WORST CASE SCENARIO
6.00
Daniel Easty has been a professional musician for 30 years. A top player on the jazz scene, he has played at most of Toronto’s jazz clubs. He is well known for his Sax playing, and his original jazz music, and also for his hip-hop projects. “The Worst Case Scenario” is his latest project. The band features Harley Card on guitar, Mark Godfrey on bass, and Mack Longpre on drums. The band plays Daniel’s original hip-hop inspired tunes, and grooves, with a hard-hitting sound. They can be heard around town, most notably at 416 Snack Bar, where they play every month.
THE PSYCH FI’S
8.30
WHO ARE THE PSYCH FI'S?
“You're traveling through another dimension – a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination.” This iconic introduction is from Rod Serling’s timeless and influential television program, The Twilight Zone. Perhaps he would also apply this description to Can Con, the debut album by The Psych Fi’s.
The group is an offshoot of Canadian singer-songwriter Jerry Leger's rock 'n' roll side project, The Del Fi's. Just as The Psych Fi’s describe themselves as “spontaneous psychedelic rock,” The Del Fi’s recorded two albums characterized by spontaneity, spirit, and trust. Leger brings his songs to a revolving door of musicians and singers (18 members, including Jerry, in the case of Can Con). Most of the performers have not heard these compositions before recording them. They have no chance to second-guess; they must be fearless and jump in with both feet. Recorded live in a haunted Toronto studio on a cold January 2024 day by fellow “Fi” Aaron Goldstein (Espanola, Kathleen Edwards, Daniel Romano), Can Con captures a moment in time (which is relative). Leger acts as a sort of loose conductor, allowing certain soloists to emerge from the musical collage.
The group takes you on a hypnotic journey from the epic opening medley “Alone In A Room Of Mirrors/James Cagney” to the groove of “You Know That I Love You, I Do” and the openness of “Song For Vultures.” You’ll get lost in “Summer's Right Around The Corner,” which also features Don Stevenson (founding member of the legendary 60s psychedelic rock band Moby Grape) on backing vocals, alongside Kate Boothman (Katie Cruel) and Angie Hilts. This sound has evolved out of Del Fi performances, specifically when musicians Nichol Robertson, Jason Kenemy, Dave Clark (The Rheostatics, Woodshed Orchestra), and Michael Eckert were involved.
Leger and these “Fi’s” eagerly ventured down less-traveled roads to destinations unknown. Other Psych Fi’s include Ken Yoshioka, Matthew Cooke, Les Armstrong, Chris Bennett, Shawn Clarke, Katie Methot, and members of “Jerry Leger & The Situation” (Dan Mock, Kyle Sullivan, Alan Zemaitis). Leger tells us at the beginning of the record, “I’m excited to live again,” and by the end of Can Con, he’s singing in his dreams and ours. This album will continue to grow, live, breathe, and expand as we share in each other’s minds. It’s a happening, and it’s happening – you can hear it throughout the grooves. Here is your mantra: “I AM A PSYCH FI.”
15$ cover after 10pm, with all proceeds going directly to the musicians performing.
CALIBER
11.30
Caliber Funk is a 7-piece funk/R&B sensation. From the sounds of Michael Jackson to the rhythmic energy of bands like Lettuce and Stevie Wonder, we bring an electric and engaging performance. We captivate audiences by not just playing to them, but by interacting with them and making them part of the experience.
Since the original band's inception in 2012 as Accolades, Caliber Funk has played iconic sets at Dundas Square, Horseshoe Tavern, and River and Sky Festival. We have been lucky enough to open for fantastic acts like Teenage Head and Five Alarm Funk.
We are currently working on a brand new EP with some hot new tracks. Keep an eye out for our new single dropping in 2025!
NOISE HOTEL
2.30
The Toronto-based indie rock quartet Noise Hotel has captivated audiences with their distinctive “Living Room Rock” style — a blend of infectious riffs, nostalgic vibes, and velvet-clad theatrics. Featuring Eric Montpool (vocals/guitar), Christian Strong (bass), Matt Scharfe (guitar), and Brendan Vandepol (drums), the band first emerged from the Ottawa indie scene before moving to Toronto following their debut album Poolside Fantasy and several festival appearances. Known for their dynamic and immersive live performances, Noise Hotel can be seen on stage with Charlie Houston, New Friends and Kasador, while headlining multiple sold-out shows across Ontario.