Lightfoot To Reopen Massey Hall In November

By Kerry Doole

Arguably the most historic and best-loved music venue in Canada, Toronto's Massey Hall is preparing its November relaunch after a three-year closure.

Jesse Kumagai, President and CEO, Massey Hall, recalls the closure: “Three years ago, Massey Hall was filled with artists and fans... No one could have predicted the challenges we would all face in the ensuing years. There isn’t enough that can be said about those who have helped us reach this point. From every order of government to the incredible vision of Allied Properties and The Slaight Family Foundation, our supporters and all the people (who have helped the reopen) possible."

As many as 40 acts grace Massey Hall's marquee reopening in the newly named Allan Slaight Auditorium.

To no one's surprise, the first artist to perform at the revitalized Massey Hall will be troubadour Gordon Lightfoot, who has played Massey Hall consistently throughout his career since the '60s. He was the last artist to perform there, on July 1, 2018, and he returns for three consecutive nights, November 25-27, closing in on his 170th appearance on the main stage (now named after his longstanding friend, Allan Slaight).

The initial lineup is heavy on Canadian content, and includes City and Colour, The Glorious Sons (in for three nights), Broken Social Scene, Tanya Tagaq, Buffy Sainte-Marie with The Sadies, Sarah Harmer, Bruce Cockburn, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, Jann Arden, Whitehorse, Molly Johnson, Patrick Watson, Chilly Gonzales, Royal Wood, Cowboy Junkies, Donovan Woods, and Leif Vollebekk. On Dec. 8, in a Live Nation event, the Hall hosts the 17th Annual Andy Kim Christmas, a star-studded charity fundraiser to benefit CAMH Gifts Of Light,

US visitors will include Mavis Staples, Buddy Guy, and Emmylou Harris and Patty Griffin.

Tickets for all shows are on-sale to the public on Monday, June 21 at 12 pm and are available for purchase by phone at 416-872-4255 or online at masseyhall.com. 

Stay tuned for other Allied Music Centre updates in the coming months and find out more about its new facilities; The Club, The Theatre, Basement Bar, and community spaces and dedicated artist resources like the Deane Cameron Recording Studio, Creative Studio, Archives & Exhibits, and more. When complete, the Allied Music Centre will offer four venues for artists, educators, and community groups plus extended programming opportunities. More information here.