We highly recommend hitting The Rex for their 5:30pm show. If you don’t know about The Rex, here’s why you’ll want to check out Toronto’s longest running jazz club.
History of The Rex
Evolving from a local beer hall and dive bar, this celebrated jazz mecca is where world-renowned musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and Roy Hargrove have performed.
First off, it’s a funky, intimate space with old and new jazz charm and you’ll immediately feel a part of the history woven into this legendary jazz bar.
Early Roots
It was purchased in the ‘50s by Jack Ross and Morris Myers as a beer hotel and later transitioned into a jazz and blues venue.The main floor housed a clothing store until the 1960s, with music entering the scene in the ‘80s under Jack’s son, Bob Ross.
Who Wants To Play?
An invitation went out to musicians to jam and play and quickly became a hub for legends and emerging artists. Often compared to New York’s Minton’s Playhouse. This thriving environment for the Toronto Jazz Community keeps The Rex as a long-standing tradition of featuring world-renowned artists, like Connick Jr., who value its intimate atmosphere.
The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Club continues to host many legendary performers, sometimes as impromptu performances, mostly spotted during jazz festivals.
Some Tips Before You Come
If you do come for the 5:30 seating, know that you have to settle your bill before 7:30pm to make way for the upcoming and always jam-packed evening set. You’re welcome to stay and pay the next cover if the event hasn’t sold out, but often is so buying the 8:00 show tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Also A Hotel
Fun Fact: This Toronto institution also has a hotel above, where these artists hang their hats while performing in the city. The Rex is located on the corner of St. Patrick and Queen Street West, specifically 194 Queen Street West in the Queen West Neighbourhood.
