Southern Cross
Calendar of Events
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5 events,
Precious Little Presents
Precious Little Presents
Precious Little Presents: Round the table we turn Contraptions and shenanigans. Storage and porridge, song-title geography. Improvisation and Omni-visualation. We're out in the workshop, hammer and saw, Phonometers in hand we measure and draw. Erasing the borders, the box opens wide. Where is the door? Turn it all on its side. David Woodhead / electric […]
Terry Jones in Concert – “Terry..As Usual”
Terry Jones in Concert – “Terry..As Usual”
With Bobby Cohen and/or (generally "and") David Woodhead and Nancy Solway, some three part singing will emerge from the warm sonic chaos of the Sunday Night LIVE. A lifetime member and Columbia recording artist with the Perth County Conspiracy, Terry Jones has played innumerable concerts over 50 years, with various versions of this band, at […]
Southern Cross Songwriter’s Showcase
Southern Cross Songwriter’s Showcase
Join host Phillip Vonesh and special guests Paula Sofía and Päter as they take turns sharing their songs and exploring the meaning behind the songs, what goes into writing them and the ups and downs of a life in music.
2 events,
Tranzac Open Stage
Tranzac Open Stage
The Tranzac open stage is every Monday in the Southern Cross room. All are welcome! Start: 7pm Sign up: 6:30pm 8 minute slots (or two songs) The open stage is a safe space in accordance with the Tranzac code of conduct.
Kyp Harness with Victor Bateman, Blake Howard and Special Guest Alexandr Mikitenko
Kyp Harness with Victor Bateman, Blake Howard and Special Guest Alexandr Mikitenko
Kyp Harness plays his songs with the accompaniment of Victor Bateman and Blake Howard, with special guest Alexandr Mikitenko
2 events,
Solitary Shrew Presents: Birthday Jam/Open Mic
Solitary Shrew Presents: Birthday Jam/Open Mic
Hello gang! To mark Solitary Shrew's 1st birthday, we're hosting a jam/open mic! Bring your instrument/poetry/dancing shoes/whatever. All disciplines are welcome! We'll be kicking things off with a short opening set from Private Library (featuring Elisabeth Dorion on voice, Pat O'Reilly on guitar and Mira Riselli on bass). Admission is Pay What You Can, and […]
Nick Fraser Presents
Nick Fraser Presents
NICK FRASER PRESENTS (JAZZ, IMPROVISED MUSIC): Nick Fraser has been an active and engaging presence in the Toronto new jazz and improvised music community since he moved there from Ottawa in 1995. He works with and presents with a veritable “who’s who” of Canadian jazz and improvised music. Downbeat Magazine: “Drummer Nick Fraser is a […]
2 events,
Shak Shak at the Zac
Shak Shak at the Zac
Though its cold outside, the timing of this show is perfect … its Carnival season in Trinidad! While ‘calypso’ would be the closest descriptor for the music of Shak Shak, their music contains a multitude of the flavours of the English Caribbean and its diaspora. Shak Shak also serves as a vehicle for the original […]
Ronley Teper & the Lipliners
Ronley Teper & the Lipliners
Children at heart who love comedic, poetic, theatric, yet at times serious storytelling alongside truly magical music, should prepare themselves for the surprising world of Ronley Teper. Teper invites a rotating roster of some of the finest musicians to publicly improvise around her storytelling that cycle through many influences from folk, funk, jazz, cabaret, cinematic, […]
2 events,
Strangetooth
Strangetooth
Strangetooth is a Toronto based bluegrass band known for their rich vocal harmonies, stellar picking, and eclectic song choices.
Brandon Agnew
Brandon Agnew
Brandon Agnew writes music in various shades of blue. Join him for an evening of folk music in the Southern Cross Room where he's joined with banjo player, Dave Matthews.
