Live Music
For booking inquiries please email toucankingston@gmail.com
Catch Jonny Kirwan (of False Friends) every Friday of November at The Toucan. Performing an acoustic set up in Kirkpatrick’s.
The Sun Dried Flies are an indie, alternative band from Brockville, Ontario, known for their fresh yet familiar sound, and exciting live performances.
Sweet Pete and The Heat are a collective of local musicians who play with various bands in Kingston. Meeting each other at various open mics and house parties we all share a love of dirty, funky blues music inspired by everyone from Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and Van Morrison to lesser-known artists such as Lucky Peterson and Snooky Prior. Our goal is to get people dancing and that’s what we do.
Catch Jonny Kirwan (of False Friends) every Friday of November at The Toucan. Performing an acoustic set up in Kirkpatrick’s.
Public event - open to all 19+. Band will be announced on March 15th.
Frank Ryan, a singer songwriter from Dublin, will be taking the stage and playing a range of covers and original songs! His music has been described as “soulful rock” with hauntingly powerful and melodic vocals.
Joined by his band and special guest Andrew Brown, sprinkling some special Irish tunes throughout the night!
Support Frank Ryan & Friends by leaving a tip:
Mip Power Trio
The Mip Power Trio, led by art rocker Mip, blends punk energy with Americana roots for a "raw and wild" sound. Formed in 2010, the trio (with Greg Kowalczyk on bass and Devin Jannetta on drums) delivers sharp, witty anthems for a generation navigating uncertain times against the backdrop of changing cultural landscapes. Armed with two LPs, two EPs, and upcoming 2025 releases, they’ve earned a reputation as Toronto’s best-kept secret, known for passion, resilience, and undeniable dedication to their craft.
With St. Paddy’s Day just around the corner, the Mip Power Trio will also be bringing a few Irish tunes out for this Kingston Show only. Let’s turn up the craic!
Pamela White
Pamela White is an Australian-born singer-songwriter, blending pop sensibilities with acoustic guitar and the desire to explore a full range of sonic possibilities. Her songs are catchy and tell the story of a woman who is just trying to figure out how she keeps getting into these situations.
Catch Jonny Kirwan (of False Friends) every Friday of November at The Toucan. Performing an acoustic set up in Kirkpatrick’s.
https://www.instagram.com/amaryllismtl/
The ToneKats is a versatile & experienced Canadian band based out of Kingston, Ontario. They perform Classic and newer rock, some catchy country rock, and their own original high-energy rock! These Kats even take requests! The band plays something for everyone!
The ” Ghetto Xpress ” was formed in October of the year 2000, in response for the need of a new house band at the Toucan on Monday nights, a gig previously occupied by Kingston blues stalwarts Blue Monday for the previous 2 1/2 years. Blue Monday members Zak Colbert and Mike Sakell, decided to continue on with a different band and a change of concept, and formed the Express. With keyboard wizard Spencer Evans throwing his hat in, and the addition of a fresh new face on guitar, James Taylor, the band was complete. The original repertoire focused heavily on the sounds of Motown, and classic R&B, but with the addition of Jonathan Stewart a.k.a ” Bunny ” on tenor saxophone a few years ago, the band took a decidedly more funky New Orleans type approach. Zak and James eventually left the band to be replaced by Zak’s young protege, Alec Barken, on bass, and Mark Taras on guitar, and that has been the lineup for the last eight years.
Known for sharing the stage with musical friends who drop by now and then, many touring acts with a night off in Kingston, manage to find their way to the stage and sit in with the band.Some of the notable ones include, Colin James, the Blue man group band, Sarah Harmer, Ryan Lewis, and members of Trooper to name just a few. You never know who’s going to show up when Ghetto Xpress hits the stage.
This band is one of those “must see ” acts, so next time you hear about one of their shows, make sure to get out and see them,or sit in with them, and remember to keep on truckin….
Catch Jonny Kirwan (of False Friends) every Friday of November at The Toucan. Performing an acoustic set up in Kirkpatrick’s.
The official after party for the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, featuring Joan Smith and the Jane Does (Toronto), and special guests Carlo (Kingston)!
Joan Smith & the Jane Does are leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s rock scene. Praised by Great Dark Wonder for their authentic hard rock sound, they’ve quickly earned a place in the alt rock landscape. Their debut album, “Do Me Some Harm” (October 2023), was produced by band member Tom Juhas and mixed by Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures).
