Picture a dimly lit bar, your favourite libations readily at hand, a band of incredibly dedicated, locally famous and talented musicians intimately serenading you and your friends from a few feet away. Watching, singing, dancing to, and sharing the uplifting joy of live music is one of the simplest pleasures we can gift ourselves. It’s an unforgettable, almost transcendent experience. Mississauga has one of the most vibrant live music landscapes in Canada, thanks to the many inclusive, cutting-edge venues in the city. Whether it’s a pub, clubs, rowdy bar or a cozy den, expect live acts seven nights a week in our great city.
Here are a few acts to catch in a few of the best places to catch them. Best practice is to check venue websites often for upcoming lineups. Enjoy and rock out!
Cuchulainn’s
158 Queen Street South, Streetsville, 905-821-2790
Every Tuesday at 7 p.m., talented crooner Matt Zaddy shares his stories via song during his Open Mic at this historic, landmark pub in charming Streetsville. The “kind of songwriter you feel you’ve known your whole life”, Matt’s unique, mesmerizing blend of folk rock and R&B tells his own tale of life, love, hardship, and redemption. With heart-wrenching lyrics that are open and honest, this incredible musician will make you feel like you were along for his journey. Most recently, Matt has earned coast to coast radio play on CBC and commercial stations in support of his latest release, the Perfect Moments, which received rave reviews. Matt’s also had the honour of opening for legendary artists like Jim Cuddy, Atlas Genius, Francesco Yates, and Tom Cochrane. Don’t miss this ultra-intimate experience with a rising star.
Also often appearing on the playbill at Cuchulainn’s, Jammer’s Waffle House is a don’t-miss indie rock band, founded in 2012, that manages to draw many favourite genres into every song, giving listeners a taste of something totally unique. New tracks from the quartet’s latest release All at Once, which covers the topics of love, regret, ninjas, zombie girlfriends and the planet Mercury, exude a jazzy vibe and are sure to stir your senses. Whether you’ve loved, lost or even if you’re hungry, there’s a song for that.
Roc n’ Doc’s
105 Lakeshore Road East, Port Credit, 905-891-1754
You’re in for a good old-fashioned evening in rock and roll heaven when Pop Cherry’s on the playbill. Exuding an energy unlike any other band, the members of Pop Cherry count among their influences The Doors, The Beatles, The Stones, Motown artists and hundreds of other great musical talents. Featuring a playlist that’s jammed with some of the most infectious, most powerful classic tunes ever written (think ‘Beast of Burden’, ‘Walk This Way’ and ‘Suspicious Minds’), the band also performs a phenomenal repertoire of original tracks. Pop Cherry rocks the house every time, always leaving the audience wanting more. A must-see.
Mulligan’s Pub
2458 Dundas Street West, 905-855-7584
Renowned for its versatility and enormous repertoire, the Dave Murphy Band rocks an incredibly diverse song list that includes hundreds of music styles: motown and R&B, reggae, disco, latin, 50s and 60s, 80s, pop and classic rock, blues, and more. Raise your voice and sing along to great classics like ‘Pride: In the Name of Love’ by U2 and ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ by Bon Jovi. Over the years, Dave has often performed with some of world’s great musicians including Levon Helm, Jack Bruce, Colin James, Randy Bachman, Ian Gillan, Alex Lifeson, Edgar Winter and many more. Dave also recorded and toured worldwide for five years with the late great Jeff Healey before his untimely death.
A guaranteed good time!
The Clarkson Pump
1744 Lakeshore Road West, Clarkson, 905-855-9354
Get your favourite requests ready! With years of experience rocking audiences all over the GTA and a stint on the high seas as a solo musician for Celebrity Cruises, Ryan Andrews brings his own brand of interactive and engaging live music to the Clarkson Pump. Ryan’s diverse repertoire is wide-ranging. Don’t be afraid to request all your tried-and-trues, whether the genre is a golden oldie, rock, alternative, 90s hits, Top 40, country—and everything in between. Practice your singalong voice before you come!
By Kristy Elik
Local Venues:
Cuchulainn’s
cuchulainns.ca
Roc’n’Doc’s Live Music Grill
rocndocs.com
Mulligan’s Pub
mulliganspub.ca
The Clarkson Pump
theclarksonpump.com
Links to Artists:
Matt Zaddy
mattzaddy.com
Jammers Wafflehouse
jammerswafflehouse.com
Pop Cherry
popcherry.ca
Dave Murphy Band
davemurphyband.com
