With its proximity to Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph is both a popular stopover for regional and national bands to visit, and it boasts its own impressive local music scene as well. Bands ranging from noise punk to hip-hop are always playing around downtown on any given weekend, so keep an eye and an ear out for some live music! Who knows, you might just discover a new favourite.
DSTRCT/GAIN Music
Having gone through some serious overhauls in aesthetics and music programming in the past year or so, DSTRCT and the DSTRCT Lounge, occupying the second and third floors of Van Gogh’s Ear, respectively, have become true staples of Guelph’s music scene. Hosting a diverse roster of bands, from hip-hop to heavy metal, DSTRCT is a go-to place for live music every weekend and even during the week.
Open mic nights
Looking to get your music out there? Never performed live before? Maybe it’s time to check out one of Guelph’s many open mic nights. The University of Guelph’s own Bullring has an open mic every Wednesday night starting at 8 p.m., with a sign-up at 6:30 p.m. Believe me, you’ll want to get there early—it fills up fast. The Sapphire Lounge, downtown on Macdonnell Street, hosts an open mic night on the second and fourth Saturday evening of every month at 9 p.m. The Jimmy Jazz, just across and down the street from Sapphire, also hosts one every Sunday night.
For the writers, comedians, and monologists, the Red Brick Café hosts “Off the Page” on the first Tuesday evening of every month at 7 p.m. Come with your poetry, comedy, monologues, and fiction excerpts and read among other writers and literary buffs!
eBar
A ground zero for many incredible Kazoo! concerts, eBar boasts one of the best sounding venues in the city, as well as some of the finest programming. With its cool atmosphere (who doesn’t love the domino ceiling?) and excellent shows, often put on by the organizers and promoters of Kazoo! Fest and Fortnight Music, eBar is one of the places to be for live music and other events, such as drag shows and queer-friendly and focused dance nights.
Silence
Silence, located at 46 Essex St. downtown, is the hub of Guelph’s local experimental music scene, and gathers musicians from all across the country and the world to play at the small, intimate space. Once an auto garage, the space has been converted over the past few years into an accessible rental space for musicians, poets, artists, and other performers of all stripes. With most shows at a $10 or PWYC (pay what you can) cover, Silence is a great place to catch a show and mingle with some of Guelph’s most creative folks. Looking for something to deepen your appreciation for art, music, and many other forms of expression? Well, look no further.
House shows
Guelph also has a fairly strong house show scene—thanks to some generous hosts. If you keep your ear to the ground, you might hear word of a show going on at somebody’s home in the downtown core. If you’ve never been to a good house show, you’ve really got to get in on one. Relaxing inn the intimate setting of someone’s home is a great way to spend a weekend night with friends, make new ones, and enjoy some great tunes without the sometimes overwhelming bustle of a bar or concert venue.
There’s no shortage of great bands, musicians, promoters or venues dedicated to supporting the best that Guelph, the region, and the country have to offer. Get out some weekend to check out some new music!