The Danforth Music Hall

i’ve been to a couple shows here. great venue, the location isn’t too bad. easy to get to by ttc. i find shows are more enjoyable from the floor rather than the balcony.

Worst experience.
Rude security, unorganized, disgusting bathrooms and a small overly crowded lobby with no room to move — let alone get a drink. Health code violation much?
Saw Chase Rice. Attended this event as a vip guest, and security wouldn’t let us jump the line to get inside. The bands management told us via email to meet them at 7pm. Arrived at 6:45, and security were trying to herd ppl like sheep. Yelling to the back of the line, and they took so long allowing groups to go inside that during their unorganized chaos of shouting they took so long that we missed the opening act. The VIP guest list we were on, with my friend in town, who couldnt answer my texts to come to the door and let us in because he was warming up about to go on. So the inadequate security who treated us like regular ticket goers made us miss my friend play who was up from Nashville. Such a disgrace.
Maybe treat vip guests of the band with some respect. We aren’t teeny boppers or drunk, rowdy concert goers, we are friends with the artists. Even as a regular concert goer, open doors at an appropriate time to allow paying customers an opportunity to see the show they paid for not missing acts. The most unorganized, unprofessional venue I’ve ever visited in North America. Everyone else treats guest lists girlfriends, friends, label reps with respect and additional care. You’ve pissed off management, the band and the people who I attended with that evening.
Once entering the venue, if you’ve made it passed the mayhem that is the entrance — you feel like you’re in immediate fire code violation with how overly crowded the lobby is. Where of course the bar, coat check, ATMs and merch table are located.
All I can say is thank god for my friends band and the crew, management of chase rice for making the rest of the night a good time.
This place is a joke.

Awesome, awesome, awesome. My friend lost her phone here and the venue cleaning staff found it and put it in the office for pick up the following day. Thank you!
Oh and a great place to see a show too!

Came here for a Madeon concert a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. The old theatre vibes and architecture set the mood. After removing the seats in the GA area, the floor is slightly sloped providing a great view for people in the back. So don’t worry if you’re stuck at the back… you have a greater/​higher view than the people at the front.
I went to the Hall for the first time not knowing that there used to be seats in the GA area. So i made the decision of staying at the front for the whole show. However, when the show ended i didn’t know if it was the old theatre smell getting into my head but the trek to the exit seemed incredibly sloped…
Now i know i wasn’t tripping.
Overall very nice hall and the old vibes attract wonderful crowds.

It’s a small concert venue that allows for some rocking intimate concerts! Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because if you want to be front row (or 2^nd row), you will be standing there for a long, long time. like hair and nails growth in inches.
There is seated section in the balcony so it’s worth considering if you don’t want to be standing up on a short run of multiple concerts scheduled tightly.
I don’t drink at concerts because, unless assigned seating, I don’t want to lose my spot by going to the bathroom. That and I bet the drinks are a theft at the price hike!

I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed a concert hall before but I was just here yesterday and really enjoyed this venue. The acoustics and sound were one of the best I’ve heard for a concert which is what might be expected from a converted theatre. The rake of the floor area is also a really cool and simple feature that makes any spot a good spot.
The front entrance area is very small and so very crowded but that’s about the only downside. Bottled water was only $ 3 which is hardly cheap but not that bad for a concert.

I had never been to The Danforth Music Hall until 2 weeks ago and then I saw 2 shows: The Kids In The Hall and Margaret Cho for the She Dot Female Comedy Festival Gala.
Both were shows with seats, and the seats were surprisingly comfy.
The ceiling looks a bit dingy but that is likely from the non stop use of smoke machines during shows — why does that stuff smell so weirdly sweet!!!
The shows I saw were great so I will remember this place fondly.
The snacks, bar and souvenirs were all cash only so be prepared.

The goods — despite a sold out show, the line up to the women’s washroom was reasonable. Could be because there were more noticeably more men in the audience than women. Secondly, the security staff I spoke with were actually personable and friendly.
The bads — the coat check line up was insanity and the location of the coat check and the bar right in the crowded front entrance makes it very pushy and uncomfortable entering the venue. Secondly and most importantly to me, the floor in the General Admission section is not on enough of a rake. This means a shorty like me in a packed house sees a sea of backs and virtually none of the performers. I had to go the the far left of the house and kind of stand behind the bar to see anything at all. This is very problematic and really defeats the purpose of attending a show. Next time I’d fork out the huge bucks and get tickets on the balcony were I’m sure the seated elite had a good view and a more pleasant experience.

