Catl rocks the Upper Deck @ Toronto Island Marina, August 1

Don't miss Catl's shack shakin' return to the Toronto Island Marina's Upper Deck for a swingin' Saturday night  getdown! It's free!  

Watch a short clip of Catl's boffo performance on Saturday night at the Upper Deck right here. Thanks Sue!

Watch Toronto blues rockers Catl tear up Temple Fest in Normandy

Here's Catl in action on stage at Temple Fest in Osmoy-Saint-Valéry. Catch 'em in Karlsruhe, Germany later today! 

You can also catch Catl on Saturday (July 11) at the Raut Oak Festival in Riegsee. For tickets/directions visit the event site.

Catl's Boffo Bon Voyage Blast! @ Castro's Lounge, Sunday

Catl is knocking out a sweaty matinee soiree at Castro's on Sunday from 3-6 pm before their European tour. Expect the unexpected!

Catl may be playing an E.U. date near you! Follow 'em on Instagram right here: https://www.instagram.com/catltheband/.

Catl, Kewpie Dolls, Terrible Threes @ Dina's Tavern, Saturday

Catch Catl at Dina's Tavern on a stacked triple bill Saturday (May 9) before they go on their summer European tour. 

CATL + KEWPIE DOLLS + TERRIBLE THREES

at Dina's Tavern (486 Spadina)

Saturday, May 9th at 9 pm (doors at 8 pm)

Tickets $15 advance (plus fees) available here. 

HOLY HOT POTATOES! HAVE WE GOT A LINE UP FOR YOU! Toronto's sexiest rock 'n rollers unite for a night of sweaty fun at Dina's Tavern on the site of the old Silver Dollar Room!

TORONTO ROCK N' ROLLER RATS - THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!

CATL are heading to Europe again this summer, and it just wouldn't feel right if we didn't have a hometown send-off that'll knock all of our socks off!

so we gathered the coolest bands in town...

Kewpie Dolls - Toronto's fierce all-girl foursome

Thee Terrible Threes - super group? or this cities worst garage punk unknowns??

THIS IS A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED!

Check out a few clips of Catl in action (including some ancient footage shot at the old Silver Dollar) along with a performance by the Kewpie Dolls. 

 

Catl on tour in Belgium, Germany and France 2026

June 26 - BIELEFELD, DE - @extrabluesbar

June 27 - OOSTKAMP, BE - @cowboyup_steakhouse Cowboy Up Music Revival #2 *FESTIVAL*

July 2 - BINIC, FR - @lechalandbinic

July 4 - OSMOY SAINT VALERY, FR - @temple.festival *FESTIVAL*

July 5 - GRAVIGNY, FR- @spore.festival *FESTIVAL*

July 9 - KARLSRUHE, DE - @kohi

July 11 - SURPRISE GUEST APPEARANCE *FESTIVAL*

Gerard Van Herk's "Martian Kiss" Release w/ Catl, Dusky Thrush @ The Horseshoe, Jan 24

Deja Voodoo's Gerard Van Herk performs songs from his new Martian Kiss LP along with a few Deja Voodoo faves, a couple of 'em played by Dusky Thrush.

Here's the scoop from Deja Voodoo HQ...

Hey, if you can make it to the Toronto record launch this Saturday, here's the Deja Voodoo tunes we'll be doing (after a bunch of stuff from the new Martian Kiss album, and some surprise extras): Too Cool to Live, Coelacanth, If Mashed Potatoes, Big Scary Daddy, Things With You, 3 Men 1 Coffin, My Girlfriend, Cheese & Crackers, and Voodoo BBQ. And maybe Lonely Motel and Blast Off!

Schedule for Gerard Van Herk's "Martian Kiss" release party 

8:30 pm – doors open

9:00 pm – Dusky Thrush (ex-House of Knives) plays Deja Voodoo

9:45 pm – CATL

10:45 pm – Gerard and Paddy

Get tickets for Gerard Van Herk's "Martian Kiss" release party with Catl and Dusky Thrush at the Horseshoe on Saturday (January 24) right here. Also, there will be Deja Voodoo t-shirts available for sale! All sizes in stock, assuming UPS shows up on time. 

Check out a few clips of Gerard in action along with a couple of choice Deja Voodoo covers performed by Dusky Thrush below. 

