Marks and Fraser are back in business weekly

>>> For many years, stretching back well before I came on the scene in 1992 with the first issue of the progenitor of this publication (a twice-monthly ‘zine about open mics and jams known as The Open Season) and continuing for another ten years after the publication’s debut, two extremely versatile players and both witty guys, Danny Marks and Alec Fraser, were two thirds of the hosting band for a weekly Monday cavalcade of performers known as the now legendary Stormy Mondays jams. Initially at Albert’s Hall in the Brunswick House and then at Silver Dollar, the pair, who also anchored Marks’s band that then gigged in clubs regularly, ensured that no matter what the talent level of the guests the show was always hugely entertaining —as much for the hilariously barbed rapport between the two of them as for the excellence of the musicianship being delivered.

Now, after many adventures hither and yon on which their successful career paths have taken them, the two musical giants are back together hosting a weekly show. Every Tuesday from 9 p.m. they appear together at Gate 403 on Roncesvalles Ave. just south of Howard Park. It’s not listed as any kind of open stage but I’d bet dollars to donuts that some of their fellow A-list players probably drop in from time to time to sit in for a few tunes. -Gary 17, http://www.torontomoon.ca

LISTINGS:

Listings preceded by an asterisk (*) are repeating weekly events. 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 and include a live link to their websites where applicable. Advertisers’ listings are in larger type, include live link to website and also have ad icon included in listings.

*5-8> Piano Jazz @ Sauce, 1376 Danforth Ave., TO E. ~Jazz

5-8> Denis Schingh solo @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO W. ~Jazz

6> Sarah Burton @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO

*6:30-11> open acoustic jam with Don Niblett & Frank Zochodne @ Simcoe Blues & Jazz, 926 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

6:30> Carissa Beufeld Group @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz

7> Karaoke with host Rob MacArthur @ Ajax Legion (RCL 322), 112 Hunt St., Ajax

7> Earl Wilfong @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough

7:30-9:30> Anthony Lohan @ Relish, 2152 Danforth Ave. TO E. ~songwriter

7:30 (signup starts at 7)> Songwriters Association of Canada Toronto Regional open mic @ Free Times Café, 320 College St., TO

7:30> Aurochs @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick St., TO ~Jazz

7:30-10 (first Tuesdays)> open mic with hosts North Of Queen @ Emmanuel Howard Park United Church, 214 Wright Ave., TO W.; $2

*8-12> Phil & John Show feat. Phil Naro @ The Harp, 55 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Pop Rock

*8> open stage with host Alexander Quail @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville

8-12> Aimie Page & Steve Doade @ Monarchs Pub in Eaton Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St. W., TO ~songwriter

*8> open mic @ Groove Bar, 1952 Danforth Ave., TO E.

*8:30-12:30> open jam with Frank Wilks & The Bell Bootz @ The Duke Live, 1225 Queen St. E., TO E.

*8:30> Django Jam @ Dominion On Queen, 500 Queen St. E., TO ~Django Jazz

9> Danny Marks & Alec Fraser Blues Night @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO W. ~Blues

9> Dan Walsh @ The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., TO W. ~loop gymnastics

9> Peter Elkas @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO W.

9> Ababe Music presents Darcy Windover; The History Majors; Yeomans; Northern Souls @ The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave., TO W. ~indie showcase

9> Jay Pollock @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W., TO ~songwriter

*9:30> karaoke with The English Rose & The Mad Scotsman @ The Fossil & Haggis, 790 Military Trail, Scarborough

9:30> Nicola Vaughan hosts jam @ Grossman’s, 379 Spadina Ave., TO

*9:30> Peter Verity @ Black Swan, 154 Danforth Ave., TO E. ~Folk Roots

9:30> Mimi Oz (Rooster) @ C’est What, 67 Front St. E., TO ~indie songwriter

*9:30-12> open stage hosted by Jennifer Brewer @ The Old Nick, 123 Danforth Ave., TO E.

9:30> N.O..J.O. (Neufeld Occhipinto Jazz Orchestra) @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz

*9:30> jam with Derek Downham @ Axis, 3048 Dundas St. W., TO W. ~eclectic

9:30> Urban Rodeo @ The Corral, 433 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa ~Country Rock

*10-2> The Sattalites @ Orbit Room, 580 College St., TO ~orig. & cover Reggae/Funk

10> Stop Time @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick St., TO

10> The Sinners Choir @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO

*10-2> Marshall Dane Trio @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~New Country/Pop

*10-11> Nik Beat’s Howl radio show @ CIUT 89.5 FM, ~spoken word & music

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

*10:30> blueVenus with Luke Roberts @ Castro’s, 2116 Queen St. E.. TO E. ~original Pop

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