Went to see Riff-​Raff a few weeks ago… For an all-​ages show. That’s no way to judge a venue, so this is a very tentative rating.
Atmosphere: The hall is quite old and has that feel of an old opera house or theater. If it wasn’t for the flashing neon of Jodi Highroller and co, I probably could have appreciated it.
Security: I don’t know who handles the security for the hall, whether it is subcontracted out or whether these are employees of the hall itself. All I can say from my limited observation was these guys were a bit heavy handed, throwing out with abandon any teens who were mouthy or causing ruckus. To be fair, most people who got tossed deserved it.

Generally, I like the venue more than others in Toronto, but there are a few things that I wish could be improved which would make all the difference.
The Good:
— At GA shows the seats are removed on the lower level, leaving a sloped floor. This is great if you are short or just don’t want to be at the front. You can still see the stage really well even at the back.
–Very spacious on the floor, even for sold out shows. Not too hard to get to the front (side) if you want to. If you need breathing room, the mid to back area isn’t too crowded. The venue itself also is pretty cool so you don’t get too hot dancing around.
— Great Acoustics! No matter where you stand the band sounds awesome!
— Accessible! One block from Broadview Station.
— Recently they have booked some awesome acts! I saw Arkells here as well as Dwayne Gretzky on New Years. In Feb. I will be seeing The New Pornographers and Stars with Hey Rosetta.
The Bad:
— Terrible lobby lay-​out. Very crowded and confusing! The entrance, merch (if applicable), plus the lines for washrooms, coat check and the lobby bar are all in the same small area. For sold out shows this area and all the lines are a complete mess.
— Small washrooms with long lines, always. When they renovated the venue they should have added and/​or expanded the washrooms. Both times I was here I spent a long time waiting. I felt like I spent more time waiting in line than actually watching the band. The washrooms also smelled pretty bad.
— Long lines for the bar (during sold out shows) The bartenders work really hard but they seemed so stressed out (especially on New Years). I really think they should add or expand the bars inside the concert area.
— Very long coat check line which went along the hall, upstairs, along the hall upstairs and back down the other stairs. This line moved fast but the location of the coat check is awful and confusing. The line itself looks very overwhelming if you don’t know how quickly it actually moves. Another thing that maybe should have been renovated — add a basement area for coat check and extra washrooms?
— Personal Preference: replace Magners with any other cider!

This is a concert venue — I’m a huge fan!
I’ve only been to Danforth once, but it was a great experience. This hall used to be a theater space with built in seats. The seats have been removed but the slanted floor remains, making it a dream concert venue. Standing in the back? No problem! That slanted floor gives you an advantage!
Another great thing about this venue is that they have one large bar outside, but also two smaller satellite bars within the concert space itself — meaning you can stop to grab a beer without missing much! The beer is a bit pricey, but very reasonable compared to larger music venues (ACC anyone?).
There is also a coat check (KEY!) which is a mere $ 2 and a worthy investment.
The one thing to note is that it is a very COLD venue, which is ok once the room is packed, but if you’re showing up early to get a good spot, be aware!

Poorly maintained and disheveled venue.
Our seats had a wooden ladder thrown haphazardly in the aisle. I had to pick it up and move it in order to access our seats. Our seats, 12, 13 & 14 originally appeared to be together but were separated by a pole with wires going in every direction. Not impressed.

The Danforth Music Hall is a mid-​size venue located in the heart of Toronto’s Greek district at Danforth and Broadview.
I went to the Danforth recently to see Blood Orange and it was very easy to get to by subway. Coming from Finch, you go southbound to Bloor Yonge then transfer to an eastbound train and then get off at Broadview and it’s right there.
They book great talent, with mostly somewhat mainstream bands like Capital Cities and Mac DeMarco.
I had no problem getting in, there was no massive line up and I was only carded (it was a 19+ show). Very efficient and friendly security staff.
There’s a GA floor for most shows, otherwise there are Orchestra seats and Mezzanine and Balcony reserved seats. I sat in the Mezzanine seat and had a great view of the stage.
They don’t have much selection in terms of drinks, only Moosehead (a beer I hate) and Twisted Tea, (Mike’s Hard but with Iced Tea). They have bar service in the lobby and on both sides of the GA area.
The washrooms are in the front lobby area and are cleaned and well maintained.
I’m going to see more shows here and I really wish more bands would book here!
One of my favourite venues in Toronto!

