Musical Toronto

Toronto is the music capital of Canada, not only for the quantity and quality of music performed but also for the diversity. But this is a phenomenon of about the last 20 years. Before this time, the music scene was more characterized by great moments, including those that happened at the places on this trail.

Massey Hall was the scene of "the greatest jazz concert ever" in 1953, which included Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker (playing a plastic sax), but few people actually attended as the concert was poorly publicized and competing with a prize fight between Rocky Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott nearby. The Four Lads got together at St. Michael's Choir School, Levon and the Hawks partnered with Bob Dylan at the Friar's Tavern and Joni Mitchell came to prominence in the '60s during the Yorkville scene.

The trail starts at the El Mocambo, known locally as The "El Mo," where in 1977, the Rolling Stones concert included a news-making appearance by Margaret Trudeau.

The Stories

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  The Rolling Stones Play El Mocambo , 1977
  464 Spadina Ave.
• 
  Punks Against Police at the Horseshoe Tavern , 1978
  368 Queen St. W.
• 
  From Methodist Publisher to MuchMusic , 1919
  Queen St. W. and John St.
• 
  Rhythm Rompers Make History at the Colonial Tavern , 1947
  201 Yonge St.
• 
  Jazz Greats Play Massey Hall , May 15, 1953
  178 Victoria St.
• 
  Sh’Boom!: Rock and Roll Alumni of St. Michael’s Choir School , 1950
  66 Bond St.
• 
  Bob Dylan Meets Levon and the Hawks , 1965
  283 Yonge St.
• 
  Sam “The Record Man” Opens , 1961
  Yonge St. and Edward St.
• 
  Led Zeppelin at the Masonic Temple , 1969
  888 Yonge St.
• 
  Joni Mitchell Debuts in the Dungeon , 1965
  112 Yorkville Ave
• 
  A Subterranean Musical Oasis at the Riverboat , 1969
  Yorkville Ave and Hazelton Ave