2 events,
Tania Gill Presents: The Titillators
Tania Gill Presents: The Titillators
The Titillators create odd, unique, mysterious, and fun music by way of whistling, synthesizers, an assortment of percussion objects, and Driver’s homemade “streetsweeper bristle bass,” which is simply a small tine of metal plucked on top of an amplified cigar box. The Titillators are focused on playing an eclectic and growing collection of new tunes […]
James Brown and Mike Milligan
James Brown and Mike Milligan
Originals, standard jazz melodies and not so standard things. Guitar and Bass duo improvisations by James Brown and Mike Milligan. Originals, standard jazz melodies and not so standard things that venture freely. New album out entitled Six Plus Four that is available on Band Camp. jamesbrownandmikemilligan.bandcamp.com
5 events,
Clela Errington and Barbara Lynch
Clela Errington and Barbara Lynch
Clela Errington and Barbara Lynch - Together Clela and Barbara choose an old fashioned 'round robin' style performance, trading songs, sometimes playing together and sometimes alone, whatever serves the songs best. Both singer-songwriters work in a combination of genres including folk, country, blues and jazz, played on acoustic guitar or piano. Their musical styles compliment […]
Rhythm
Rhythm
Join us for Rhythm - our first ever Open Mic event. Come out and share your creative work with community and connect with likeminded artists and individuals! All auditory art forms are welcome! Equipment available at the venue can be found at the link below. Any other equipment you need, you must bring yourself. Sign […]
5 events,
Quarrington & Adams
Quarrington & Adams
Quarrington (Tony) and Adams (Zoey) are a seasoned and refreshing duo of singer/songwriters, with original tunes that range widely through jazz/folk/blues styles, often with thoughtful, witty lyrics and more than a touch of humour. They will be joined by Bob Cohen on bass for two intimate and interesting sets, with songs from their album-in-progress, TOP […]
Bill Wood & Chris Bennett @ The Tranzac Sunday March 3, 5-7pm
Bill Wood & Chris Bennett @ The Tranzac Sunday March 3, 5-7pm
Songwriter Bill Wood is joined by guitarist Chris Bennett playing a selection of Bill’s original songs.
Dave Clark Presents! Erin Noel & Jane Gowan
Dave Clark Presents! Erin Noel & Jane Gowan
Dave Clark Presents! Erin Noel & Jane Gowan. Erin is soulful and joyous in her music making.I'm tickled to that she is playing this show. Jane is a poet who deftly wields her words inside of an indie pop landscape. Check out her band The Real Shade (www.therealshade.com). Dave Clark plays an eclectic mix of […]
2 events,
Tranzac Open Stage
Tranzac Open Stage
The Tranzac open stage is every Monday in the Southern Cross room. All are welcome! Start: 7pm Sign up: 6:30pm 8 minute slots (or two songs) The open stage is a safe space in accordance with the Tranzac code of conduct.
Adjacent Spheres
Adjacent Spheres
A quartet led by vibraphonist, Michael Davidson, exploring the compositions of Thelonious Monk. It’s an amorphous blob of his entire catalogue, drifting through songs as if in a dream. High intensity in a quiet package, delivering a delicate but ferocious interpretation of one of the most important books of music from the 20th century.
2 events,
Peripheral Vision and Ertel/Davidson/Fortin/Fraser/Hodgson
Peripheral Vision and Ertel/Davidson/Fortin/Fraser/Hodgson
Peripheral Vision is excited to have Ertel/Davidson/Fortin/Fraser/Hodgson, an intergenerational quintet that enjoys playing lesser-known jazz standards in an interactive and playful way opening this month. Peripheral Vision is one of the most exciting and innovative jazz quartets on the international jazz scene, performing together for 15 years. Based in Toronto, Canada, the creative leaders of […]
2 events,
Holy Oak Family Singers
Holy Oak Family Singers
Thom Gill and Luka Kuplowsky head up a rotating crew of Toronto artists for eclectic and intimate tribute nights. Reimagining the songbooks of lumaniraries (Arthur Russell, Judee Sill, Roches, The McGarrigles) and local legends alike. Basic Categories: Singer-songwriter, Folk
Michael Palumbo’s Friends #3
Michael Palumbo’s Friends #3
Here’s a pretty special show that Michael Palumbo curated for next Wednesday, March 6. Zerone Duo will do a special performance in quadrophonic audio along with 2 sets by a quintet of Michael's arranging, featuring: Doris Du - Piano Isaiah Farabaksh - Cello Jamie Thompson - Flute Matthew Golem - Violin, Viola Michael Palumbo - […]
2 events,
Strangetooth
Strangetooth
Strangetooth is a Toronto based bluegrass band known for their rich vocal harmonies, stellar picking, and eclectic song choices.
