Guide to Weekly Live Music in Kingston in 2011

We’re very lucky in Kingston to have the opportunity to see countless bands perform pretty much everyday. Thanks to the folks like Kingston Punk Productions, CFRC and Flying V Productions to name a few, there is a constant flow of shows featuring artists of all kinds from small up-and-comers to well-known bands who stop in during a tour.

Kingston is also known for its local talent, and thanks to the many bars and restaurants who support us local musicians, there is a great show or five to be taken in weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.  There are also countless opportunities for participation via open mics and music clubs.  Here is a guide to what we can see and hear on a regular basis.

Monday

• The RCHA: The Kingston Ukulele Club meets every even-numbered Monday from 7:30pm-10pm.
• The Toucan: For as long a I can remember Ghetto Express has made Monday a little more funky from 10pm-2am.

Tuesday

• Olivea: From 6pm-9pm you can enjoy a delicious meal and great jazz from The Paul Clifford Trio.
• RCHA: From 7pm-10pm have a drink and sing along with folk musicians Chris Murphy and Friends.
• Tir nan Og: The bar formerly known as Monte’s has recently reopened as Front Pub.  Sing or play your heart out at an Open Mic with Jack Troughton from 8pm-1am.
• Ben’s Pub: Every week Celtic musicians of all levels get together for a pint and a traditional session from 9pm until the tunes stop.
• Brandees: Every week Nancy Slater-Hunt hosts an Open Mic from 9pm-12am.
• Revolutions: One of Kingston’s newest spots for live music opens its stage to all for an Open Mic from 10pm-2am.

Wednesday

• The Grad Club: A favourite for Queen’s students and Kingstonians alike, the Open Mic with Jon McLurg starts at 8pm and usually goes til about midnight.  Get there early to sign up!
• Rose and Crown: Not downtown?  Head over to this Open Mic hosted by Tom Savage from 8:30-12am.
  

Thursday

• RCHA: Brian Flynn hosts an evening that’s hard to pronounce, unpredictable and open to all.  Join him to listen, play, recite poetry, dance, do acrobatics..anything goes at Schadenfreudeless Night (8pm-11pm..or so).
• The Merchant Taphouse: Every week Trevor Walsh fills the dance floor from 10pm-2am.

Friday

• The RCHA: TGIF!  Unwind after a long week with some great jazz performed by Rubbaboo from 5:30pm-8pm.
• The Sly Fox Tavern:  Or maybe you prefer to end your week by belting out a few tunes yourself.  This Open Mic starts at 10pm.

Saturday

• RCHA: A personal favourite, The Kingston Blues Society and host band Mojo Shooter put on a great jam the third Saturday of each month.  The evening begins at 8pm with a feature performer and then the stage opens up ’til 12am.

Sunday

• RCHA: Every even-numbered Sunday you can find the Kingston Folk Club with Chris Morris.  This popular evening starts with a feature performer and ends with an Open Mic.  Sign up is at 7:30 followed by tunes from 8pm-10pm.
• RCHA: On odd-numbered Sundays you can catch Sweet Folk Al(l)ternate, hosted by Tracie Morgan.  Same bat-time, same bat-channel.
• The Mansion: The Downtown Trio have made the end of the weekend a bit more bearable with great jazz every week from 5pm-8pm.

Thanks to miss.selina for today’s pic.