\ TO WEST \

Despite this afternoon’s predicted searing temperatures and humidity, you’ll know the end of summer is nigh when you realize that today is the opening of what is either the 137^th or 104^th incarnation of the Canadian National Exhibition, aka CNE. (The fair was founded in 1879 but changed its name to the current one only in 1912,)

The 16-day event has featured many diverse attractions over the years, including “freak” shows, live circus acts with lions and tigers and bears, astonishing aquatic and aerial displays and the first public displays of a lot of modern technology we now take for granted —such as televisions, flying cars and cellular phones.  Another perennial attraction —on top of the Food Building deals, cotton candy and many exotic snack treats and, of course, the midway with its “skill” games and rides— is the live music.

The music presented by the grand old dame of summer has varied rather dramatically over the years, having included, as we told you around this time last year, some world-famous groups on its historic grandstand stage (alas torn down some time ago now) back in the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and right up till the mid ‘90s, after which social changes seemed to have kicked in to make the fair far less of a must-go destination event for younger generations than it had been for the Boomer generation, for example —for whom it’s always been the “Exhibition” or just “The Ex” for short.

The number of legitimate mega-stars has dwindled to a few these days and most of those are well past their best-before dates, while tribute bands and local Pop Rock and Blues/Funk outfits proliferate.  Although the star calibre may not be quite what it used to be, neither are prices: these days all music events are free with your CNE admission, unlike the extra charge that used to be levied for grandstand shows.

The roster is still replete with some very fine talents and there are some true gems among the acts appearing on five different stages located throughout the exhibition grounds on Lake Shore Blvd. West between Dufferin St. and Strachan Ave., including hyped-heavy Bandshell stage, where tonight at 7:30 Randy Bachman is the featured act to kick things off.  I haven’t heard that Bachman studio mate and touring band member of past years, David Love, (whose own eponymous trio was one of the acts to appear on the Midway Stage a couple of years ago) is performing with the act tonight so I’ll have to assume he’s not, which is sort of surprising since Bachman has been quoted as saying that David “would be my first choice for super solid guitar playing and vocal back up on any Rock band I put together.”

Either way, no doubt Randy will deliver a rip-roaring performance to help get the ball rolling, while subsequent bandshell sets are replete with Canadian icons on a roster that includes Jefferson Starship at (5 tomorrow, followed by a broadcast of the Tragically Hip finale concert from Kingston, with CBC-TV hosting the show live from the stage), Headstones, Alan Frew of Glass Tiger (with The Spoons opening), Junkhouse, 54-40, Downchild Blues Band and The Trews.

The Midway Stage, meanwhile, is a mix of tribute, cover Pop Rock and original Rock/Pop and Swing Jazz outfits (Shawn Brady returns —this year with his originals project, The Northern Sons);  the Northern Comfort Saloon mostly offers various styles of Country and Rockabilly;  the Casino Stage is all local cover Top 40 outfits; and the Wine Garden Stage offers a refreshing mix of Roots, Latin, Jazz and even Classical performers.  You’ll be able to find full listings for all the stages as part of TorontoMoon.ca’s regular Daily Listings posts.

General admission price this year is $18, which gives you everything except food and rides, but special discounts are also available —for example, the price drops to just $6 after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday— and, as it happens, the Opening Day Special applies today: admission is just $8.  Go for the music, stay for the fair!

-Gary 17, TorontoMoon.ca

SHOW LISTINGS for Friday, August 19, 2021

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

5-10> open stage with Pete Janes & guest Brian Jantzi @ Island Marina, Centre Island, TO

*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> David Celia @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Pop

6-8> Lilly Mason and friends @ 120 Diner, 120 Church St., TO ~original Pop; $10-20/pwyc

6-9> Miz Debbie and The Don Valley Stompers @ Grossman’s, 379 Spadina Ave., TO ~Bluesabilly

6:30> Chris Gale Four @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz; $

7:30> Erika Werry and Sarah Greene @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO ~original Roots

7:30-10:30> open mic with host Caitlin Holland @ The Church of The Messiah, 240 Avenue Rd., TO

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

8> Eucalyptus @ Tranzac Club (Main Hall), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO

8> Nikki Clementine; Sof Sluql Sterling @ Free Times Café, 320 College St., TO ~$5