3 events,
Collette Savard and the Savants
Collette Savard and the Savants
With her palette of acoustic folk instruments, Collette whittles out of her imagination beautiful song gems. She brings them to you wrapped in the exciting package of her band of seasoned masters, The Savants: Rebecca Campbell(Jane Siberry, Ian Tamblyn...),John Switzer John Switzer(Jane Siberry, Vance Gilbert, Katherine Wheatley etc.³) Martin Worthy (Joe Hall, Paul Quarrington), Tim […]
Conventional Weapons/Cetacea (MUSICA UNIVERSALIS)
Conventional Weapons/Cetacea (MUSICA UNIVERSALIS)
Excited for the March Musica Universalis monthly!! I haven't played with my good pal Tristan Tims in years! Stoked to reunite as our duo Conventional Weapons.. and stoked to have my good pal Bryan W. Bray (who also made the beautiful poster!!!) opening as his solo project Cetacea Tranzac southern cross lounge March 8th, 9:30pm […]
5 events,
Before the Thaw
Before the Thaw
Before the Thaw is part of Song Experiment, a monthly song lab hosted by Cassie Norton to provide songwriters a venue for explorations into different approaches to song-writing, instrumentation, arrangement or all three. Each month, a different artist and approach is featured welcoming surprise and collaboration. Drawing/colouring supplies and big banner paper will be provided […]
Wildflower with Andre Ethier and Joseph Shabason
Wildflower with Andre Ethier and Joseph Shabason
Wildflower is the songwriting project of Adrian O’Barr, based in Portland, Maine. Writing primarily about place and the power of nature, the music seeks to explore a distinctive vision of “Atlantic” music and tell stories of a changing coastline. Combining influences as far ranging as 1970’s British Isles folk music, Laurel Canyon, and ambient music, […]
5 events,
Ayal Senior and Friends
Ayal Senior and Friends
Ayal Senior & Friends Southern Cross Residency at the Tranzac continues in 2024 with Edition #3 for March. Very excited to be exploring new music from our forthcoming LP, to be announced shortly, with heavy session aktion from the studio quartet, minus one. Heavy session players Kurt Newman (gtr)& Blake Howard (drums/percussion) as well as […]
John Millard’s Hope Street
John Millard’s Hope Street
Hope Street features new and old songs by John Millard with improvised accompaniment by Rob Clutton and Chris Pruden. John Millard is a songwriter, singer and banjo player who led the Polka Dogs and John Millard and Happy Day. He is known for his work composing for theatre. Most recently The Cave with Martha Ross […]
Avalon Tassonyi “Sprigs & Brush” Tape Release w/ Isla Craig
Avalon Tassonyi “Sprigs & Brush” Tape Release w/ Isla Craig
Join Toronto-born songwriter Avalon Tassonyi for the release of their third solo album "Sprigs & Brush". Avalon will be backed by The Rock Stars (Thom Gill, Eliza Niemi, Jason Bhattacharya), performing brand new material fresh from the studio, and of course a few acoustic tunes from "Sprigs & Brush" which will be available on cassette. […]
2 events,
Tranzac Open Stage
Tranzac Open Stage
The Tranzac open stage is every Monday in the Southern Cross room. All are welcome! Start: 7pm Sign up: 6:30pm 8 minute slots (or two songs) The open stage is a safe space in accordance with the Tranzac code of conduct.
