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A chilly and slightly snowy November morning along the Metolius river. Known as Oregon's magic stream, the river contains patches of azure and sapphire so clear they rival Crater Lake.
"Handsome" Mike is originally from Montreal and is not only an excellent piano player, but also a singer and composer, songwriter. Mike tours in Europe often, as he built a fan base in Britain, France and Germany. Laurent moved (permanently for now) with his family to Toronto from Berlin just about 2 years ago. He is amazing clarinet and trumpet player. I met him in Berlin by chance few years ago, he used to spend summers in the city and play here (his wife is Canadian)
174. Grossmans P1490932; Taken 2023 Jan 14. Upload 2023 Jan 20.
was Canadian Opera P1500254; Taken 2023 Jan 19. replaced 2026 May 19.
"Frankie Foo and the YoYo Smugglers" is a fun Ska band, who plays once or twice a month in the city. The 8, 9 or 10 member band plays love songs and dance song with weird titles like: "Don't Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes at Me", "Monster Mash", "Mighty Ruler", "Duck Soup". The band is super entertaining and has an almost a cult following. Sax player Toby Hughes leads the band for the last 22 years. Here Wham Gritty on steeldrum and Trumpet Roy are part of a band which also includes Thumbs, Skip, Shaggy, Gonzo and other characters. The personnel may be slightly different every time they get together, but it is always fun and the spirit is more contagious than Omicron latest variant. By the 2nd or latest 3rd set, everyone is on dance floor.
167. Grossman's. P1490148; Taken 2022 Dec 30. Upload 2023 Jan 04.
'Rough Riders' - Frankie Foo at Grossman's.
♫ It's 3 o'clock on a Sunday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There's an old man sittin' next to him
Makin' love to his half pint of beer......♫
Shawn, the leader of Sean Stanley trio (or quartet or quintet), a singer, composer and classic traditional jazz piano player. He is getting definitely more noticed after busking a long time on the streets. These days he plays in some of the best hotels in the city, but comes to Grossman's Tavern to get the audience which really appreciate his kind of music. On this day he just came from his gig to play and sing for free on Sunday and to say hello to his friends in the 'New Orleans Connection' band.
193. Grossman's P1550878; 2023 April 9. Upload 2023 April 20.
By the end of the last set by the 'Happy Pals' most people left their seat at the patio and were dancing on Cecil Street. Courtney Lake, who sometimes sings, was leading the parade. 'Happy Pals' play at Grossman's Tavern since 1971 and it was only their third performance since March 2020, due to lockdowns.
765. TMR Toronto 2021- Aug-07, P1530134. Uploaded 2021- Aug-08. Lmx -ZS100.
Courtney Lake, a singer, a dancer, an actor and a landscape artist. You will find her almost weekly at Saturday New Orleans sermon at the venerable Grossman's Tavern. There are usually a lot of empty seats towards the end of the afternoon, but only because everyone is dancing at the aisles.
170. Toronto P1450445; Taken 2023 Oct 30. Upload 2023 Jan 12.
To appreciate fully the atmosphere at Grossman's Please watch the short video: "Don't ya feel my Leg", sung by Courtney. (1938 Blue Lu Barker and Danny Barker)
www.facebook.com/100012843616852/videos/727418675525956?i...
Rachel is a regular on weekends at 'Home of the Blues' Grossman's Tavern. She would sing a song or two, as a guest to New Orleans style band. Usually a bluesy tune, not particularly happy, but heartfelt. Her favourite is "Judge Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair." When not singing, she would be socializing, laugh and dance like there is no care in the world. Rabi Rachel is also in charge to light the Chanukah candles when Christmas spirit becomes too sugary to deal with.
Mike Evin is frequent piano player and vocalist with the weekend bands.
♫"I done cut my good man's throat.
I caught him with a trifling Jane,
I warned him 'bout before.
I had my knife and went insane.
The rest you ought to know....." ♫
164. Grossman's. P1480823; Taken 2022 Nov 25. Upload 2022 Dec 29.
Grossman's is nothing without the music. The owner knows it and is lucky, that musical tradition continues in this place for decades. Officially the place is nicknamed 'House of the Blues', but New Orleans style jazz is why I come often. The audiences range from 90 year olds to toddlers and I do not see any reason that it should change anytime soon.
