Toronto Folk History

Subject: RE: Toronto Folk History
From: C. Ham
Date: 03 Apr 09 - 09:47 AM

I moved to Toronto from Montreal a little earlier than Mike Gouthro. But long before I moved, I was making an annual pilgrimage for Mariposa on the Toronto Islands. The Mariposa Folk Festivals of the 1970's exposed me to so much great music that I still appreciate today.

I remember one year, maybe 1972 or 1973, when Bob Dylan showed up just to be in the audience. I took a picture of him talking to Utah Phillips that, unfortunately, I don't have anymore.

Subject: RE: Toronto Folk History
From: mike gouthro
Date: 02 Apr 09 - 11:28 PM

I moved to Toronto from Montreal in 1979 so I can't contribute early roots memories.

But I do remember Cafe On The Park on Eglinton west of Yonge. It was a cozy narrow L-shaped room with a free bar area in front and a paid performance area in the back.

I don't know the owner but he clearly had a passion for folk music. He brought a number of first string performers in from the United States when the (few) other venues in the city exclusively showcased local acts. I saw Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Dave Van Ronk and Eric Andersen there.

Unfortunately, this period was short lived - perhaps a couple of years in the mid 1980's. Some aspect of the operation ran afoul of union interests and the doors were summarily locked.

To my recollection it wasn't until Hugh's Room opened in 2001 that Toronto once again had a venue to host the best folk and roots performers. Later in this thread, I'm sure someone will do justice to Hugh's Room which has been a godsend.

Subject: Toronto Folk History
From: Eve Goldberg
Date: 02 Apr 09 - 10:32 PM

The suggestion was made to start a thread about the history of the Toronto folk scene, so here it is.

This would be the place to post information, memories, and stories about Toronto's folk past -- clubs, festivals, concerts, whatever. And to tell us about the people who made it happen - the musicians, songwriters, organizers, promoters, fans, supporters, etc.