Songwriter’s Circle: Ella Frank, Mimi, and Siobhan Bodrug
Songwriter’s Circle: Ella Frank, Mimi, and Siobhan Bodrug
Join Ella Frank, Mimi, and Siobhan Bodrug for a songwriter's circle featuring original solo and collaborative work. Ella Frank’s Indie-Folk style is defined by her grounded lyrics, compelling melodies, and her heart-wrenching voice. Mimi's ethereal melodies paired with her poetic, yet honest, lyrics create a unique sound reminiscent of 70's Folk artists. Siobhan Bodrug’s musical […]
2 events,
Jelena Ćirić + ZINNIA: Songs for piano in the deep of winter
Jelena Ćirić + ZINNIA: Songs for piano in the deep of winter
Join two masterful singer-songwriters for an intimate evening of songs that light bright as a match and burn slow as a candle. Jelena Ćirić is a Toronto native who settled in Reykjavík, Iceland in 2016, where she crafts folk-pop songs that have prompted comparisons to Laura Marling and Joni Mitchell. Her EP ‘Shelters one’ was […]
a Josh Cole quartet + strings
a Josh Cole quartet + strings
“Cole can be coolly lyrical, he can write a controlled “classical” counterpoint, he can drop in some funk, and he can also let the improvisers loose in the stratosphere.” - Popmatters.com “Cole plays an extremely strange, distorted solo" - Art Music Lounge Bassist Josh Cole presents a night of improvised chamber music w/ Lina Allemano […]
2 events,
The Brodie West Quintet
The Brodie West Quintet
A note from Brodie West: For my monthly at the Tranzac I will often schedule my quintet called The Brodie West Quintet which is Tania Gill piano, Josh Cole bass, Nick Fraser drums, Evan Cartwright drums and myself. Sometimes the drummers are substituted up and in that case it's usually Phil Melanson who is there […]
2 events,
Strangetooth
Strangetooth
Strangetooth is a Toronto based bluegrass band known for their rich vocal harmonies, stellar picking, and eclectic song choices.
Cosmic Country For Communists
Cosmic Country For Communists
Hosted by Kurt Newman, this monthly series creates a space for experiments in country and folk music forms, which can range from more or less straight-ahead to more or less psychedelic. Between sets: comedy from the best of Toronto's left-of-center comedians.
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Tranzac Open Stage
Tranzac Open Stage
The Tranzac open stage is every Monday in the Southern Cross room. All are welcome! Start: 7pm Sign up: 6:30pm 8 minute slots (or two songs) The open stage is a safe space in accordance with the Tranzac code of conduct.
Allison Cameron – No Octopus Dancing
Allison Cameron – No Octopus Dancing
No Octopus Dancing Two sets of spontaneous electroacoustic spatter wrangled by organic percussive clatter. Allison Cameron - electronics Stephen Parkinson - guitar Germaine Liu - percussion and electronics Mark Zurawinski - percussion and electronics
2 events,
Sebastian Bailey presents: BAILEY | CLUTTON | FRASER | LERNER
Sebastian Bailey presents: BAILEY | CLUTTON | FRASER | LERNER
Join Sebastian Bailey, Marilyn Lerner, Nick Fraser, and Rob Clutton for an evening of freely improvised music. Each musician will contribute their respective approach to making music inspired by the offerings of the moment. The collective tapestry of timbres result in a polyphonic whole. Also listen out for solo, duo, and trio vignettes featured throughout.