Catl haunts Tijuana Bibles' Halloween party @ The Garrison, Friday

Catl's Jamie & Sarah have been moulting mummies & psychedelic skeletons so anything's possible for Friday's show at 8 pm sharp.

Sarah and Jamie decided to go full-on Rat-mone (complete with tails!) as depicted in their now familiar Catl logo.

Catl returns to rock Toronto Island Marina, Saturday

Catl's annual event at the Toronto Island Marina's Upper Deck is always a blast. Check the clips. Here's the tender boat schedule.

Catl embarks on blues rockin' European takeover this June!

Look out Germany and Belgium, Toronto juke joint blues duo deluxe Catl are coming to tear shit up near you! 

** CATL'S EUROPEAN TOUR 2025 **

6.5 - FRANKFURT, DE - Dreikönigskeller FFM

6.6 - MONCHENGLADBACH, DE - *private party*

6.7 - KNESSELARE, BE - ROOTS IN THE JAR FARM FEST

6.12 - KUSEL, DE - Kulturzentrum Kinett

6.14 - BERLIN, DE - BERLIN STRING BASH

Dakota Tavern's "renovation" marks the end of an era for a beloved T.O. live music venue

Apparently, the Dakota Tavern won't be returning as a live music venue. Who really needs another sports bar in Toronto?  

Derek Downham remembers the Dakota Tavern

The death of The Dakota Tavern represents so much more than just the loss of a great live music venue.

This is where some of Toronto's greatest bands were born and nurtured.

This is where strangers met to dance and fall in love. 

This is where for many years there was a mutual respect between band, audience and staff.

That's what made it so very special.

My emotional connection to The Dakota cannot be overstated. 

I am honoured that I had the opportunity to be a part of it's heyday for 11+ years on Sundays with The Beauties and as part of so many other groups. I actually can't calculate how many shows I played there. Several hundreds, certainly.

Thank you to Jennifer Haslett, Maggie Ruhl & Shawn Thomas Creamer for giving myself and so many others the opportunity to play and build community at The Dakota.

While many of us have already moved on and mourned the loss years ago, I feel this needed to be said.

Thank you.

There will never be another scene like The Dakota on a Sunday when The Beauties played. The music, the abandon, the happiness...truly the greatest and longest running weekly gig I have ever seen or been a part of. It's where I met and played for my heroes like Stuart Copeland, Johnny Marr...Jason Momoa would pick me up like a rag doll. The nights with Kevin Drew and the Metric crew were nothing short of legendary. The Beauties got to play the Junofest Gala, signed to Six Shooter Records and played Zach Galafanakis' wedding because of these nights. This is all just the tip of the iceberg of what came out of these incredible shows. 

Thank you to every one of you who came out and supported us and the venue.

I've lived a truly blessed musical life, and a huge part of that is because of The Dakota Tavern.

So Long, Dakota

There is no way

To draw the end of a line

There is no way to tell ending of time - it’s over 

And in a way we are a victim of crime

Another way to paint a picture so fine, moreover

So Long Dakota, Carry On Dakota

We had a day 

we had a decade or more

There wasn’t anybody keeping the score

It’s over 

We saw the morning through a bottle of wine

We held each other 

‘Til the end of the night spilled over

So Long Dakota, Carry On Dakota

- DD

Now, more than ever: 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LIVE MUSIC. 

Without you, it ceases to exist. 

For more info on the unfolding story about The Dakota Tavern, check out Lindsay Dunn's report for City News (below) and the Exclaim piece in the links section. Also, watch The Beauties performing "Fashion Blues" at The Dakota Tavern back in 2010 below followed by a performance by Colonel Tom Parker & The American Pour feat. Nichol Robertson on guitar and a 360' clip of Toronto's premiere blues duo Catl in action.

LINKS

Exclaim.ca Toronto's Dakota Tavern reportedly not reopening

Catl springs into action @ Castro's Lounge, March 15

Don't miss Catl's return to Castro's (2116 Queen St. E) on Saturday, March 15. Watch 'em tear it up in Paducah, Kentucky below. 

Catl, All Seeing Eyes, Shook Boys @ Monarch Tavern, January 25

Catl will be joined by Kentucky's All Seeing Eyes (feat. Johnny Walker) in a jukejoint blowout at the Monarch. Get tix here.