great venue
they don’t take care of the facilities too well however

One of my fave places to see live shows in the city. It has had many different incarnations, different seating arrangements, etc. In 2014 the floor is general admission /​standing and the balcony is soft seats.
PROS:
— The atmosphere — the history — the sprit and energy of the building!
— The ACOUSTICS!!! Artists have been known to do a song or two sans mics to demonstrate this (i.e. Pentatonix this April, Rufus Wainwright a few years ago, Feist…)
— Proximity to the subway
— Great staff — from security to bartenders they are FAB!
— Love that you can choose to be on the floor, dancing and jumping and being part of the sweaty crowd, OR you can book soft seats in the balcony and sit down to enjoy! I choose depending on the concert!
— Range of artists booked: I’ve seen everything from hip hop to folk to a cappella and instrumental groups.
CONS:
— Poorly laid out so takes 130 years to get out of the building after the concert is over
— Drinks are EXPENSIVE (but come on… they are at all venues like this)
PLEASE NEVER TEAR THE MUSIC HALL DOWN! One of my fave places in the city!

For general admission on the main floor, the floor is sloped. This is good for seeing the stage, but depending on where you are standing, it can be hard to dance. Concrete floor is also not the best for dancing.
The acoustics are solid.
I’m excited to return for any event where pure listening is the focus.

While on holiday, a friend told me to check out Woodkid at the Danforth. I thought why the hell not? It’s always fun to see new venues and bands! So I trundled off to the Danforth with trepidation.
The outside is an amazing bit of twee Americana. Neon lights and the show signs look great — like a cinema from the 1950s. The inside is somewhat stark in contrast, failing to live up to the outside’s great décor. Of course, music venues don’t have to be pretty inside — you spend more your evening in the dark anyway — but it would have been a good bonus. To all intents and purposes, the interior feels gutted out, with a few pop-​up bars, a bare floor and even a slight chilly draft. The acoustics are great, and the sloping floor is something I’d like to see in all venues!
So it’s simple and basic, but that’s all music venues need to be. I enjoyed my 3 hours in the Danforth and would happily go back again. Thanks TO, I had a blast!

Just saw Gogol Bordello at Danforth Music Hall a few weeks ago and thank god they decided not to return to Sound Academy.
They key to DMH is the sloping floor (the seats were removed for this show). It will still be hard to see the stage at all times if you’re short like me, but at least a tall guy 20 feet ahead of you won’t be a problem.
Other positives:
— acoustics are great
— several bars so there aren’t huge lines (4 in total!)
— balcony seating if you want to sit and enjoy the show
— as mentioned, removable seats on the lower level for different types of acts
I have nothing bad to say about DMH. Great venue. Hopefully enough bands appreciate its qualities to keep it full year-​round!

I can see why this venue gets a 4 star rating, at minimum. I too think it’s a great place to watch a concert.
First of all, I am a nostalgic kind of person, and this venue looks old school and intimate. I don’t like big crowds and big shows (ACC), and prefer the charm of something cozier The location is unbeatable, within walking distance of all the great Greek restaurants. My parents and I were at Christine’s before and decided to walk off our dinner to this place (stopping for some FroYo in between at Yogurty’s).
What I found weird was that we had to get orange bracelets before going in. Once in, the lobby is small and crowded, but that just adds to the atmosphere. There is a bar on the main level (woot!) and you can bring your drinks in: wine and beer in cans.
My parents and I were here to see OMD… another reason why I felt so nostalgic. The main floor is stand-​up only but my parents wanted to sit, so we were seated at the balcony level. Seats are small and tight so beware those who are taller. Like my dad, he got an aisle seat so he could stretch his legs out. Balcony level has a mini bar, but no washroom. The bad thing is that for the ladies, you will have to go downstairs where there are only 6 stalls… if you can, go during the show because intermission, the line is nuts…
Sound is great and the only other problem was that this place did not have any air. It was so hot and stuffy that one of the drummers couldn’t play anymore and the show was cut short.
But overall, I still enjoyed this place! It simply has charm.

Came here for the Stars concert this past week.
Because I’m short, I prefer going to concerts where I can sit. Seriously, it’s like every person who likes the same music as me is 6 feet plus. We had a seat on the balcony, which was nice because there was a dedicated bar, which meant no waiting with the throngs on the first floor. Speaking of throngs on the first floor, there are only 6 stalls in the ladies’ room for the whole place.
I’m no sound engineer, but I’m a huge music fan. I thought the sound in the place was excellent. It was loud but not so loud that you couldn’t pick out each individual instruments or hear the vocals clearly. The sound guy certainly did the band justice. I was in heaven.
The seats are a bit uncomfortable, sort of like old-​school movie theatres. They were padded, though.
I’d love to see another band here. It has a great vibe and great sound, plus it’s near a ton of restaurants so it’s really easy to make a night of it.