2 events,
Book Launch – An evening of comedy with Stella Walker
Book Launch – An evening of comedy with Stella Walker
Book Launch - An evening of comedy with Stella Walker. The famed Canadian poetess Vera Schultz-Rideout (a fictional creation of Stella Walker) makes a rare appearance in a reading of all of the eleven appalling poems in her anthology “The Rose on the Windowsill of my Pain and Confusion”. Vera’s anthology “The Rose on the […]
Toronto Klezmer Society Epic Klezmer Jam
Toronto Klezmer Society Epic Klezmer Jam
Join the Toronto Klezmer Society on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 9:30-11:30 for our EPIC jam on Jewish folk music known as klezmer! Instrumentalists of all abilities are welcome to join in. Set lists and sheet music is available for download at http://www.torontoklezmersociety.com. We collect money on a PWYC basis to pay the […]
2 events,
Strangetooth
Strangetooth
Strangetooth is a Toronto based bluegrass band known for their rich vocal harmonies, stellar picking, and eclectic song choices.
Chris Bezant presents Django at the Tranzac
Chris Bezant presents Django at the Tranzac
‘Chris Bezant Presents Django' brings together a selection of Toronto's heavyweights to celebrate and explore the impression that Django Reinhardt continues to leave on music today. Join Chris Bezant, Jonathan Meyer, Roberto Rosenman, and Mo Mitchell, as they peer through one of the countless facets of the jewel that is Django's legacy. Come find warmth […]
2 events,
Ingrid MacDonald’s Rodeo
Ingrid MacDonald’s Rodeo
Rodeo: Join Ingrid MacDonald and friends for a performance of songs from Rodeo: Ingrid's courageous, singular and melodic album of original songs, well sung in the tradition of good folk music with delightful bluegrass overtones. You will enjoy yourself. 7 pm start. PWYC.
Dave Clark’s Western Slang Country Band!
Dave Clark’s Western Slang Country Band!
The Western Slang band walks a country music tightrope in a worn out nudie suit, holding a broken umbrella and wearing a beatific smile. Lead vocalist Dave Clark (Rheostatics, the Woodshed Orchestra, Charles Spearin) has curated a special songbook of his original C&W tunes for his awesome band of pals featuring; Lowell Whitty (drums), Ian DeSousa […]
4 events,
Isabel Fryszberg and The Uncommons
Isabel Fryszberg and The Uncommons
Catch Isabel Fryszberg & The Uncommons with Rebecca Campbell, Shelley Coopersmith and we are excited to have playing with us this month, the uncommonly talented and multi instrumentalist Derek Downham playing lead guitar. A late afternoon of originals, sweet harmonies and a diverse repertoire of folk, country, roots songs to kick start the beginning of […]
The Toronto Folk Festival Launch Party
The Toronto Folk Festival Launch Party
On the two year anniversary of his residency, host Phillip Vonesh has invited everyone who has ever played his Songwriters Showcase, to come and perform to help launch the brand new Toronto Folk Festival! Come out to see 30 + performers between 7PM - 12AM in the Southern Cross on March 23rd. We will be […]
3 events,
Precious Little Presents
Precious Little Presents
Precious Little Presents: Round the table we turn Contraptions and shenanigans. Storage and porridge, song-title geography. Improvisation and Omni-visualation. We're out in the workshop, hammer and saw, Phonometers in hand we measure and draw. Erasing the borders, the box opens wide. Where is the door? Turn it all on its side. David Woodhead / electric […]
Terry Jones
Terry Jones
A lifetime member and Columbia recording artist with the Perth County Conspiracy, Terry Jones has played innumerable concerts over 50 years, with various versions of this band, at small venues, concert halls and universities. In 1970 Terry played lead guitar in a musical, "The Line of Least Existence", alongside Danny Devito, Judd Hirsch, and members of The […]
Drones Over Dufferin
Drones Over Dufferin
Join Drones Over Dufferin for a night of improvised, ambient music. This ongoing musical collaboration between brothers David and Duncan MacKinnon features guitar and pedal steel combined with digital and reel-to-reel tape loops.
2 events,
Tranzac Open Stage
Tranzac Open Stage
The Tranzac open stage is every Monday in the Southern Cross room. All are welcome! Start: 7pm Sign up: 6:30pm 8 minute slots (or two songs) The open stage is a safe space in accordance with the Tranzac code of conduct.
