Rockin’ rural roadhouses
BY Christine Davidson
Whether it’s the sound quality, the atmosphere or the price of what’s on tap, every city has a music venue that won’t let you down. But where do music aficionados who live outside Canada’s urban centres go for that unfailing livemusic experience? This Magazine asked musicians from across the country.
George’s Fabulous Roadhouse
Sackville, New Brunswick (pictured)
Offered by Paul Henderson of Sackville’s Shotgun & Jaybird, this venue is known for its “tavernesque charm and gruff staff,” and has hosted such artists as Final Fantasy, the Constantines and Corb Lund. It also sits near the scenic Tantramar Marshes.
The Townehouse Tavern
Sudbury, Ontario
“The thing that puts this bar over the top,” says Alec OHanley of P.E.I.’s Two Hours Traffic, “is the fact that they put you up in the basement overnight.”
Café 1027
Winkler, Manitoba
Located in one of the few remaining Victorian houses in Winkler—100 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg—Café 1027 sells retro candy, serves a great cup of coffee and the best gelato in the area—a perk that drew independent folk-pop duo, The Land.
The Penhold Hall
Penhold, Alberta
The Penhold Hall is a favourite for Raymond Biesinger of Edmonton’s the Vertical Struts. The Hall is a convenient distance from the town’s residential centre, which means “noise complaints are unheard of.”
Vallican Whole Community Centre
Vallican, B.C.
The centre isn’t just a music venue, it’s also an important social hub for the Slocan Valley—hosting film nights, community meetings and housing B.C.’s first alternative elementary school. “The green room was the children’s library, nap room, downstairs,” recalls Toronto singer-songwriter Bob Wiseman.
Know of a great rural venue? Email arts[at]thismagazine[dot]ca—we’ll publish the best stories on our blog, just in time for your summer road trip.
