Massey Hall is back! Well, almost. Soon.
Today (June 14) has been declared Massey Hall Day in Toronto. Why? Because after years of renovations and restoration, the hallowed venue announced that it will open for business again in November. And we have our first list of confirmed gigs.
2021
- Gordon Lightfoot, November 25, 26, and 27. He closed Massey before the renovations, so it’s only right that be open it up again. Lightfoot has played Massey nearly 170 times.
- Buffy Sainte-Marie, November 30. Special guests will be The Sadies
- Andy Kim Christmas Live, December 8
- City and Colour, December 9 and 10.
- Broken Social Scene, December 16
2022
- Emmylou Harris and Patty Griffin, January 31
- Leif Vollebekk, February 26
- Glorious Sons, March 10, 11, and 12, 2022
- Sarah Harmer, March 25
- Serena Ryder and William Prince, March 25
- Tanya Tagaq, March 30
- Buddy Guy, April 9
- Bruce Cockburn, April 22
- Jann Arden, May 24 and 25
- Donovan Woods, May 27
- Mavis Staples, May 28
Also on the list: Whitehorse, Molly Johnson, Patrick Watson, Chilly Gonzales, Royal Wood, and Cowboy Junkies. Much, much more to come, too.
My favourite Massey Hall story has to do with Eddie Vedder. Knowing that his idol and mentor Neil Young played some famous gigs there, Eddie took a walk in the alley. Apparently, he knew of an exact spot on the wall where Uncle Neil took a wizz. Eddie did the same. Circle completed.