Smith, she of “towering pipes and a remarkable dirty guitar tone” (torontomusicreviews.com), and guitarist/producer Tom Juhas form the Jane Does – a female fronted dance rock machine with cutting vocals that amp up to the edge of sanity, pulsing rock beats and relentless guitars which remind noted radio personality and music historian Jeff Woods of ‘Queens of the Stone Age and Stevie Nicks’. That comparison is no coincidence – The Jane Does packed Toronto’s Legendary Horseshoe Tavern performing QOTSA’s ‘Songs for the Deaf’ in its entirety, and their work with Alain Johannes on “Do Me Some Harm” exemplifies this influence.
Kyra is a Canadian artist known for her exceptional songwriting and storytelling abilities, as well as her captivating, yet intimate live performances. Her musical journey began in her hometown of Kingston, Ontario. With each performance, Kyra continues to enchant audiences with her heartfelt melodies and dynamic vocal range.
Frank Ryan, a singer songwriter from Dublin, will be taking the stage and playing a range of covers and original songs! His music has been described as “soulful rock” with hauntingly powerful and melodic vocals.
Support Frank Ryan & Friends by leaving a tip:
With 24 albums, EPs and singles under his belt, Nepean, Ontario-born Matty (Graven) is a passionate wordsmith of song who wears his heart on the sleeve of his melodies. Graven’s newest self produced album “Always Everything” came out in July 2024 and has been his most streamed and downloaded to date. It debuted at #15 on the NACC streaming charts. Recorded mostly in his own basement studio and partially at Raven Street studios in Ottawa, the 8 songs soar softly and sweetly with some heavy layered cinematic soundscapes and overtures, focusing on the societal pressures of relationships. Graven’s last album Simple Complex (2021) was recorded at Fang Studios in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and mixed by Joel Plaskett. Bouncy, jangly and thick with chunky acoustic strumming and fuzz layers, SC charted across many college radio stations in Canada and the USA and was #3 on CKCU FM’s top 50 albums of 2022 (and he was also nominated for a FACES Ottawa award for “Country Artist”. )
Graven’s 2020 record Years was produced by Jim Bryson (singer songwriter, collaborator with the Tragically Hip and producer of Kathleen Edwards award winning album “Total Freedom”) and helped put his music into new realms. Having toured across Canada thrice, he always has uplifting words and self-love promoting songs of support for anyone at his shows and his dedicated fan-base (who have dubbed themselves as “Graventown”). Whether solo, duo, trio or with his magical 5 man band (dubbed The New Band), Matty’s performances are raw, entertaining and warm. He has shared stages and opened for acts such as Jim Bryson, Sloan, The Killjoys, Steve Poltz, Danny Michel, Sarah Harmer, Elliott Brood, Kathryn Calder (New Pornographers), Great Lake Swimmers, Melissa Payne, Stephen Stanley and Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low) and many more. Graven always tries to create a highly accepting and inclusive community and his music has become a safe-haven for anyone and everyone who wants to be their real-self without judgement.
The Gertrudes bring together a versatile collective of musicians to create a unique and experimental folkestra in Kingston, ON. They have produced four full length albums, two EPS, participated in numerous festivals (notably Pop Montreal, Vancouver Folk Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion) and shared the stage with artists such Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs. Recordings and performances have brought together a manic collaboration of choirs, symphonies and over 100 local musicians.
Kingston’s multi-instrumentalist Christopher Jackson has been performing for over twenty-five years now. From singing and playing in a variety of renowned cover bands, to session recording artist and guest touring musician, to venue house band, Jackson has done it all. Known for his banter, audience interaction and impromptu musical collaborations, it’s not uncommon for innocent bystanders to be drawn in and woven into the fabric of the evening's entertainment.
Now creating his own music, Jackson’s debut album carries that personal connection felt at his live shows into his songs. With all the vocals and the majority of the instrumentation performed himself, the production evokes notes of seventies roots rock, alt-country and blends folky Canadiana/Americana with his own twist. Produced in collaboration with longtime friend, fellow musician and recording engineer Paul “Doc” Halladay, the album includes delightful embellishments by guest musicians in all the right places. Now ready for the world to hear, listeners will find themselves captured by music that is authentic, real and relatable.
