It’s a tough time for live music in Canada. The blues community is feeling the sting as festivals fight to survive, and beloved venues shut their doors. The news that the Edmonton Blues Festival won’t return this year is a heavy blow, and the recent closure of Toronto’s Dakota Tavern has left a hole in the heart of the music scene.
After 25 years of bringing world-class blues to Alberta, the Edmonton Blues Festival is taking a hiatus in 2025 due to skyrocketing production costs. Festival producer Cam Hayden recently revealed that costs have surged by 40 to 60 percent since the pandemic. The impact of inflation, decreasing sponsorships, and sluggish ticket sales have created an unsustainable financial model, forcing organizers to consider raising ticket prices significantly—a move that could alienate fans already feeling the economic pinch.
Another challenge has been the ongoing renovations at the festival’s former home, the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park. Since its closure, the festival relocated to Klondike Park, but the uncertainty surrounding venue availability has made long-term planning difficult. The hope is that by 2026, when the amphitheater renovations are completed, the festival can return stronger than ever. But in today’s volatile live music landscape, nothing is guaranteed.
Despite these struggles, the blues community remains resilient. The Calgary Blues Festival continues to be a beacon of hope, drawing in fans and artists alike with its commitment to keeping the genre alive. Other regional festivals are also trying to hold the line, but without more support, many will face the same fate as Edmonton’s beloved event. If ticket prices continue to rise and sponsorships remain scarce, how many more festivals will disappear in the next few years?
As if the festival woes weren’t enough, the closure of The Dakota Tavern in Toronto is yet another gut punch to the industry. For many, including myself, this wasn’t just a bar with a stage—it was a sacred space for artists and music lovers alike. It’s where Four Chords and The Truth was born, and over the years, I’ve interviewed more than 100 artists within its walls. The Dakota wasn’t just a venue; it was a cornerstone of Toronto’s music scene, a place where raw talent met genuine appreciation. Its closure marks the end of an era, and one has to wonder what’s next for live music in the city.
Over the years, The Dakota has hosted an incredible roster of talent. Legends like Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, Serena Ryder, Kathleen Edwards, and Whitehorse have all graced its stage, filling the intimate venue with unforgettable performances. Emerging artists also found a home at The Dakota, with the venue serving as a launchpad for acts like The Strumbellas and Terra Lightfoot. Countless surprise collaborations and impromptu jam sessions made it a must-visit spot for music lovers. The loss of this institution leaves a void that will be nearly impossible to fill.
Toronto has lost a number of key venues in recent years, from The Silver Dollar Room to Hugh’s Room Live’s original location. Each loss chips away at the foundation of the city's music scene, making it harder for emerging artists to find spaces to perform and for audiences to experience live music in intimate, community-driven settings. If independent venues continue to shut down, where will the next generation of musicians hone their craft?
So, where do we go from here? If we want to keep live music thriving, it’s going to take more than nostalgia and good intentions. Fans need to show up, sponsors need to step up, and policymakers need to recognize the cultural and economic value these festivals and venues bring to our communities.
Music is more than just entertainment—it’s a vital part of our cultural fabric. It connects us, inspires us, and brings communities together in a way few other things can. But without support, the spaces that allow it to flourish will continue to vanish.
We’ve lost too much already. Let’s not lose more.
Stevie Connor, a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, is renowned for his versatility across various domains within the industry. Initially destined for football, Stevie's heart found its true calling in music. His multifaceted journey has seen him excel as a musician, composer, recording artist, journalist, and internet radio pioneer.
In 2012, Stevie laid the foundation for Blues and Roots Radio, an online platform that quickly became a global stage for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and Celtic music. His visionary leadership propelled the platform to international acclaim. Not content with just one venture, Stevie expanded his influence in 2020 by founding The Sound Cafe Magazine, a multilingual platform dedicated to artist interviews, album reviews, and music news.
Stevie's impact extends beyond these platforms. His discerning ear and industry acumen have presented opportunities to be selected as a juror for national awards such as the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Maple Blues Awards. Through his tireless efforts, he has earned a solid reputation within the music community, garnering respect from peers and artists alike.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, Stevie remains deeply connected to his roots, both musically and geographically. He continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world, ensuring his influence resonates far beyond any single platform. Stevie's enduring passion and commitment to music make him a true luminary in the industry.
Stevie is a verified journalist on the global PR platform, Muck Rack.
Muck Rack's First Featured Journalist of 2023