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

9> Cassidy; Cawthray; Neufeld @ May Café, 876 Dundas St. W., TO ~Jazz/Groove; $

9> Tape Eagles @ Cameron House (rear), 408 Queen St. W., TO

9> The Dreamboats; Bob MacKendrick & The Del Reys; Barbarosa; Stonetrotter @ Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W., TO ~indie; $7

9> Heaven’s Muse; Peter Sheilds; Christina DiFranco @ The Central, 603 Markham St., TO

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

9> The Vipers @ Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria St., TO ~Jazz; $15

9> Emma Elena Grace; Maddy Kirby @ The Cavern Bar, 76 Church St., TO

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

9:45> Turboprop @ 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 7-piece; $

10-2> Plaza Ratz featuring Kevin Huckell @ Queen’s Legs, 286 Eglinton Ave. W., TO North

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

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

10> Vivienne Wilder @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO

10> The Cunninghams @ Bier Markt Esplanade, 58 The Esplanade, TO ~Pop Rock

10> Gold Complex; Mercy, Please!; Mickey Blue @ Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., TO ~indie Rock; $10

10> The Milkman & The 2% @ Bier Markt King, 600 King St., West, TO ~Pop Rock

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

10:30> Rockyard @ The Hideout, 484 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Rock

416 - TORONTO EAST

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

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

9> Paul Reddick @ Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Ave., TO East Blues; no cover

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

9:30-1:30> Wayne Neon and The Amazing Tubular Orchestra @ Black Swan, 154 Danforth Ave., TO East

9:30> Tyler Schwende Duo @ Murphy’s Law, 1702 Queen St. E., TO East ~Pop Rock

9:30> Gruvoria @ Linsmore Tavern, 1298 Danforth Ave., TO East ~Funk; $5

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

416 – TORONTO ETOBICOKE

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

8> Gene Pool @ The Rockpile, 5555 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke ~

9> Riot Kings @ Maple Leaf House, 2749 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Etobicoke ~Rock/Top 40/Blues

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

9:30> Elmer Ferrer Band with Rob Christian on saxes & keys @ Refinery Public House, 3039 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke ~R&B/Soul/Rock

10-2> Cameltoe @ Southside Johnny’s, 3653 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke South ~classic Rock

10> The Better Half @ Bier Markt Etobicoke, 199 North Queen St., Etobicoke ~Pop Rock

416 – TORONTO SCARBOROUGH

9:30> Rockzilla and Blakk Zabbath @ McGradie’s, 2167 Victoria Park Ave., Scarborough ~classic Rock/Top 40

9:30> City Soul @ Stone Cottage Pub (patio), 3750 Kingston Rd., Scarborough ~acoustic Pop Rock

416 - TORONTO WEST

1-5> Hi-Lo Players @ The Wine Garden, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO, TO West ~Swing/Blues/Rockabilly

1:30-5:30> Kenny V @ Casino patio/stage Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO West ~Pop Rock

3-6> The Fraser Melvin Band @ CNE Midway Stage, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO West ~Blues

3-6> Buck Twenty @ CNE Northern Comfort Stage, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO West ~Country

5-7> Dan Mock and James McKie @ The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~original & cover Roots

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

5-9> Toronto Tango Trio @ The Wine Garden, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO West ~Tango Jazz

6:30-10:30> Groove Marmalade @ Casino patio/stage Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO West ~Pop Rock

7> The Painted Dogs; Stray Sheep; Prior Convictions @ The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave., TO West ~indie

7:30-11> Destroyer @ CNE Midway Stage, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd., TO West ~KISS tribute

7:30-11> Eric Ethridge @ CNE Northern Comfort Stage, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd. West, TO West ~Country

7:30> Randy Bachman; The Harpoonist & The Axe opens @ CNE Bandshell, Canadian National Exhibition Grounds, Lake Shore Blvd., TO West ~Rock icon; Blues-Rock

7:30> Michael Billick Duo @ Brazen Head Pub, 165 East Liberty St., TO West ~Pop Rock

7:30> Chris Butcher Quartet @ Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Jazz; no cover

8> The Grunk Birthday Celebration with The Intentions @ Junction City Music Hall, 2907 Dundas St. W., TO West; no cover

8:30> Whitney Rose; Jay Swinnerton @ Burdock, 1184 Bloor St. W., TO West ~Country Pop

9-1> Jerome Godboo Tio @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Blues

