Music

23 bands who've held residencies at The Dakota Tavern

by Mark Teo

By our count, Toronto has four country bars, and by my admission, The Dakota’s my favourite. Which isn’t to detract from the others: The Cameron House, an AUX fave, is a Toronto institution, and both its venue and label are worth every ounce of their praise. The Entertainment District’s Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon and Leslieville’s Boots & Bourbon are relative newcomers, each offering their distinct take on the genre. But the Dakota, perched on Ossington and established at the dawn of the street’s revitalization, is still one of my favourite venues, bars, and all-round haunts in the city.

At first glance, it’s quaint: It’s in the basement of a residential building, decorated unpretentiously with Christmas lights, reclaimed barnwood, and brick. Still, its charm doesn’t come from its (admittedly awesome) decor; it comes from its programming. Though the Dakota typically specializes in a specific types country—notably, outlaw fare, honky tonk, Bakersfield, and neo-traditionalist fare—the bar doesn’t limit itself. Peter Elkas, Jason Collett, the Strumbellas, and Eamon McGrath have graced the Dakota’s stage, which makes its M.O. clear: It doesn’t have to be country, but it has to be good. And, largely, Canadian.

That philosophy also extends to the artists lucky enough to land a residency at the Dakota. Numerous bands have settled into the venue for a run of shows, the most legendary being psych-tinged alt-country act The Beauties, who, for a time, spent Sundays packing the Dakota. They eventually became synonymous with the venue, but they’re not the only ones who’ve built a rep based on the venue. So, we asked the venue’s co-owner (and Beauties member) Shawn Creamer to assemble us a list of his favourite Dakota residencies. Check the list—which includes newcomers and roots circuit vets alike—above.