Born in 1992, deceased in '94, resurrected in '97 and going strong since, THÖRAX (rock ‘n’ metal) are:
Greg Watson - Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar
Sean Redmond - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Mark Fraser - Drums, Vocals
https://thoraxblood.bandcamp.com/album/feel-the-meat-beneath-your-feet
BAG$ = Bag Money (Ktown hip hop)
BAG$
= Bag Money
= Cap't Footbags
+ Grampa aka Crackmoney
+ Death Metal Bob
+ friends
bagmoneyrap.bandcamp.com
Redwoods and Birch: We are a band without a true genre somewhere in the rock realm.
https://www.instagram.com/redwoodsandbirch/\
The Gertrudes bring together a versatile collective of musicians to create a unique and experimental folkestra in Kingston, ON. They have produced four full length albums, two EPS, participated in numerous festivals (notably Pop Montreal, Vancouver Folk Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion) and shared the stage with artists such Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs. Recordings and performances have brought together a manic collaboration of choirs, symphonies and over 100 local musicians.
FABB returns to their home away from home to do it again. The last show was a blowout, so get your beauty sleep and get ready to let loose. Featuring original members Mike Farrell, Spencer Evans, Ian 'Loaf' Woodward, and Bōnz Bowering with guest Scott Megginson on bass.
The Gertrudes bring together a versatile collective of musicians to create a unique and experimental folkestra in Kingston, ON. They have produced four full length albums, two EPS, participated in numerous festivals (notably Pop Montreal, Vancouver Folk Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion) and shared the stage with artists such Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs. Recordings and performances have brought together a manic collaboration of choirs, symphonies and over 100 local musicians.
“The Jukebox Experience!” Song requests encouraged on this special night of music!
Spencer Evans is a Keyboardist, Singer/Entertainer and Clarinetist . He performs around Kingston with the Mourning Doves (Classic Jazz and Originals), Ghetto Express (Funk and Soul), the Goat Steppers (New Orleans street parade Jazz) and countless solo/duo/trio formats for tour boats, patios, festivals, and private events.
For over 30 years he has worked as a session and touring musician, notably with Cowboy Junkies, Sarah Harmer, The Good Lovelies, Jill Barber, Jeff Healey, Pat Temple, and many local groups including Chris Jackson, Michael Myers, Ryan Lewis, FABB (Free Association Blues Band) Pico de Gallo, Funkyfrenz, Open Voices, and many others. As an Entertainer, he plays and sings thousands of songs and improvises over many styles: Jazz, Blues, Funk, Classic Pop, Reggae, Soul, Classical, Latin, and Rock and Roll! He also performs regularly with his son Oscar, an accomplished Electric and Acoustic Bassist, Trumpet player and Drummer.
Boo is an 7-piece genre-bending collective fusing funk, indie & jazz. Ask about the dank tank.
Join us for good music and good times, Friday 5-8pm, for a live acoustic performance featuring Tim Sheffield! Sheffield plays rock songs with blues and funk feels, songs with reggae influenced grooves and songs reminiscent of old time country waltzes he heard in his youth.
Your summer BBQ soundtrack right here. Carlo is a band that brings back the best memories of Booker T and the MGs with occasional excursions into spaghetti Western. -THE PRESS
The Get Alongs: The Get Alongs are a Toronto based band formed in 2017 by childhood friends Tristan, Eric, and brothers Harrison and Rory. They have released two EPs, 'Good Morning' and 'Tossing Stones,' along with their debut album 'Weather Permitting,' featuring 10 diverse and dynamic songs.
Join us for good music and good times, Friday 5-8pm, for a live acoustic performance featuring Tim Sheffield! Sheffield plays rock songs with blues and funk feels, songs with reggae influenced grooves and songs reminiscent of old time country waltzes he heard in his youth.
The China Cat Riders
We're a Grateful Dead tribute band from Kingston Ontario Canada. Newly formed out of a reunion of Hurricane Bob who played around town in the early 90's. Our members are all veterans of the Kingston music scene, and have a common love of The Dead.
Featuring visuals and light show by Josh Garrett
Overrated is packed with a wide experience musically. They cover Collective Soul and Stone Temple Pilots to anything in between. New and old rock to get your party going.
Here is a taste of what you will hear: AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, Headstones, Tragically Hip, Johnny Cash, Billy Idol, Black Keys, Big Sugar, R.E.M, Green Day, Rolling Stones, Glorious Sons, And more!
Join us for good music and good times, Friday 5-8pm, for a live acoustic performance featuring Tim Sheffield! Sheffield plays rock songs with blues and funk feels, songs with reggae influenced grooves and songs reminiscent of old time country waltzes he heard in his youth.