2 events,
Nick Fraser Presents
Nick Fraser Presents
NICK FRASER PRESENTS (JAZZ, IMPROVISED MUSIC): Nick Fraser has been an active and engaging presence in the Toronto new jazz and improvised music community since he moved there from Ottawa in 1995. He works with and presents with a veritable “who’s who” of Canadian jazz and improvised music. Downbeat Magazine: “Drummer Nick Fraser is a […]
2 events,
The SPECIAL INTEREST Group
The SPECIAL INTEREST Group
the SPECIAL INTEREST group brings a new rhythm to songs of hope & struggle …. Infusing songs from civil rights, gospel, folk and protest movements with elements of folk, blues, rock, R&B, jazz, reggae & ska. Songs of social change, from picket lines and protest marches, addressing contemporary issues from peace to climate change to […]
Ronley Teper & the Lipliners
Ronley Teper & the Lipliners
Children at heart who love comedic, poetic, theatric, yet at times serious storytelling alongside truly magical music, should prepare themselves for the surprising world of Ronley Teper. Teper invites a rotating roster of some of the finest musicians to publicly improvise around her storytelling that cycle through many influences from folk, funk, jazz, cabaret, cinematic, […]
2 events,
Strangetooth
Strangetooth
Strangetooth is a Toronto based bluegrass band known for their rich vocal harmonies, stellar picking, and eclectic song choices.
Crosby/Dwyer/Melanson/Ng
Crosby/Dwyer/Melanson/Ng
This new quartet returns for Karen Ng's Tranzac monthly Ted Crosby - sax, clarinet Ben Dwyer - bass Phil Melanson - drums Karen Ng - sax, clarinet
0 events,
5 events,
Days of Grace – flute and guitar duo
Days of Grace – flute and guitar duo
Days of Grace returns to the Southern Cross for an afternoon of original, contemporary folk songs set to the sweet sounds of voice, guitar, flute, and recorder. The show will feature lots of new songs along with favourites from their last show.
Tavern of Song #12 “Losing My Religion”
Tavern of Song #12 “Losing My Religion”
Tavern of Song began in the summer of 2022 as a shared endeavour between the father/daughter programming duo, Jim and Meredith Shedden. Their goal was to host a regular concert series at their neighbourhood pub that promoted up-and-coming musicians, highlighted established members of the Toronto live music scene, and fostered community between audiences and performers, […]
5 events,
Cosmic Homeostasis XXIII
Cosmic Homeostasis XXIII
Cosmic Homeostasis XXIII an afternoon of ambient interstellar electroacoustic drift vibes Sunday, March 31, 2024 / 5:00 p.m. (later-than-usual start!) / The Tranzac PWYC / all are welcome / help us listen to whispers from space You are invited to take in an afternoon of ambient interstellar electroacoustic drift vibes. Following the dictates of the […]
Devin Patten’s the Afton Project
Devin Patten’s the Afton Project
Devin Patten's the Afton Project returns to perform new original works as well as a couple selections from his most recent record. Paired with arrangements of a few beautiful songs from great singer songwriters like Gabriel Kahane, Allegra Krieger, Andy Shauf and local Toronto artists like Justin Orok, Adina Vlasov and Melissa Paju
The Nilan Perera Quartet
The Nilan Perera Quartet
Improvised music from some of the finest artists in the city led by guitarist Nilan Perera featuring Adrian Russouw (contrabasse), Rick Sacks (drum kit/percussion) and Marilyn Yogarajah (piano)
The Tranzac event calendar is updated regularly. Some events (such as private rehearsals, parties, and tentative events that are being contracted) are not displayed in the calendar. As such the calendar is not a comprehensive representation of venue availability. If you do not see your event in the calendar, please review our Event Promotion & Style Guide
This calendar was established in May 2023. To view an archived calendar with basic event information, please click here.