I'm posting this in the "Montreal 60's Counterculture Question" and "Montreal Sixties" threads.

Adrien (Beer) suggested I use this thread to make another attempt to collect info on early Montreal folk venues and notable folk music history. I first assembled the list below in 2007 in the "Little Known 60's Folksingers" thread.

I particularly want info on the early Montreal folk scene before 1964 when I first got involved. I'd like more info on The Fifth Amendment, The Finjan, The Pot Pourri/Seven Steps - and especially – on any earlier venues whose names and locations have been lost. For example, I've heard that Bob Gibson performed in Montreal circa 1960 but I don't know when or where.

While 1950's and early 1960's info is what I hoping for, I'll gladly update the list below with any additions and corrections. I'm looking for proprietors, locations, years of operation, memorable performances and any other noteworthy info.


The Seven Steps renamed The Potpourri. Proprietor - Morris Fineberg (Stanley St between Sir George/Concordia and the Stanley Tavern)   196? – 1962

The Finjan (Victoria St). Proprietor - Shimon Ash   1961? – 1962?

The Fifth Amendment (Clarke St). Proprietor - Gary Eisenkraft 1963? - early 1965

The Penelope (Bishop St below Café Prague). Proprietor - Gary Eisenkraft mid 1965 – mid 1966

Café Andre (upstairs on Burnside?) 196? – 197?

La Femme Foetal (Mountain St in the William Tell restaurant) mid65 – early 66

Venus De Milo Lounge (St Catherine) <1950? - ??    1966 Folk Rock

The Blue Lantern renamed The Totem Pole by Willie Dunn then managed briefly by Gary Eisenkraft. (below the old Pot Pourri) late 1965 -1968?

The Montreal Folk Workshop (Park Ave Moose Hall until 1969 then various locations) Proprietors – Norm/Liz Doyle till late 66 then McKinley/Buchanan/Gouthro then McKinley/Evans then Evans. December 1965 – 1973

The Yellow Door (Aylmer) 1967 – present

The New Penelope (Sherbrooke at Park beside the Swiss Hut) Proprietor Gary Eisenkraft.1967 – 1968?

The Back Door (McTavish at Sherbrooke)   Apr1969 - 1981

The Karma (Crescent and De Maisonneuve)    ?

The Golem (3460 Stanley north of Sherbrooke) 1973 – 1991