153. Grossman's P1440932; Taken 2022-Oct-08. Upload 2022-Nov-15.
This novel has yet to be written, the draft has only few pages. I hope it will be a good one, with many twists and turns. How many pages? That's not important and since James Joyce is not around anymore, it will be written by life. Happy end is desired, but not a forgone conclusion; Life is not Hollywood.
154. Grossman's P1450242; Taken 2022-Oct-08. Upload 2022-Nov-19.
I'm just dropping-in briefly for an update, now 3 weeks downstream from a total knee replacement. My recovery is slow and difficult but basically going well. Probably still 2-3 weeks away from being back on a more regular basis.
The band playing at Grossman's Tavern just finished and I noticed Alan had and instrument in his tricycle. He told me is a kind of Chinese fiddle. We were both enjoying outdoor performance, one of the first gigs that came back after Covid restrictions were eased. Alan told me a story when he was at Grossman's years ago. It's a long one, so I just keep it in my memory.
736. TMR Toronto 2021-Jul-04, P1500576. Uploaded 2021-Jul-09. Lmx -ZS100.
Ava feels at home at Grossman's, sometimes they even play her favourite song on request. Children or octogenians always have fun at Grossman's, where Happy Pals play continuously for over 50 years. Charlotte on Trombone is 21 and Patrick on trumpet beside her started to play in the band in early 1980's.
108. Grossman's 2022 April 23, P1240315; Uploaded 2022 July 01. Lmx -ZS100.
Still in hibernation, but bravely defying the 'Stay at Home' mantra, I went to see if there is Sign of Life at Grossman's Tavern, one of my favorite music places.. There was none. Just this, new to me, mural from 'halfdecent' looming over the empty parking lot. TheHalfDecent (sometimes Jonny Cakes) is tattoo and mural artist.
612. TMR Toronto 2021- Feb -05, P1440666; Uploaded 2021- March -02. Lmx -ZS100.
Gregory Stafford brought the NOLA show on the road. Popular in my city, Gregg has many friends, mutual respect and admiration in the Toronto's trad jazz community, as he visits almost every year. The intimate confines of Grossman's provided the right atmosphere. It was fun for the musicians, so double fun for the audience. Gregg greets everyone like an old friend, he remembers your face and sometimes even your name.
Gregg Stafford’s trumpet playing is steeped in tradition. He is a regular member of the famed Preservation Hall band. Started when he was sixteen years old, and at that time, in the late 1960s, brass band music was for “old men.” Stafford also played in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, which he went on to lead, and the Olympia Brass Band.
Decades before he began playing regularly at Preservation Hall, Stafford came by to hear the music. But he absorbed much more from the older musicians; Louis Cottrell, Harold Dejan, Albert Walters, Jack Willis, Teddy Riley, and many more. Stafford says music holds the people and the community together; every time he plays, he holds audiences in attention from the first note. He greets everyone like an old friend.
From New Orleans - Gregg Stafford, vocals and trumpet with special guest Charlotte McAfee-Brunner on trombone( she now also resides in New Orleans), Toby Hughes- saxophone, Roberta Hunt- piano, Chuck Clarke- drums, Colin Bray- bass, Brian Sasaki- banjo.
477. Grossman's; 2026-June 12. P1530821; Upload 2026-Jun 29.
Great time as always. 'Happy Palls' play every Saturday at the old Grossmans Tavern since 1971. I am sure there may have been few missed performances in the past, but never this long. The music died on March 15, 2020 and this was their first performance since. Patrick Tevlin, the leader on trumpet plays almost since the beginning and Charlotte McAfee-Brunner (trombone, singer) joined about 3 years ago. Mike Evin usually plays piano, but nobody was willing to move it outdoors, so he brought his accordion.
89. TMR 17. Jul 2021, P1510852; Uploaded 31. Jul 2021. Lmx -ZS100. Grossman's.
'N.O. Connnection' celebrated 14 years and beers anniversary playing at Grossman's Tavern. They are entertaining the happy congregation with the best New Orleans style of music outside of Louisiana. No matter how cold and miserable is the weather outside, Grossman's is a welcoming, warm oasis in the city.
