Renovation Revival
A landmark of the Danforth since opening its doors in 1919, the Music Hall has gone from hosting vaudeville shows and theatrical extravaganzas to punk rock concerts and second-run movies. Recent renovations, however, have restored the 1,150-capacity space back to its rightful splendour, with new seats, climate control, and high-tech sound and lighting systems. A new liquor and confection bar in the foyer, plus improved washrooms and backstage area, have attracted a new era of world-class bookings right across from the Broadview subway station.

Concert Tradition
The Music Hall has become a favourite for jazz, blues and folk performers from around the block and around the world, as well as classic rock acts catering to a more intimate audience, along with musical theatre and spoken word shows. The theatre re-opened with a focus on live events in 2005 after several years of showing movies. Concert tours stopping at Music Hall have included the Police, Pat Benatar, James Brown, Duran Duran, Tom Waits, Harry Connick Jr. and Oasis. Local acts with theatre-sized followings have also taken the Danforth stage, from Barenaked Ladies to Blue Rodeo to Bruce Cockburn. The historic theatre also provided one of the vaudeville-era settings for the movie Chicago.

Musical Greatness
Forging a connection with the surrounding communities has become part of the Music Hall’s agenda. The theatre plays host to organizations like Art of Jazz, which gives local music students an opportunity to perform onstage alongside musical greats. Fundraising events include the Riverdale Share benefit concert for needy families each Christmas. Located in the heart of Greektown, the theatre has become the setting for performances in every universal language.