Catl kicks off the Farewell Concert Series @ Hamilton's Casbah Lounge, Sunday

Toronto's mighty Catl plays their final show at Hamilton's Casbah as part of the Farewell Series starting Sunday from 2 pm till late. 

CASBAH FAREWELL SERIES (NIGHT ONE)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 29

The Casbah (306 King St. West, Hamilton)

A day/night of goodbyes, good vibes & good bands

Hamilton's venerable night spot The Casbah Lounge is ending it's 24-year run as music community hub in the heart of the Hammer with a Farewell Concert Series starting Sunday (December 29) with an all ages, all-day event in the Main Hall starting at 2 pm and running until 12 midnight featuring performances by Toronto's blues rockin' gruesome twosome Catl (6:30 pm - sharp!) along with Blind Mule, the Carrie Clark Trio, Chelsea Reynolds Band, Sarah Good & The Bads and GEOFF. The cover is $20 with all proceeds going to the bands. Tell a friend. 

Check the Casbah site www.casbahlounge.ca for more info, upcoming events and merch. Check out Catl tearing through their whumpin' "Hold My Body Down" at the Casbah in 2018 and "Got A Thing For You" at This Ain't Hollywood way back in 2015. Watch Catl's version of "You Got The Silver" performed at the Casbah right here. 

Catl rocks The Gem's 40th Anniversary Christmas Party @ Salto, Sunday

Don't miss The Gem's 40th Anniversary Christmas Party at Salto today starting at 4pm. Catl plays a covers set at 8 pm. 

SURPRISE SUNDAY POP-UP SHOW 

IN SUPPORT OF THE GEM BAR & GRILL 

Salto Restaurant & Bar (1138 Davenport Rd) - across from where the Gem stood.

 4pm until 2am. CATL plays at 8 pm. $20 admission (includes a beer and nachos).

Writes Catl's Sarah K.: "Heyo! CATL is gonna play some cover tunes around 8 pm tonight in support of our buddy Edualdo Angilletta. The Gem was damaged by fire about a year ago and sadly was unable to re-open. Eddie is auctioning off some of the memorabilia that adorned its hallowed halls. It was our favourite bar for nachos and camaraderie and we miss it dearly.

"The Gem was the first place that catl ever played live a looong time ago. Eddie has been a great supporter who even let us rehearse in the bar during the days when we didn't have a practice space. He also rode his motorcycle down to Detroit to see us one time.

"We're gonna warble through some covers tonight and hope to see some folks who felt the same love for Eddie, the staff and The Gem.  A huge loss to the community what was once the greatest rock 'n' roll bar in the city." 

Also there's a raffle for The Gem's famous jukebox and an auction of The Gem's memorabilia. For more info, visit the FB event page right here. 

LINKS

Toronto Star Beloved Toronto Bar Closes After Nearly 40 Years

Johnny Walker's All Seeing Eyes joins Catl @ Monarch Tavern, January 25

Tickets are now on sale for Catl's jukejoint throwdown with Kentucky's All Seeing Eyes and the Shook Boys  on January 25.

Get tickets via Showclix right here: https://www.showclix.com/event/catl-all-seeing-eyes-shook-boys

CATL. rocks Toronto Island Marina's Upper Deck, Saturday

Don't miss Catl's annual getaway-from-the-city show at Toronto Island Marina's Upper Deck tonight at 8:30 pm to 11 pm. It's free and always a blast!

Sarah's tips on getting to Toronto Island Marina...

YES there is a dedicated boat. YOU DON'T HAVE TO use the REGULAR FERRY if you don't want to for any reason, or are worried about crowds. 

Get yourselves to the foot of YORK ST., cross the street to the water-side, stay to the right hand side and look for sign's for the 'Toronto Island Marina' tender/small boat. mention to the driver that you're heading over to see CATL at the Marina and they will only charge you $5 (instead of $10).

For full tender schedule check out www.torontoislandmarina.com

Come early to grab a bite to eat, a drink, and a sweet spot at a table! 

This show is FREE – no tickets! just come have fun!

Toronto's dynamic duo Catl rock Summer Live 4 in Lixing-lès-Rouhling, Saturday

If you happen to be in northeastern France this weekend, don't miss Catl with The Courettes & Bob Log III on Saturday! 

Oh yes Belgium, Catl are headed your way for three fab Flemish frolics in Sint-Truiden, Tongeren and Oostkamp! 

