{"id":2932,"date":"2025-02-14T07:27:58","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T11:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/?p=2932"},"modified":"2025-02-14T07:28:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T11:28:19","slug":"review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa","title":{"rendered":"Review of the Best Live Music Venues in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The capital of Canada offers plenty of great ways to spend an evening, and one of them is enjoying live music. Just imagine the sound of a saxophone, thrilling rock band performances, and music spanning different generations. Ottawa has many venues where you can experience live music in various genres\u2014let\u2019s take a closer look at these places. More on <a href=\"http:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\">ottawa-trend.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1358ef783b9\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1358ef783b9\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#Ottawa_and_Live_Music\" >Ottawa and Live Music<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#House_of_TARG\" >House of TARG<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#LIVE_on_Elgin\" >LIVE! on Elgin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#Red_Bird\" >Red Bird<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#Montgomery_Scotch_Lounge\" >Montgomery Scotch Lounge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#The_Rainbow_Bistro\" >The Rainbow Bistro<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#Venue_and_Atmosphere\" >Venue and Atmosphere<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2932-review-of-the-best-live-music-venues-in-ottawa\/#Tips_for_Visiting_Live_Music_Venues\" >Tips for Visiting Live Music Venues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_and_Live_Music\"><\/span>Ottawa and Live Music<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa regularly hosts music festivals, concerts, and live music nights. Many venues create a unique atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food and drinks alongside live performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This combination of venues and music not only provides entertainment but also supports local musicians. It gives Ottawa residents a chance to hear renowned performers as well as discover new local talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"House_of_TARG\"><\/span>House of TARG<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This Ottawa venue, located at 1077 Bank St., stands out with its best live music, pinball machines, old-school arcade games, and delicious menu. House of TARG was founded by local musicians: Paul &#8220;Yogi&#8221; Granger, Mark McHale, Kevin Berger, and Blake Jacobs. Yogi has expressed his desire for House of TARG to be more than just a bar or restaurant\u2014he envisions it as something legendary. Indeed, the venue has fostered an incredible music community and continues to thrive thanks to the support of Ottawa residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few details to know before visiting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many wonder if they can bring children. Until 8:00 PM, House of TARG is family-friendly, even providing step stools for young visitors. After 8:00 PM, the venue transforms into a live music spot for adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only visitors aged 19+ can stay after 8:00 PM, so bringing an ID is necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The venue is accessible via OC Transpo buses #6 and #7, and parking is available nearby (24\/7 on weekends and until 5:00 PM on weekdays).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>House of TARG features bands performing rock, metal, indie, punk, country, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxel825aeudg9kexaod7xo2muz-5l1p6snhsi_m0w2455srquvxmxjuqcev0roows2tyxwd6smofrvpw2x-p6arlftqhur6zyd3h06jdyvc26yvklovym4ahdkrjkmwssf6vvak56akeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LIVE_on_Elgin\"><\/span>LIVE! on Elgin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located on the bustling Elgin Street in Ottawa, LIVE! on Elgin is a well-loved venue where residents enjoy an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. The venue hosts live music, comedy shows, spoken word performances, improv acts, drag shows, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LIVE! on Elgin is a place for people of all ages. The venue was founded by Lawrence and John Evanchik. Lawrence, an Ottawa native, has been involved in the city&#8217;s arts and theatre scene since 1979, working as a performer, director, and administrator. His diverse career includes experience as a waiter, sales manager, and business owner\u2014culminating in the creation of LIVE! on Elgin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>John Evanchik, a graduate of the small business and entrepreneurship program at Algonquin College, joined Ottawa\u2019s music community in high school, eventually playing in his first band. He has dedicated his energy to supporting the local music scene by booking live performances, securing grants for touring musicians, and promoting live music in Ottawa. His non-profit organization, Ottawa Music Bus, continues to foster the city\u2019s artistic community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxdwljvbpm-mhqugxlvabud07sizbyh878be6ihy_iwudvjrd2ag1mknjzq1sdynp59cax5xovfv6r4sztibht8i_lk2xmojc17bab6eshlu4ch2u2jo2qwb8j0cvnx6c89ve7roaqkeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Bird\"><\/span>Red Bird<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in Old Ottawa South, Red Bird is an 80-seat venue dedicated to live music. It also offers a cozy atmosphere with delicious local snacks such as soft pretzels and pastries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red Bird is not just a live music venue\u2014it also serves as an educational space with five teaching rooms. Visitors of all ages and skill levels can take private or group music lessons. Group sessions include after-school and weekend programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red Bird focuses on live performances of Americana, folk, country, and other<a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/uk\/eternal-961-top-vidomyh-spivakiv-ta-spivachok-ottavy\"> music genres<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxellzsvq9wvl8gqnhmb6d_g2xnf0totmhrwi5mmvqcra1q_miltb8s_bfa-lfs926vk1gzyvm__xwztl3hlvdjksjghkgwyvchwqrbrzwcl0jsmnzz31xx5yq-a4ojgo37kgtz61akeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Montgomery_Scotch_Lounge\"><\/span>Montgomery Scotch Lounge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Situated in Ottawa\u2019s lively Centretown district, Montgomery Scotch Lounge offers a unique