Folk Music in Toronto: A Guide

Toronto is a hub for folk music in Canada, with many great venues and events to check out. This guide will help you find the best of the folk scene in Toronto.

Introduction

Toronto has a thriving folk music scene, with many clubs and venues hosting regular events. If you’re a fan of folk music, or simply curious about the genre, this guide will help you find the best places to enjoy it in the city.

Toronto has a number of excellent folk clubs, including the Junction City Music Hall, which hosts regular events featuring both local and international acts. The Tranzac Club is another popular venue, and offers a more intimate setting for live music.

If you’re looking for something a little different, the Red Poppy Folk Club hosts monthly sing-alongs where everyone is welcome to join in. For those who want to learn more about folk music, the Toronto Public Library offers regular workshops on topics such as songwriting and instrument-making.

Whatever your interest in folk music, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in Toronto.

History of Folk Music in Toronto

The history of folk music in Toronto is a long and storied one. The city has been home to many different folk scenes over the years, and has produced some of the most iconic folk musicians in the world. Toronto is also home to a number of folk festivals, which attract folk fans from all over the world.

Early Beginnings

Toronto’s folk music scene has its origins in the city’s working-class neighbourhoods in the early 20th century. At that time, many European immigrants were bringing their musical traditions with them as they settled in Toronto. These musical traditions were often passed down from generation to generation, and can still be heard in Toronto’s folk music today.

One of the most important venues for folk music in Toronto was The Annex Hotel, which was located on Spadina Avenue. The Annex Hotel was a popular spot for both local and touring folk musicians, and it was also where many of Toronto’s Folk Festivals were held. Some of the most famous folk musicians who played at The Annex Hotel include Pete Seeger, Gordon Lightfoot, and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

In the 1960s, there was a rise in popularity of folk music across North America, and Toronto was no exception. This was due in part to the “folk revival” movement, which saw a new interest in traditional folk music. This revival movement coincided with the rise of the counterculture movement of the 1960s, and many young people were drawn to the message of peace and love that folk music conveyed.

Today, Toronto is home to a vibrant and diverse folk music scene. There are many different venues where you can enjoy folk music, from intimate coffeehouses to large concert halls. You can also find a wide variety of different genres represented within Toronto’s folk music scene, from traditional Celtic and East European tunes to contemporary singer-songwriter tunes. No matter what your taste in music is, you’re sure to find something you enjoy at one of Toronto’s many Folk Festivals!

The Revival

The revival of interest in folk music in Toronto began in the late 1950s. This was paralleled by revivals in other parts of Canada and the United States. The Toronto revival was strongly influenced by the American Folk Revival, which was led by artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and The Weavers. Young people in Toronto were particularly inspired by The Weavers, who had a hit with their recording of Leadbelly’s “Goodnight, Irene” in 1950. The first major public event of the Toronto Revival was a concert by Pete Seeger at Massey Hall in 1958.

The Contemporary Scene

Toronto’s contemporary folk music scene has its roots in the coffeehouses of the 1950s and 1960s. These were places where people gathered to listen to music, drink coffee, and read poetry. Some of the most famous folk musicians got their start in these coffeehouses, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger.

In the 1970s, Toronto became a hotbed for the singer-songwriter movement. This was a style of music that emphasized personal expression and story-telling. Some of the most famous singer-songwriters of this era got their start in Toronto, including Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, and Joni Mitchell.

The 1980s saw a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music. This was partly due to the work of organizations like Folkways Canada, which was founded in Toronto in 1985. Folkways Canada was dedicated to preserving and promoting Canadian folk music. They released a series of recordings by traditional artists, which helped to spark a new interest in this style of music.

Today, there are many different genres of folk music being played in Toronto. You can find everything from traditional Irish music to modern singer-songwriter tunes. There are also many venues where you can see live folk music, including coffeehouses, concert halls, and festivals.

Venues

There are many great venues for Folk Music in Toronto. The Tranzac Club is a popular spot for Folk music lovers. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, the Cameron House is the perfect spot. The Dakota Tavern is also a great choice for live Folk music.

The Cameron House

The Cameron House is a great venue for live music in Toronto. It has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the acoustics are amazing. The Cameron House is also one of the only places in Toronto that you can see live folk music seven nights a week.

The Horseshoe Tavern

The Horseshoe Tavern is a landmark in the city of Toronto. It is one of the oldest and most well-known live music venues in the city, and has been host to some of the most iconic folk musicians of our time.

The Horseshoe Tavern first opened its doors in 1947, and has been a staple of the Toronto music scene ever since. The venue has seen many changes over the years, but has always remained true to its roots as a live music venue. The Horseshoe Tavern has three stages, and can accommodate up to 700 people.

The Horseshoe Tavern is known for its intimate setting, and its ability to create a unique atmosphere for each show. The venue also has a rich history, and has been host to some of the most iconic folk musicians of our time. Some of the artists who have played at the Horseshoe Tavern include Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, and more.

If you’re looking for a truly unique live music experience, then look no further than the Horseshoe Tavern.

The Tranzac Club

The Tranzac Club is a grassroots non-profit organization that has been a staple of the Toronto music scene for nearly 30 years. The venue hosts a variety of folk music events throughout the year, including regular open mic nights and jam sessions. The Tranzac is also home to the Toronto Traditional Jazz Society, which hosts live music every Wednesday night.

Festivals

The Toronto Folk Festival

Toronto Folk Festival is one of the most important music events in Canada that happens every year in Labour Day weekend. It takes place at various venues throughout the city, with the main stage located at Fort York National Historic Site. The festival features both established and up-and-coming folk musicians from across the country and around the world, making it a great opportunity to discover new music and explore different genres. In addition to the music, there are also workshops, food vendors, and other activities to enjoy.

The Mariposa Folk Festival

The Mariposa Folk Festival is one of the oldest and largest folk Festivals in North America. The festival is held over the Canada Day weekend (July 1–3) in Orillia, Ontario, Canada at Tudhope Park on the shores of Lake Simcoe.

The Mariposa Folk Festival began in 1960 as a one-day event called the Mariposa Coffee House Concert. The event was started by Dr. Harry Smith, a professor of English at the University of Toronto, and his wife Shirley Erskine Smith, a music teacher. The Smiths invited friends to their home to listen to records and sing along. Out of this coffeehouse gathering grew the idea for a folk music festival.

The first Mariposa Folk Festival was held on July 1, 1961 and featured New Hampshire folksinger Odetta as the headlining act. Since then, the festival has grown to become one of the premier folk music events in North America, attracting over 50,000 people annually. The festival has seen performances by some of the biggest names in folk music including Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Emmylou Harris, and Gillian Welch.

The Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival

The Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in February in Toronto, Canada. The festival was founded in 2003 by musician Brian Gladstone and is now one of the largest winter music festivals in North America.

The Winterfolk Festival features over 150 artists performing on 15 stages over the course of three days. The music at the festival covers a wide range of genres including blues, folk, country, bluegrass, and more. In addition to the music, the festival also features workshops, jam sessions, and children’s programming.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of roots music or just getting started, the Winterfolk Festival is sure to have something for everyone.

Conclusion

Overall, Toronto is a great city for folk music lovers. There are many venues that offer live music, and there is a good variety of artists to choose from. If you’re looking for a place to see some live folk music, check out one of the venues listed above.