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

Craft Logo Courtesy of Craft Beer Market

Do you value a good draft beer? Or maybe you’re all for supporting fresh local food? If you value either of these things then do I have a venue for you to look forward to!

CRAFT Beer Market, a premium casual restaurant with one of the largest selections of craft beer in Canada launched back in Calgary in 2011 by owner PJ L’Heureux and has been taking Canadian cities by storm – “one beer, one meal and one experience at a time”.

This year, Torontonians are getting a new addition to the booming beer scene as CRAFT plans to open a new Toronto location right at Yonge & Adelaide that features over 160 draught beers, premium selections of different wines and spirits and a menu specializing in North American Cuisine.

Predicted Image of Toronto Craft Beer Market Location (Photo courtesy of Craft Beer Market)

As far as space for events go, the Yonge & Adelaide location will provide multi-levels, multi-bars and several meeting and party spaces for a variety of group sizes!

CRAFT proudly quotes, “We believe in making a positive impact in everything we do, from our workplace to our community to the planet as a whole.“

And it shows! Known for using fresh local food products from the surrounding community, Craft  takes pride in their welcoming and inclusive restaurant atmosphere that draws thousands of customers each year to different locations across Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa — just to name a few.

With Toronto being the latest Canadian city to “catch the Craft” fever, be sure to keep an eye out for a late summer 2017 opening!

CRAFT BEER MARKET – RESTAURANT + BAR

1 ADELAIDE ST. E, TORONTO, ON