The Danforth Music Hall
The Danforth Music Hall is one of Toronto’s most well-known music venues, with a rich history and a reputation for hosting a wide range of artists and performances. Here are key details about the Danforth Music Hall, including its location, history, and some of the notable musicians who have performed there.
Location
The Danforth Music Hall is located at 147 Danforth Avenue in Toronto, Ontario. It’s situated in the city’s Greektown neighborhood, which is known for its lively atmosphere, Greek restaurants, cafes, and shops. The venue is easily accessible by public transportation, with the Broadview subway station just a short walk away.
History
The Danforth Music Hall has a long and storied history, originally opening in 1919 as a movie theatre. It was designed by architect Murray Brown and initially served as a venue for silent films, complete with a large stage for live orchestras and performers. Over the years, as the film industry evolved, the venue transitioned to sound films and continued operating as a movie theatre.
In the late 1970s, the Danforth Music Hall underwent significant changes as it shifted its focus from movies to live performances. It became known for its role in Toronto’s live music scene, hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other events. The venue’s architecture and acoustics made it ideal for live music, with a large stage and ample seating.
In the early 2000s, the venue underwent renovations to modernize its facilities while preserving its historic charm. The upgrades included enhanced sound and lighting systems, a larger stage, and improved seating arrangements. These changes helped solidify the Danforth Music Hall’s status as a premier music venue in Toronto.
Musicians and Notable Performances
The Danforth Music Hall has hosted a wide array of musicians and bands from various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, indie, and more. Notable artists who have performed at the venue include The Tragically Hip, The White Stripes, Feist, St. Vincent, Lorde, and many others. The venue’s size and setup make it a popular choice for both established and emerging artists.
In addition to concerts, the Danforth Music Hall also hosts comedy shows, film screenings, and other live events. Its flexible layout allows it to accommodate a variety of performances, with a large main floor and a balcony area for additional seating.
Atmosphere and Layout
The Danforth Music Hall features a classic theatre design with a large stage, a spacious main floor, and a balcony for additional seating. It has a capacity of about 1,500 people, allowing it to host larger concerts while still maintaining an intimate feel. The venue’s acoustics are highly regarded, contributing to its popularity among musicians and audiences.
The combination of its rich history, central location, and versatile layout has made the Danforth Music Hall a cherished venue in Toronto’s live music scene, attracting both local audiences and visitors from afar.
See also the following venues:
- Massey Hall
- Budweiser Stage
- Rogers Centre
- Scotia Bank Arena
- Casino Rama
- Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
- HISTORY
- Meridian Hall
- The Garrison
- The Drake Hotel
- Jazz Bistro
- The Cameron House
- Adelaide Hall
- Hugh’s Room
- The Horseshoe Tavern
- The Dakota Tavern
- Ottawa Bluesfest
- Rock the Park (Harris Park)
- BMO Field
- Princess of Wales Theatre
- Mattamy Athletic Centre
- Roy Thompson Hall
- TD Music Hall
- Coca-Cola Coliseum
- El Mocambo
- The Opera House
- Rebel
- The Axis Club (formerly the Mod Club Theatre)
- Velvet Underground
- Echo Beach
- Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Lee’s Palace
- Phoenix Concert Theatre
- The Rivoli