Toronto music venue The Velvet Underground set to shut down – Music News Update
The iconic live music venue, The Velvet Underground, located on Queen St. West in Toronto, will be closing its doors for good at the end of October. This decision comes after the completion of its lease, marking the end of an era for the venue. Originally known as a goth and industrial club in the ’90s, The Velvet Underground underwent a transformation in 2016 to become a hub for live music, hosting bands and DJs under the operation of Live Nation.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the venue expressed gratitude to the fans, artists, staff, and community that made The Velvet Underground a cherished place filled with music and unforgettable memories. While this chapter is coming to a close, the venue assured that the memories created within its walls will live on. Moving forward, shows that were scheduled to take place beyond the closing date will be relocated to other venues in the city.
On a more uplifting note, Hamilton’s Supercrawl festival returned for its 17th year, drawing large crowds and providing attendees with memorable performances on the streets of James Street North. The near-perfect weather conditions added to the festival’s success, making it one of the best free street festivals in Canada. With an eclectic lineup of Canadian artists, Supercrawl showcased the talent from across the country while incorporating local and regional musicians to create a dynamic and diverse musical experience.
One of the standout acts at Supercrawl was the internationally renowned post-rock instrumental group, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, whose atmospheric and orchestral sound captivated the audience on a warm and still night. Alongside other notable performers like Cadence Weapon, Foxwarren, and Steve Strongman, Supercrawl solidified its reputation as a must-attend event in the Canadian music scene.
Back in Toronto, The Kensington Market Jazz Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary, bringing together over 400 musicians for a weekend of jazz performances in various venues across the historic neighborhood. Co-founded by jazz star Molly Johnson, the festival has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition in the city. With renowned artists such as The Shuffle Demons, Heather Bambrick, and Hilario Duran on the lineup, the festival promises to deliver exceptional musical experiences to jazz enthusiasts.
In other industry news, CIMA announced the launch of early bird tickets for its Make It Music conference, offering attendees opportunities to explore the future of independent music and connect with industry professionals. Additionally, the El Mocambo venue in Toronto introduced its Music That Moves concert series, starting with a performance by Loverboy to support Canadian charities, such as SickKids. Furthermore, the National Music Centre in Calgary will be offering free admission on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, featuring panel discussions and exhibitions highlighting Indigenous artists and their contributions to music.
In a bid to support emerging talent, jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini initiated a new monthly concert series in Toronto called The Next Set, where established musicians perform alongside emerging artists. This initiative aims to provide a platform for young talent and foster collaborations within the local music community. With these developments in the music industry, both in Toronto and across Canada, the future of live music and cultural events remains bright and full of promise.