There were 16 musicians playing (6-7 usually) a soul and body healing music to the appreciating audience. Jordan is sometimes asked to accompany silent movies with music he composes. "Grossman's Tavern" is on the opposite spectrum, definitely not silent. Toby Hughes is seen here on sax, Sean McCarthy also on a saxophone is looking over his shoulder
458. Grossman's. P1520733; Taken 2025-Feb 22. Upload 2025-Mar 01.
Sunday band at the historic "Grossman's Tavern" brings in some stalwarts and some surprises. There is always room for a guest and this time it was Fred Spek and Ben Harvey both on tenor saxophones. They both lead their own bands and with resident sax player Toby Hughes they had lots of fun. The leader of the 'New Orleans Connection' is Chuck Clarke on trumpet, Charlie Trainor sits on the piano bench and Jack King plays banjo on this day, as he often does since about 1980.
403. Grossman's. P1270713; Taken 2025-Jan 05. Upload 2025-Jan 19.
Dedicated to Gary Grossman of the Pacific Northwest, a professional photographer who's landscapes of the Columbia Gorge, nature macros and birds will thrill you,
www.flickr.com/photos/garygrossman
Thanks Gary for your kind support and inspiration. Your work is outstanding,
Seen in Project Contact Thank-You # 115.
So I've heard and its seems to be true! I'm spending the week along the Oregon coast to soak in the beauty. Alas, I have to work 8-5, but can enjoy nature before and after.
Jackie and Gunner are a longtime friends, blues, jazz and dance lovers. Here there were at Sugar Brown's recording release party at one of my favorite places, "Grossman's Tavern". Jackie actually designed the cover for the new album "Toronto Bound". The intimate confines of Grossman's provided the right atmosphere. It was fun for the musicians, so double fun for the audience. I may post another photo from that night.
369. Grossman's; 2024-Sep 20. P1200538; Upload 2024-Sep 30.
Gregg Stafford and Charlotte McAfee-Brunner, two horn players, few years apart in age, 1300 miles apart geographically, but on the same page musically. It was great to see the interaction, mutual respect and admiration. Gregory Stafford brought the NOLA show on the road. Fortunately, all roads lead to Toronto (contrary to the popular beliefs) and few dozen music lovers enjoyed his showmanship. The intimate confines of Grossman's provided the right atmosphere. Great sold-out night with the visiting legendary musician from New Orleans. Gregg has many friends in Toronto trad jazz community and who could, showed up. It was fun for the musicians, so double fun for the audience.
From New Orleans - Gregg Stafford, vocals and trumpet with special guest Charlotte McAfee-Brunner on trombone, Toby Hughes- saxophone, Roberta Hunt- piano, Chuck Clarke- drums, Colin Bray- bass, Brian Sasaki- banjo, Gram Whitty- bass, Miklos Lorantffy- saxophone and Joseph Trainor- piano.
340. Grossman's; 2024-May 31. P1130627; Upload 2024-Jun 24.
The quote is attributed to Shawn; who was actually nursing a cup of coffee, before sitting down on the piano stool. Nice guy and great piano player with the right voice to interpret classic jazz. Shawn Cassie, the leader of Sean Stanley trio (or quartet or quintet), a singer, composer and traditional jazz piano player. He is getting definitely more noticed after busking a long time on the streets. These days he plays in some of the best hotels in the city, but comes to Grossman's Tavern to get the audience, which really appreciate his kind of music. This St. Patrick's Day he was the main pianist alternating with Jordan Klapman (also a classy musician) with the Sunday 'New Orleans Connection' band. The sax belongs to Toby Hughes an important figure in Toronto's traditional jazz scene.
310. Grossman's P1090967; 2024-March 17. Upload 2024-March 24.
Courtney Lake sings "If I had my life to live over"
at St. Patrick's Day 2024.
