Dave's Pizza on St. Claire Open Mic

I dropped into the open mic jam at Dave's Pizza located at St. Claire and Rushton in Toronto. The jam is held every Thursday evening from 8:00 pm until 1:00am and is hosted by a charming couple who play a country and western acoustic genre. It felt like I had landed in Montana in the sixties, with an earthy urban Toronto grunge style, that is friendly but somewhat insiduous.

There are various artists who come to perform and who work the small urban venues such as the Transat club etc. What was particularly interesting, was that in one night, a homeless man got up and sang three classic folk songs with breathtaking clarity. The crowd was very supportive. A second handicapped woman who plays guitar without a hand got up to sing and play. As she could not strum this acoustic guitar (she did not have a hand from the wrist down) the hosts played her song while she sang in a very crisp and clear tone. It was beautiful to see how people accepted her music quality regardless of her stage presence handicap.  However, the two stars of the night were Anat and Paul Hornblower, who were both passionate, original  and clear in their sound delivery.

I have attended this jam 4 times, and not yet had a chance to get up to the mic. I am somewhat concerned that only those that are part of the crowd get a chance to perform. However, I do think the music is good, the people supportive and the pizza and salad decent.

For a throwback to the sixties with an open mic effect, check out Dave's Pizza on St. Clair on a Thursday night.

Entertaining and warm,



The Adventure Guy