Toronto's primo blues rockers Catl. feel the spirit on Catl's Country Gospel Hour

Catl. kicks off a series of digital singles with updates of heavenly gems from The Louvin Brothers and Carter Family. 

In advance of Catl's upcoming European tour, Toronto's favourite blues bashers are sharing a digital single of their Catl-ized versions of two country gospel tunes "Satan's Jeweled Crown" by the Louvin Brothers and "No Telephone In Heaven" popularized by the Carter Family. Have a listen to Catl's update of "Satan's Jeweled Crown" right here and "No Telephone In Heaven" right here. 

 

Before any nasty rumours start spreading, it should be made clear that Catl's dynamic duo of Jamie & Sarah didn't "get religion" during the pandemic. Although their time away from the stage did present the opportunity to listen to more vintage country and blues recordings which they found inspiring. And just as many of their favourite purveyors of "the devil's music" – namely Charley Patton, Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Washington Phillips – also dabbled in the spiritual realm, Catl like to keep all the bases covered. In fact, they've previously recorded a version of Phillips' "Keys to The Kingdom" for their 2018 album Bide My Time Until I Die (available here) and they also did "He'll Make A Way" by Robert Johnson (the other one, documented by George Mitchell) for 2012's Soon This Will All Be Gone (get it here). 

Explains Jamie: "During the Covid lockdown, Sarah and I were buying and listening to a lot of country music. I've always loved gospel music and how it's structured to 'uplift' people out of their troubles and embrace the 'spirit' (which can be interpreted differently from person to person). Also, how it balances with blues music.

"Since we haven't had a practice space in years,  playing drums loudly was not an option. Sarah switched back to her original instrument, the organ, and we started working on a gospel/country set. A handful of songs were recorded over a three-day session during June of 2023 in the French countryside near Rennes, where our label Beast Records resides. More tracks were cut with Franck Thareault at his home studio called Fly House Records. 

"Initially our plan was to make this a series of singles, with future releases would share the same theme. Not sure if we would ever play these songs live, but it's been a nice side distraction learning songs from the old country catalogue.  

"If we get an album's worth of material covered we're gonna consider a physical release, but for now we're sharing the first two songs, "Satan's Jeweled Crown" by the Louvin Brothers and "No Telephone in Heaven" by The Carter Family."

Check out Catl's versions of "Satan's Jeweled Crown" and "No Telephone in Heaven" on Bandcamp (right here) or via your streaming platform of choice.

You can catch Catl. on their European barnstorming tour of Finland, France Germany and Belgium this June (see dates following the clips). Those interested can check out the Louvin Brothers' 1958 recording of "Satan's Jeweled Crown" and the Carter Family's 1929 recording of "No Telephone In Heaven" back-to-back with Catl's versions below. 

Catl and The Kewpie Dolls rock The Dakota Tavern, Saturday

Don't miss the jukejoint rock 'n' roll throwdown over at the Dakota Tavern with Catl and the Kewpie Dolls starting at 10 pm. 

Catl & The Kewpie Dolls with DJ Hideki 

The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington at Dundas)

$15 advance, $20 door. 

Get ready for an intimate night of stripped down, juke-joint blues and rock n roll with Toronto’s top blues rockin' duo Catl, who will make sure you drink and sweat 'til you can’t drink and sweat no more! Catl are briefly back in town after a successful trip down to Mississippi. This will likely be Catl's only Toronto show before heading off to Europe for a tour through the month of June – so you won't want to miss it! Opening for Catl will be Toronto’s newest all-female garage whumpers, The Kewpie Dolls. 

DJ Hideki will be spinning rockin' 45s all night long. Tickets are going fast so grab some while you can right here. Check out some recent clips of Catl down in Mississippi along with an early show by the Kewpie Dolls. 

NYC's harp-wailin' Daddy Long Legs w/ Ichi-Bons & Catl @ Lee's Palace, Friday

Daddy Long Legs are joined by Toronto's Ichi-Bons and Catl for a rip-snortin' triple bill at Lee's Palace on Friday – don't miss it! 

Get tickets for Catl's show with Daddy Long Legs & Ichi-Bons at Lee's Palace on Feb 9 right here. 

Catl returns to rock the Casbah in Hamilton, Saturday

If you're in Hamilton on Saturday, don't miss Catl with the Carrie Clark Band and Rocket & The Renegades. Get tickets here.