CELEBRATE 30 YEARS AT THE ICONIC TOWNEHOUSE TAVERN

For thirty years the strong the Townehouse Tavern has stood as a landmark of the North. A must stop for all acts touring Ontario and home to some of the best memories of countless Sudburians. We all know the story of Stompin’ Tom Connors penning ‘Sudbury Saturday Night’ from the rooftop of the venue, but what really stands out the most and makes this place so special is a the community that has developed around it. The Desjardins family took over an old hotel right next to the arena in 1987 and turned it into a destination for new music. The new venue Invigorated and gave a home to a flourishing art scene – and the rest is history! Now offering live music daily, expanded to include sister establishment Laughing Buddha, boasting 10 apartments and 25 student rooms the growth is undeniable. This weekend June 16^th-17^th celebrate 30 years of Sudbury spirit and the spot that’s been our soundtrack through it all! Grey Street will be closed to traffic as the party pours onto the streets, gates open Friday @6PM and Saturday @12PM for all the flashback tunes you can handle, tickets are $20 per day or $35 for the full weekend experience (here).

Friday: Hometown Reunion

Nostalgia abound this weekend as hometown bands of yesteryear join forces once more this weekend! Budget Motel was a staple in the North American rock scene from 1987 to 1992. Their sets were known for their vast catalogue, playing top 40 alongside deep cuts from Led Zeppelin and The Doors. Regardless of what they were playing their energy was undeniable. Far From Heroes, another throwback from the late 1990’s early 2000’s will be back at it. They were the ‘it’ band of the city in a time when Green Day, Sum 41 and Blink 182 were on top. With music videos appearing on Much Music, soundtrack work on YTV shows and recordings with Sony Records. They were the group of the skate punk community that broke out before their members went in different directions. This is the ultimate show to catch up with old friends, reminisce on old times and of course jam out to some favourite tunes!

Saturday: Summer of Love

Taking on the summer of ’67 is a lofty goal but with some Sudbury style it’s going to be something you don’t want to miss. A full day of music kicking off at noon with acoustic acts, games and an outdoor beer garden, parents are welcome to bring the kids to check out the festivities (19+ after 9PM). An array of local talent will be taking on the catalogues of some of the greats: Murder Murder plays The Grateful Dead, Whiskey River plays The Animals, JoPo and the RiZe plays Janis Joplin and Big Brother and Holding Company, Ox plays Jimi Hendrix, The Wharf Rats Play The Who, Silvertongue performs Howl by Allan Ginsberg. And if you thought that was it get ready – the Beatles Night ensemble will be taking on the entire Sgt Pepper album accompanied by symphony players, big band bass, and with a life sized cut-out replica of the original album cover painstakingly crafted as a backdrop to the whole experience! If that wasn’t enough excitement for you end the night off with Northern Memphis Revival while they give you the best of Otis Redding.