9> Fire Next Time; Stinkbox; Marlon Chaplin; James Hall @ Smiling Buddha, 961 College St., TO West ~indie

9:30> Roots ‘n Branches featuring Dave McManus on bass @ Axis, 3048 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Roots-Rock

9:30> Gina Horswood @ Amico’s Pizza, 1648 Queen St. W., TO West ~Roots/Blues songwriter

10-2> The Southern Mercenaries @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO W. ~retro Southern Rock

10> Café Cubano @ Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Cuban Salsa; $15

10> Parkside Drive @ 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Rock/Funk/Soul; no cover

519

7> Sandy MacDonald @ Fionn MacCool’s Kitchener, 4287 King St. E., Kitchener ~Pop

8:30> Jason Redman @ Fionn MacCool’s Orangeville, 75 Fourth Ave., Orangeville ~Pop

705

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

8-11:45> Confidential Sources @ Harbour Street Fish Bar, 10 Keith Ave., Collingwood ~Rock/Blues/R&B

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

8:30> Richard Henderson Duo @ The Huron Club, 94 Pine St., Collingwood

9> Anonimous Dysco; Joe D @ The Spill, 414 George St. N., Peterborough

9:30> Voice of Addiction @ Red Dog Tavern, 189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough ~indie

9:30> Charlotte and The Dirty Cowboys @ Sticky Fingers Dunlop, 150 Dunlop St. W., Barrie ~Country Rock

10> Cousins; Beef Boys @ The Garnet, 231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough

905 EAST

9-1> Gank and the Extension @ Simcoe Blues & Jazz, 926 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

9> In the Act of Violence album release with guests Black Heartl Maitreya; Vodnick @ The Atria, 59 King St. E., Oshawa ~indie Rock; $

9> Hysterics; OL’CD; Rue Bella @ The Atria (Diesel Room), 59 King St. E., Oshawa ~

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

9:30> Rough N Ready featuring Mike Eby @ Pearson Pub, 101 Mary St. W., Whitby

10> Taxi @ The Edge, 250 Bayly St., Ajax ~Rock/Funk/Soul

10-2> Spitfire Kings @ Whisky John’s, 843 King St. W., Oshawa

905 NORTH

5> Dave @ Lake Simcoe Arms, 21089 Dalton Rd., Jackson’s Point

8:30-11:30> Mark Yan & Barry Mulcahy @ Mill Creek Pub, 25 Mill St., Orangeville ~acoustic Pop covers & originals

8:30> Ragwax @ Lake Simcoe Arms, 21089 Dalton Rd., Jackson’s Point ~Pop Rock

9: Al Reilly’s Catalyst with members of Still Sunday @ CJ Barley’s Pub, 213 The Queensway S., Keswick ~classic Rock

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

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

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

905 – SOUTH

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

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

9> Vaudevillians record release with guests Frankie and Jimmy; Voodoo Ray @ This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., Hamilton ~indie;

9> The Bandicoots tour launch @ The Casbah Lounge, 306 King St. W., Hamilton ~no cover

9:15> The Old Winos & guest Kim & Frank Koren @ The Old Winery Restaurant, 2228 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-On-The-Lake

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

9:30> The Almost Hip @ Stonewalls Hamilton, 339 York Blvd., Hamilton ~Tragically Hip tribute

9:30> 351 Cleveland @ 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> Matt Zady @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Pop Rock

8> Steve Payne with Roly Platt @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville ~original Roots/Blues; $10

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

9> The Unruly Gentleman’s Club @ 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> Sarah Wickett @ The Franklin House, 263 Queen St. S., Streetsville ~Country Rock

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

9:30> Barslap @ Boston Manor, 4460 Fairview Ave., Burlington ~new & old alternative/classic Rock; $

9:30> Dualite feat. Trish O’Neil @ Black Swan Pub Burlington, 4040 Palladium Way, Burlington ~Pop Rock

10-2> AfterGlow Band @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~

10> Lindsay Brohan @ Bier Markt Mississauga, 55 City Centre Drive, Mississauga ~Pop Rock

10:15> Shanya Lynn Dawson @ Failte, 201 City Centre Dr., Mississauga ~Pop Rock

10:30> Oh Geronimo @ The Dickens, 423 Elizabeth St., Burlington ~Pop Rock

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