November is packed with events one can only get in Oshawa. The city is not called Durham Region's music capital for nothing. Many bands are making their mark nationally and internationally. However, so many are still coming up, and several of the best of them are playing in Oshawa this month.
Unique to Oshawa is the Ontario Philharmonic, which calls the Regent Theatre home. The orchestra’s season begins in November with two concerts: Saturday, November 16 is ‘Splendid Water Soundscapes’ with special guest Remigio, and Saturday, November 30, kicks off the holiday season with Nutcracker. Not to be missed, folks; this is absolutely the way to usher in the season!
In the clubs, the month kicks off Friday, November 1, when the very stylish Washboard Union brings their mix of bluegrass and country sounds, their “simple music for complicated times,” to the Main Stage at the BOND|ST event centre. And double the fun, as Redhill Valleys, country rock from the Hammer, are opening along with Basil Bauer.
Oshawa was also once home to the infamous The Dungeon, now renamed the Two Two Two, located in the BOND|ST event centre. On November 2, local bands are reclaiming the name in the ‘Return of the Oshawa Dungeon’ concert featuring emo-rockers Contour, Conversation, FITH, and .hialeah.
Again, November is the month to really get a sense of the city’s scene. BOND|ST event centre is also hosting a Battle of the Bands on November 24, with a grand prize up for grabs, while one block over the Biltmore Theatre has its own run of local band shows.
Friday, November 1, at the Biltmore Theatre, local rockers Of The Unknown perform along with Lear Haven. Special guests are Plz Respond and Proof of Dog. On Saturday, November 16, The Standstills return for a hometown gig; it's been a while since the band has played Oshawa, so it's definitely one to check out—Hollowick, who cut their teeth, probably literally, at The Dungeon open. On Saturday, November 23, From Heaven To Hell, featuring Seagrave, Napoleon, Beguiler, Pneumonia Breath, and Afraid, takes place at the Biltmore.
In between and around the many local acts performing are a wide range of musicians from far and away taking time to stay in Oshawa, including internationally renowned Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow, whose new album, ‘Wide Open, Horses, ’ shines. JVM plays the Biltmore on Monday, November 4.
That's already a packed month, but there’s even more, so maybe instead of booking an overnight stay, live music lovers should start planning a week!
On Friday, November 8, The Stephen Stanley Band makes a stop at the TwoTwoTwo with upcoming singer/songwriter Evan Rotella. Sunday, November 10, Canadian legend Murray McLauchlan brings his new album ‘Hourglass’ to the Regent Theatre.
You can find TikTok sensation CARYS at the Biltmore Theatre on Thursday, November 14, with Featurette, Lyzzie, and local sister act Equal. Friday, the following night, on Friday, November 15, the Biltmore hosts fun indie folk duo Danny Michel and Steve Poltz. On Sunday, November 17, at the Regent Theatre, the venerable Matt Dusk sings selections from the Tony Bennett catalogue.
On Wednesday, November 20, a true legend of Canadian punk, global punk even, former NOMEANSNO drummer John Wright, will be at the Biltmore Theatre. His new band, Dead Bob, plays with Lung and USA Out of Vietnam.
Canadian megastars the Arkells take their incredible live arena-level show to The Tribute Communities Centre, on Thursday, November 28. Of course, it's only two blocks from where they had their first show in Oshawa, the infamous Dungeon!
As usual, there are many tribute shows throughout the month at the Regent Theatre and the Biltmore Theatre, open mics and solo acoustic performances at BOND|ST event centre, and pubs, bars, and cafes all across the city.
Comments