Toronto music lovers do not have to be introduced to 'Downchild Blues'. They are around for more than 50 years and just finished their farewell tour on Nov 29, 2024 Started by brothers Donnie and Richard (Hock) Welsh, their band was the inspiration for 'Blues Brothers' movie, as Dan Aycroyd and John Belushi were fans and friends. I was really lucky to catch one of their last performances at their 'home' the Grossman's Tavern. This was the first place they got a steady gig. It was not officially advertised and many people (me included) were pleasantly surprised that the whole band showed up. Half of the 100 or so people at the venerable tavern (since 1947) were musicians.
The band name came from the Sonny Boy Williamson song, "Mr. Downchild". It is probably a good time to say goodbye, as Chuck Jackson is fighting cancer since 2020 and Donnie does not look healthy either.
'Downchild' played the Grossman's with Chuck Jackson (vocals, blues harp), Donnie Walsh (guitar), Pat Carey (saxophone), Gary Kendall (bass), Tyler Yarema (vocals, piano), Jim Casson (drums) and Pete Jeffrey (trumpet).
"Flip, Flop and Fly" (Big Joe Turner) 'Downchild' version recorded at Grossman's (Nov 2024)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=31ib1yzOnc4&t=79s
Downchild’s “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost” From LP, Album '' Straight Up '' 1973 record. Rick (The Hock) Walsh-vocals.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tTSImTQ58g
390. Toronto. P1250098; Taken 2024-Nov 26. Upload 2024-Dec 05.
Patrick Tevlin, the leader of 'Happy Pals', does not mind to go down on his knees. The knees are still working well, so is his trumpet. The audience at Grossman's is multi-generational and 'Happy Pals' play there for over 50 years! It was not always so, as children were not allowed to pubs and bars. Than changed, as Toronto prohibited smoking in the taverns some 25 years ago. Patrick (PhD in physics) retired early from his job as a researcher, exhibit developer and senior scientist at the Ontario Science Centre to get to play more music he loves. I have been to Ontario Science Centre only few times, but Grossman's is one of my favourite places in my city.
324. Grossman's. P1110461; Taken 2024-April 20. Upload 2024-April 27.
The age of the musicians varies at Grossman's. This is quite unusual in the rest of the city. Smokin' Joe van Rossem and Josh Williams are more than 60 years apart in age, but connect on the musical stage.
Joe is an esteemed musician in the traditional jazz community, and respected sailor in the regatta community. Josh started to come to with his mom to Grossman's few years ago and sometimes they would let him sit-in on the drums. Now, he is a regular guest on the drums and he also sings: Mackie Messer, Aliza Jane and few other standards, with great enthusiasm. From a shy boy, he became almost an extrovert. Audiences also range from babies to centenarians. I want to celebrate my 100th birthday there. Still have few years to plan it...;-)
316. Grossman's P1100284; 2024-March 31. Upload 2024-April 05.
La edad de los mĂşsicos varĂa en Grossman's. Esto es bastante inusual en el resto de la ciudad. Smokin' Joe van Rossem y Josh Williams tienen más de 60 años de diferencia, pero se conectan en el escenario musical.
Joe es un mĂşsico estimado en la comunidad del jazz tradicional y un marinero respetado en la comunidad de regatas. Josh empezĂł a venir con su madre a Grossman's hace unos años y, a veces, le dejaban sentarse en la baterĂa. Ahora es un invitado habitual en la baterĂa y tambiĂ©n canta: Mackie Messer, Aliza Jane y algunos estándares más, con gran entusiasmo. De niño tĂmido pasĂł a ser casi extrovertido. El pĂşblico tambiĂ©n abarca desde bebĂ©s hasta centenarios. Quiero celebrar mi centenario allĂ. AĂşn me quedan algunos años para planificarlo...;-)
Jackie chooses to interpret songs, which have a tinge of subliminal sexiness. This photo was taken when she sung a tribute to Miss Debbie, who preferred similar risqué repertoire, and who was a regular at Grossman's, before she passed on few years ago. Jackie trombone playing is in demand and she plays in several groups including her own quartet. A public performer, but she is a very private person. She not only a kind soul, very smart (university prof), but also quite fun to be around.
