This one is for you Kirsten!

Toronto’s multi-diversity also applies to it’s music scene. You can find every genre of music available and once we are out of pandemic jail, please get out and support local, indie musicians. My favourite genre/scene in Toronto is the Rockabilly and Surf Scene. It just makes my heart happy. A little side note, one of my goals this year was to start learning Jive and Swing dancing, then… well we are all aware of what happened.

There is a new style of music I am also a fan of, though I’m sure this is a shock to my father. If you are a Rockabilly fan and get out to see bands playing at places such as The Dakota, Cadillac Lounge (sadly closed now), The Tennessee, The Cameron House, The Local (to name a few) you will have definitely heard some Honky Tonk!

Due to COVID-19, we unfortunately can’t get out to see live music right now, but in the meantime we can stream it! Below I have put together a list of Toronto (and area) artists who are known for their amazing Honky Tonk stylings! Please support them by buying their music and merch!

Matt Allen plays Blues/Rockabilly and Honky Tonk! You can stream his music on ReverbNation!

The Honky Tonk Zeros can be seen playing often in Toronto. They have a new album coming out soon! http://www.thehonkytonkzeros.com/

Red & The Ramblers has a new video out at the moment and it really hits on what is happening in Toronto right now. https://www.redandtheramblers.com

The Hamstrung Band can be seen quite often at The Local in Roncesvalles.

Sean Burns is not local to Toronto, rather in Winnipeg, but you should still check him out! http://www.seanburns.ca/

Colonel Tom and the American Pour can also be seen in Toronto and can be found over on Bandcamp! Right now 100% of sales goes to the bands. Bandcamp has kindly waived fees. He may even pop-up on Facebook doing a live performance from time to time!

The Rizdales are from London, Ontario and are another fun Honky Tonk band that play in Toronto often! https://www.rizdales.com/info

There are so many more incredible musicians playing in our city. This is just a taste of some Honky Tonk style music. If you have others you want to mention, please post them in the comments below.