In 1972 it was rebranded to appeal to youthful blues and rock fans, bringing in the likes of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Tom Waits, U2, and Elvis Costello.  Its infamy exploded in 1977 with a surprise performance by the Rolling Stones (where they also recorded the Love You Live album). They booked massive acts like Blondie, the Ramones, Devo and Joan Jett. Basically, it was the place to go for live music in Toronto.

The Rolling Stones play El Mocambo under the alias ‘The Cockroaches’ March 1977. Photo courtesy of Toronto Star.

Changes in the music industry’s touring practices meant a decline in business for the El Mocambo, unable to book big names, they resorted to small local acts. The club was sold in 1986 and suffered many changes of hand and closures over the years.

But like a classic rock band, the El Mocambo resurrected in the 90’s as an underground and garage music venue hosting the likes of White Stripes and Zoobombs and helping in the launch of Peaches, Toronto’s breakout electronic musician and performance artist.

El Mo changed hands and was reinvented once again in 2001 to feature music from every genre and a particular focus on charity events, hosting fundraisers for War Child, Amnesty International, Free the Children, World Vision and Blanket-Fest.

The famous neon palm tree El Mocambo sign will continue to hang out front after more than 65 years. Photo from INK Entertainment’s Instagram.

November 6th, 2014 was to be the final swan song for the venue that could. At the last minute, the venue was bought by Dragon’s Den outspoken Michael Wekerle. But it has been closed since then, but for good reason, it’s been under renovations for yet another reincarnation.

This time around the El Mocambo will be home to a recording and production studio, designed my the same people that did Jimi Hendricks studio in NYC, as well as host live music events. The new El Mo will be managed by INK Entertainment, the same company behind REBEL, UNIUN, and Batch.  The remarketing and lead up is quickly gaining momentum on social media for the summer 2017 reopen. In the meantime, you can buy swag from their pop-up shop (when it’s not sold out of branded classic logo shirts and hats), Prohibition at 66 Kensington.

Keep an eye on our blog if this excites you as much as it does us. We’ll be sure to keep you updated

– Paula McDines

Storys is this beautiful 3 storey building in the entertainment district. (11 Duncas Street)

The 170 year old building is a stylishly mix of the original heritage and trendy design  which

result in a sumptuous and eclectic display of what modern Toronto is all about. Some of the features include panelled walls with historic artwork, high gloss finished doors, marble, and more…

INK ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHED ITS NEWEST NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION “PRODUCT”  OPENED ON MARCH 16TH, 2013.

This is London has closed and reopened as a newly redesign nightclub and event venue. Product a new nightlife destination from Charles Khabouth’s INK Entertainment.

Joe Ghost and Toronto Raptors DJ 4 Korners rocked the beats and took part in the nightclub’s grand reopening celebration 3 weeks ago.

The new design has at the same influences as a modern New York penthouse apartment and a Studio 54 with a mix of colourful paintings, collage works, murals and sculpture. According to the designer Kenny Baird :” The club’s ultra-chic interior design is an “art collector’s residence-meets-nightlife” concept”.

PRODUCT is located in the heart of Toronto’s amazing entertainment district, close to the area’s finest restaurants and theatre district. (364 Richmond Street)

Its capacity goes from 200 to 1200 reception style
Here some of the specificities & features :
• Video projection
• Programmable intelligent lighting
• Women’s spa & washroom
• VIP sections
• 2 floors
• Valet parking

About Ink Entertainment:

INK is one of Canada’s foremost hospitality and entertainment companies, setting the trend in world-class music and sound, forward design, mouth-watering food and an A-list clientele of celebrities, musicians, artists, professionals and corporate partners alike.

Manage by visionary entrepreneur Charles Khabouth, INK has demonstrated an acute ability to adapt to the trends of the entertainments industry

More information and pictures: http://inkvenues.com/venues/product/

Another of Charles Khabouth’s INK Entertainment nightlife destination UNIUN is among one of the newest.

UNIUN has an impressive space that echoes to

 a time passed, UNIUN is an  arresting contradiction of both new and

old.  (473 Adelaide Street West)

The designs combine original post factory beams nestle between 14 foot bronzed

metal arches reminiscent of weathered steel bridges, while they elegantly contrast by a wash of the latest in luminescent technology.

The room is also surrounding by lush, tufted VIP banquette that recalls Edwardian designs and contrasted by grey cement wall, aged wood and industrial lighting fixtures. UNIUN was manufactured with bottle service in mind. Offering a variable collection of liquors and champagnes ready to be toasted, sipped and enjoyed.

The Club capacity is either 1000 reception style, or 220 seated

Some specificities & features
• Two entrances
• Lower lounge
• 4 bars
• VIP booths
• Valet parking available
• Full catering kitchen

More information and picture: http://inkvenues.com/venues/uniun/