10 Toronto Live Music Venues Picked by Kristen Karma

Electro-pop artist Kristen Karma shares ten favorite Toronto-area live music venues from a performer’s point of view. Her picks range from intimate rooms and DIY stages to larger concert spaces, with particular attention to sound, atmosphere and what it feels like to step onto the stage.

Kristen shared these venue experiences in 2022. Venue names, capacities and operations can change, and some may no longer operate under the names below. Confirm current show schedules and venue details before visiting. For another artist’s perspective, see our guide to the best live music venues in Toronto.

1. The Mod Club

Having played the Mod Club twice, I remember the sound and atmosphere as consistently strong for performers.

2. The Hideout

The Hideout had a dark rocker-goth-chic feel, hand-painted artwork and a decent-sized stage. Rock acts were common, although other genres appeared too.

3. The Cameron House

The Cameron House’s back room offered a smaller, intimate stage with strong sound, eclectic art, a bar and a welcoming staff.

4. The Horseshoe Tavern

I’ve been to the Horseshoe a few times and always liked the setup. The stage felt large for the room, the sound worked well, and the lighting was especially friendly for photographers.

5. The Piston

The Piston was a small room tucked behind the bar, but its sound, lighting rig and stage gave performers plenty to work with.

6. The Rivoli

The Rivoli on Queen Street was a familiar showcase stop, with a full stage and a recognizable logo backdrop behind performers.

7. Guelph Concert Theatre

Located outside Toronto in Guelph, this was the largest room on my list and had the feel of an arena compressed into a more intimate concert space.

8. The Painted Lady

The Painted Lady was a small, cozy room that worked particularly well for acoustic and intimate shows.

9. C’est What

C’est What offered a cozy setting for intimate performances, with enough stage space for a full band while still working for acoustic sets.

10. The Cavern Bar

The Cavern was a DIY-style stage near a hostel, which helped bring a steady flow of new listeners through the room. I played there often and remember it as a useful place for newer bands to get onstage.

About Kristen Karma

At the time this story was published, Kristen Karma was a Canadian pop artist based in Toronto. Her career highlights included opening for Akon and performing at VIP after-parties connected with Lady Gaga shows. Her single “Party Heroes” had also appeared on the iTunes Canada pop chart.