272. Grossman's. P1020888; Taken 2023-Sep 30. Upload 2023-Dec 05.
Christmas at Grossman's has a long tradition and together with the regulars sometimes brings in people, who have not been in the tavern for ages. It definitely felt like Christmas at Grossman's on last Sunday. Green and red everywhere, several Santas, roast beef and trimmings, smiles on faces, dancing girls and of course the music. Not the tired shopping center Christmas music, but happy, vibrant music from 'Happy Pals'. Always Jolly, but not always Holly. It almost makes you believe Santa and Christmas are real. Peace on Earth? - Well, maybe next year.
Day before there was Chanukah celebration at the same place
276. Grossman's. P1020965; Taken 2023- Dec 05. Upload 2023-Dec 22.
A bit of fog shortly before the winter sun hits the water on Sauvie Island, Oregon.
For those who are interested in my B&W images of people, I am starting a new series of shots around Portland and will post these for now on Instagram. www.instagram.com/gary_grossman/
We ate dinner in Chinatown at New Sky Restaurant. While waiting for our Uber ride at Cecil Street and Spadina I was fascinated by this mural on the wall of Grossman's Jazz Club. I was lucky and caught some good light.
Google AI Overview
Grossman’s Tavern (often referred to as Grossman's Jazz Club or simply Grossman's) on Spadina Avenue in Toronto features a prominent large-scale mural on its north-facing wall along Cecil Street.
Because it is a legendary staple of the city's music scene, the artwork on the building has evolved over the years:
The Current Mural: The Blues (2023–Present)
Completed in late 2023, the current artwork is titled The Blues. It is a massive, highly detailed realistic portrait mural honoring legendary jazz and blues musicians.
The Artists: It was painted by lead artist John Nobrega, with assistance from Allan Bender and Haven Hughes (of Blinc Studios), and was supported by the Chinatown BIA and StreetARToronto.
The Subjects: The mural prominently features recognizable icons of the genre, including:
A young Buddy Guy playing guitar.
Jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon.
Donnie "Mr. Downchild" Walsh, the harmonica player and co-founder of Canada’s iconic Downchild Blues Band (a group that heavily frequented and built its legacy at Grossman's).
Faded, ethereal "ghost musicians" painted into the background to represent the generations of artists who have graced the venue.
The Previous Mural: The Jazz Band (1999–2023)
Before the building was repainted in 2023, the side of the tavern featured a well-known retro piece titled The Jazz Band.
The Style: Created in 1999 and restored once in 2010, this mural had a starkly different aesthetic. It depicted the outlines of four musicians painted in vibrant neon pink and green minimalist brushstrokes against a deep, dark blue background, mimicking the look of glowing neon signs.
The Subjects: It showcased a four-piece band consisting of a harmonica player, a double bassist, a vocalist, and an acoustic guitarist.
The 2023 piece The Blues replaced this older neon-style artwork, shifting the tavern's exterior from an abstract representation of live music to an explicit tribute to concrete blues and jazz history.
Toronto 2026
Dazzlepix Urban Art, Dazzlepix, Urban Art,
Happy Wall Wednesday, HWW,
PBWA
Grossman's Tavern is welcoming place for many people. It has a family feel and people come there with small children, for a date; to celebrate birthdays, Christmases; or drown their sorrow after break-up or divorce. The music is wonderful, alive, vibrant. There only few places like this in the universe. Gram Whitty is frequently playing in this place and his mom & dad paid him a visit. He took his bass and paid his parents a spur-of-the-moment tribute. Brian Whitty is a musician, whose three sons are very much part of the music scene in Toronto. Brian is a multi-instrumentalist, who later picked up his son bass and joined the band for few tunes. No, this was not even Fathers Day!
274. Grossman's. P1020894; Taken 2023- Dec 03. Upload 2023-Dec 14.
Today's spotlight in on Courtney Lake. It's her birthday and she is always ahead the rest of us. It is appropriate to start the New Year with photo of her. Courtney is mostly happy and that makes her a perfect person to lead Happy Pals in a New Orleans style parade, whether it is at their natural habitat at Grossman's Tavern or Toronto Jazz Festival or St. Patrick's parade. She is a singer who sizzles, great dancer and fun to be around.
280. Grossman's. P1030174; Taken 2023- Dec 30. Upload 2024-Jan 03.