Some of the punters at last night’s Elvis Monday weren’t even born when local impresario William New launched the concept at the defunct Beverly Tavern back in 1984. Named after Costello, not Presley, Elvis Monday is the city’s longest running indie music showcase. Every big band starts out as a wannabe and Elvis Monday is where some of Toronto’s biggest hitters got their start, acts like Sum 41, Three Days Grace, Billy Talent, Peaches, JackSoul, Ron Sexsmith, Cowboy Junkies and Treble Charger — even Blind Melon and Beck have taken turns in the Elvis Monday spotlight. That’s Ben Whiteley and Suzy Wilde, left, showcasing tunes from their self-titled CD, Flashlight Radio.
New’s simple concept is actually a bit of genius: “We took what is usually a fallow night in most clubs and made it a no-risk opportunity to see new talent,” he says. Elvis Monday typically showcases five or six bands, all of which use the same drum kit so there’s minimal changeover between sets. There’s no cover charge and each act brings out a small crew of friends and fans, all but guaranteeing a decent turn-out and sales for the bar. Everybody wins.
Last night was New’s sixth anniversary at the Drake Hotel’s Underground bar but Elvis Monday has done stints in a variety of venues including the Silver Dollar, the Paddock, the El Mocambo and Lee’s Palace — the gig truly is a Toronto institution. The only constant has been “stylistic diversity” says New (above left), who always strives to mix things up, not just week to week but within a single evening. Last night was no exception as the show veered from the edgy fun of The Whole Entire Universe to the sweet, clear pop of Flashlight Radio to the muddier, meatier rock of Poppyseed. My apologies to closers The Sweet Mack and Jim Field but I’ve got a day job, man.
Next week, look for Stormalongs, Broken Bricks, Adam Downey, Clara Engel, City Streets and another spin by regulars The Whole Entire Universe.
WHERE/WHEN: Elvis Monday, Underground at the Drake Hotel (1050 Queen Street West, 416.531.5042), Mondays, 10 pm, No cover.
Photos by Christopher Jones
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Wow, loving the new look and feel of the site.
William New is hardcore, a lifer in the Toronto indie music scene. He deserves all the props you can throw at him. Rock on!