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Best Venues in Toronto

- by Guest Blogger

I was born and raised in a small central-northern town in Ontario studied classical piano from a young age. I continued on with studying Music in University and completed my Teaching Degree, adding vocal music as a focus too. I’ve taught both piano and vocal lessons to numerous students over the years, including teaching music in elementary schools. I am now working as the Arts Facilitator for my Board and implementing a “music education program” in all elementary schools. My goal, along with the Music Teachers in my Board, is to “Inspire Music for Life” for our students.  With my music background and education in hand, I present my Top 10 venues in Toronto.

Bonnie Milne

 

Massey Hall

From the moment I entered Massey Hall, I felt as though I was steeped in history. The walls are adorned with artifacts such as programs and tickets stubs, which creates a sense of tradition. I think it is great that bands and musicians from all kinds of different disciplines of music play here. Also, because I work in Education, I think it is great that this spectacular venue has an

education and outreach program.  I have seen some of my favorite musicians here, including Sara MacLachlan and Jann Arden.

 

Roy Thompson Hall

I attend Roy Thompson Hall to watch the fabulous Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The building has a circular architectural design and glass exterior and seats 2630 guests. The venue has a Gabriel Kney Pipe Organ with an incredible distinct sound, which excites me greatly being a piano/keyboard player!  It is also a main venue for the Toronto International Film Festival.

 

Scotia Bank Arena

Driving to Scotiabank Arena gets me really excited! I have seen some of my favorite musicians in this venue, including Bon Jovi, Pink, and Aerosmith, just to name a few. It is also a sports venue and home to the Toronto Raptors, NHL Maple Leafs, and NLL’s Toronto Rock. The venue seats 19800, just the right size to hear and see spectacular shows. There isn’t a bad seat to be found.

 

Budweiser Stage

 

I love listening to the sounds of music in this outdoor venue with the breeze blowing off of Lake Ontario through my hair. It seats 5500 under the roof and 3500 in the open sky. No matter where you sit, the stage seems huge! I have seen some amazing bands here, including Heart with Jason Bonham and KISS.

 

Princess of Wales Theatre

I love attending the Princess of Wales Theatre with its unique modern, upscale feeling. Paintings cover the ceiling dome and decorative boxes and balconies, so pretty!  I have seen many shows here, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, and Wicked, to name a few. It makes me feel elegant just being in the building!

 

Meridian Hall

I enjoy visiting Meridian Hall with its distinctive cherry plywood panels and the feel of the  openness as it is four stories high.  My favorite show in this venue was Ludovico Einaudi. I LOVE his music! I found the graduated seating really unique in this building as it is such a gradual slope.

 

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

 

The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is a beautiful venue with windows everywhere, creating an open feel. It was designed for operas and the ballet, and the acoustics are phenomenal. I have seen Canadian Opera Company performances here where my hair stood on end with the incredible sound of voices carrying throughout the entire venue.

Rogers Centre

The Rogers Centre is such a fun experience with its retractable roof, which is very helpful during the Toronto Blue Jays game days when it may begins to rain. Been there! My sons and I have enjoyed many visits to this venue for these games. I have also attended concerts here, including Bon Jovi, where it feels amazing to be surrounded by so many other people singing together in harmony. You can sense how excited the bands are to be playing in such a large stadium. It’s as though they think, “We have truly made it in this music biz!”

 

Casino Rama

Although Casino Rama isn’t in the Toronto Area, it is in my backyard, so to speak.  I have attended numerous concerts here and always enjoy the atmosphere of this venue that seats around 5000. I always feel like the shows are intimate, and you get to know the musicians and bands in a more personal way.

Orillia Opera House

The Orillia Opera House is also in my area, and I have enjoyed many performances over the years in this beautiful venue. It has 75 feet of stage and seats 677 in the studio theatre. It provides a feeling of deep history as it was opened in 1895. It is a cultural landmark in the city of Orillia.

 

Guest Blogger