Conversation - a Tranzac Jam is a weekly jam that invites musicians and dancers into a safe space where the only rule is be in the moment while creating music in community with others. Each week a house band starts off the night with a 45 minute set of music and then the floor is […]
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 […]
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.
Kyp Harness plays his songs with the accompaniment of Victor Bateman and Blake Howard, with special guest Alexandr Mikitenko
Shab-e She’r (Poetry Night) XCVIII Canada’s most diverse & brave poetry reading + open mic series Featured poets: Donna Langevin & David Delisca + Open Mic for poetry in any language Time: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Place: Main Hall, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7 This is an in-person event. 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 […]
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 […]
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.
STRIP SPELLING BEE is played a lot like strip poker, but it's a spelling bee, and it's played in front of a live audience of hooters, hollerers and hecklers who want to see some smart and sexy skin!
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 […]
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
Join J3M, and experience INNERSPACE, a genre-fluid concert featuring all the genres you can think of; from Classical and R&B to Gospel and Disco! Expect to dance, to be in your feelings, and to sing along as J3M will be teaching you some of his favorites. Featuring Lala Noel (formerly Kyla Charter), Laii and James […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Songwriter Bill Wood is joined by guitarist Chris Bennett playing a selection of Bill’s original songs.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Ghostlight continues their equinox and solstice residency at the Tranzac. Inspired by the planets relationship to the sun and crossing the lines of dreams and other unconscious states. Yes, there are only 4 shows a year and each performance will take place in a different part of the Tranzac. The first show of the series […]
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 - […]
A stand up comedy show where the audience decides when/if the comic will eat a hot pepper! Make us sweat while we make you laugh.
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 […]
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 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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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
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.
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 […]
"A Million Easy Payments," the seventh album by Toronto's Little Kid, will be released on February 23rd, 2024 on Orindal Records. To celebrate the release, the band will perform the album at the Tranzac on March 22nd, in a first-time performance with all five members of the band (as well as a few guest appearances!). […]
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.
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 […]
To commemorate International Astrology Day, members of Astrology Toronto will be offering free 10 minute mini readings to the public. Explore your destiny and life’s path. This event is free for both members and non-members to attend.
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 […]
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 […]
Celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim with Makom and Toronto Partnership Minyan! Featuring evening & morning readings of the megillah (scroll of Esther), adult party, festive meal, childcare, kids' megillah reading, family carnival, and dedicated parties for middle-schoolers and for high-school teens. Registration required.
A showcase of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Irish banjo styles played by four of Canada's top pickers. A fun night and a Toronto tradition! In its twenty-fourth year, The Banjo Special once again brings together 4 of Canada’s top players to celebrate this wonderful instrument. Come and join Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman, Brian Taheny, Chris Quinn, […]
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.
Shab-e She’r Poetry Nowruz Celebration Shab-e She’r (Poetry Night) XCIX Canada’s most diverse & brave poetry reading + open mic series Featured poets: Hanan Hazime & Joshua Chris Bouchard + Open Mic for poetry in any language Host: Bänoo Zan Time: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 Place: Living Room, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON […]
This new quartet returns for Karen Ng's Tranzac monthly Ted Crosby - sax, clarinet Ben Dwyer - bass Phil Melanson - drums Karen Ng - sax, clarinet
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 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, […]
Please join us for the following three things that will happen simultaneously. • A celebration of 50 years of Ryan Driver living! • A celebration of 25 years of the Ryan Driver Sextet (formerly Quintet / Quartet) performing! • A special performance of the Ryan Driver Sextet with a star-studded lineup of special guests! The […]
ORKESTAR KRIMINAL “Imagine a 10-member gender-balanced band that sources material from the criminal underworld a century ago, performing songs in eight languages with quirky instrumentation and a punk attitude" - Edmonton Journal "They’re the frenetic, hyperbolic version of the wildest live show you don’t have the musical vocabulary to lie to your kids about catching. […]
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 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
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)
Egyptian vocalist & producer Nadah El Shazly returns to Toronto in duo with harpist Sarah Pagé. Supported by experimental electronic musician Khôra celebrating their LP release and Finno-Baltic neofolk duo Honeypaw. El Shazly (Land of Kush) mixes seeds of traditional Egyptian music with contemporary electronic & synthesized sounds. Playing with improvised forms she builds songs […]
The Holy Oak Family Singers present visiting artist Xu Shaoyang celebrating a new 7" release. HOFS will open the night with a tribute to Tori Kudo's ensemble Maher Shalal Hash Baz.
Ben E. Wood's Birthday Show with Mel Udell! Thursday April 4th, join us for a "groove-while-u-grieve" night of music from Mel Udell (@all.is.mel ) and Ben E. Wood (@weakoldbaby ) The "hi" button has been pressed down on the blender that contains all of the ingredients for a funny/sad music smoothie. "Hello!" we reply. "Happy […]
Tania Gill (piano), Doug Tielli (trombone and singing), Michael Davidson (vibraphone) and Rob Clutton (bass) will perform music by legendary composer, pianist and bandleader Carla Bley, who passed away October 17, 2023 at the age of 87. This performance will be a tribute to Carla, and will include pieces from her albums Tropic Appetites and […]
Join Portraitures and Joey O'Neil for an evening of indie jazz/folk music. Portraitures band will be comprised of Mags Gibson on vocals, Mark Scherzinger on Guitar, Teagan Larmand on bass, and Steph Duchesne on drums. It would be so lovely to see ya there.
Sun Milk (formerly known as decoration day) join Alex Samaras' Tryal for a night of surreal folk and beautiful songs.
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.