blend of live music, a bar, and a restaurant. Residents love coming here to enjoy premium Scottish whisky, including 77 different types of single malt whisky, along with innovative cocktails, delicious charcuterie, and entertainment. From Wednesday to Saturday, the venue hosts live music nights, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors have praised the lounge as a great spot for a date night or a hidden Ottawa gem with top-notch service. Montgomery Scotch Lounge is known for its live music, great food, and strong drinks, offering a cool jazz ambiance and performances that leave guests wanting to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxeklmmffe8qhxpdneafnhmpjmgixutzwynjrviru1gpwuryc0-0c5aonlmfjzoo0jct_kgyddopyrqbrjxxielvn1-dxqlkj9lrrt9skrpoctfyxexzkpzvxxpvekympfyg4ldykeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Rainbow_Bistro\"><\/span>The Rainbow Bistro<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rainbow Bistro is a legendary Ottawa live music venue that has hosted many of North America\u2019s most influential artists. Blues legends like Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Dr. John, Dutch Mason, Jeff Healey, and John Hammond have all performed here. Notable Canadian artists such as Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Crash Test Dummies, Spirit of the West, Tom Wilson, Amanda Marshall, Colin James, and k.d. lang have also graced its stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For local musicians, The Rainbow Bistro is an important gathering place and a proving ground for up-and-coming talent. The venue is located at 6 Murray Street in ByWard Market, Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcqueezue0wkc18zxg3kjfvdwkzfjyvkqyju0whwkswvyuxm_dowx5lcwteatak-aggtm5zlzrkozm-fskn27ucrxt86dzppgkadv0lbr8u7g3k5vhscbn6yfcomumdk51li8bskeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Venue_and_Atmosphere\"><\/span>Venue and Atmosphere<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1984, The Rainbow Bistro resembles a two-story chalet with a fireplace, open stone and brick walls, wooden beams, a bar, and stylish lighting fixtures. Loft windows add to the venue\u2019s relaxed ambiance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the second floor, guests can find a pool table and a balcony offering a perfect view of the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rainbow Bistro frequently appears in local venue guides as an ideal place to enjoy live music, whether alone, with friends, or on a date. The bar provides a wide selection of drinks, while the music lineup ranges from blues and R&amp;B to funk, rock, jazz, reggae, and ska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, The Rainbow Bistro serves as an unofficial club for late-night performances by Ottawa Bluesfest artists. In partnership with Long &amp; McQuade, the venue ensures that musical groups have access to state-of-the-art equipment, making this the most significant upgrade in the venue\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfsuolwgvwxvnsldqhtnseesuq9uafts0jswmu_dl5d22im37rqxosibj0xzzjkk1fbn2i3f7gs_g9mddkmmyemnoqhcoweklaor-skmoq2onel0j42axwjgivkcqwdfuieoaktkeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Visiting_Live_Music_Venues\"><\/span>Tips for Visiting Live Music Venues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make a reservation in advance.<\/strong> This is especially important for weekends and special events to avoid last-minute disappointment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dress comfortably.<\/strong> There are no strict dress codes, so wear something that makes you feel at ease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be open to new experiences.<\/strong> Explore different music genres and discover new artists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa is a city that inspires. No matter what your musical preferences are, you\u2019ll find the perfect venue to match your taste among these options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfocahi1wvtfsafoizwv0fenavqg3t2zgejheimdxwpqagmdwbmwl3ablymwhkzhrov2t1r8ho9oafvwr6ces3mr3ukgz8smwdrwh76atab5sxpfgyomgu-rzcgjvdbyjwmbpgvdgkeyamhfbjvzlbcqsy_v3p_nn3_4.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ottawatourism.ca\/en\/ottawa-insider\/9-best-live-music-spots-ottawa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ottawatourism.ca\/en\/ottawa-insider\/9-best-live-music-spots-ottawa<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.houseoftarg.com\/about-house-of-targ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.houseoftarg.com\/about-house-of-targ<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.liveonelgin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.liveonelgin.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/montgomeryscotchlounge.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/montgomeryscotchlounge.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The capital of Canada offers plenty of great ways to spend an evening, and one of them is enjoying live music. Just imagine the sound of a saxophone, thrilling rock band performances, and music spanning different generations. Ottawa has many venues where you can experience live music in various genres\u2014let\u2019s take a closer look at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":417,"featured_media":2955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[155],"tags":[2173,2165,2160,2174,2167,2172,2175,2164,2159,2163,2161,2169,2168,2171,2166,2162],"motype":[160],"moformat":[30],"moimportance":[31,32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-2932","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-muzika","8":"tag-creative-atmosphere","9":"tag-early-booking","10":"tag-evening-entertainment-with-live-music","11":"tag-house-of-targ-en","12":"tag-live-music-in-ottawa","13":"tag-live-on-elgin","14":"tag-montgomery-scotch-lounge-en","15":"tag-music-preferences-of-the-citys-residents","16":"tag-options","17":"tag-ottawa-and-live-music","18":"tag-ottawas-music-community","19":"tag-red-bird-3","20":"tag-the-pearl-of-ottawa","21":"tag-the-rainbow-bistro-3","22":"tag-tips","23":"tag-where-to-listen-to-live-music-in-ottawa","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-spysok-korotka","26":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","27":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","28":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/417"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2932"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2954,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932\/revisions\/2954"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2932"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2932"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2932"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}