at 137 Kerr St.) in a community that’s hardly a hotbed of live music (though in fact the town and neighbouring municipalities do have a surprisingly rich supply of talented songwriters and performers).
I call the venue quirky because it does things differently than most bars you’ll ever visit. The only food is supplied by a grill located out front of the club that’s tended by owner John Marlatt —when he’s not doing sound or serving drinks along with partner Jane.
Brian Gladstone, Harpin’ Norm Lucien and Nicole Coward were among those jamming the night of Jan. 14, 2013 -Gary 17
The room offers diverse styles of live music, though favouring Roots and Blues to a large degree, seven nights a week and usually a Sat. and Sun. afternoon show as well. Moreover, the quality of the roster, as this week’s anniversary lineup demonstrates, is very high indeed.
Tonight three stellar TO songwriters team up for an 8:30 showcase: Nancy Dutra, Kirsten Jones and David Newland. Thurs. it’s a local duo, Vanja & Joey, and Fri. hot young Rock outfit The Weber Brothers are in. Sat. should be a riot of fun as it’s the big celebratory party. On Sunday, John leads a troupe of locals in a “Moonshine roadtrip” to put on a showcase as part of the annual Winterfolk Festival taking place at Delta Chelsea Hotel in TO.
For more info about The Moonshine Café visit www.themoonshinecafe.com
Pic: Brian Gladstone, Harpin’ Norm & Nicole Coward with singer [right] @ Moonshine -17
