Every lobby bar, in every hotel I have been in, have had two things in common; they were practically empty, and they were boring. So I went to Monarchs Pub in the Delta Chelsea with some mixed feelings.
I was looking forward to hearing Jerome Godboo and David Rotundo (video1) (video2) play off each other as they always do so well - but then there was the reality that all this great music was going to happen in a hotel lobby bar. My concerns weren’t dissipating simply because they called it a “Pub”
As it turned out, those concerns were unfounded. The place was packed and hopping. Energy, great music, and locals and visitors vying for space on the dance floor. A pint might cost a buck or two more than some small neighbourhood bars, but come on now, the show is free, so for a buck you got two of the best rockin’ blues harpists around.
Jerome Godboo is resident at Monarchs Lounge on Thursday nights (Christmas Eve excluded), bringing in local Blues greats like David Rotundo and Jack DeKeyser - both Maple Blues Award nominees. Throw away your image of a hotel piano bar and head down on Thursday nights for some great music. Where else buy in Toronto and at the Monarch would you get a show like this for free! (New Years Eve does have a cover)
Speaking of which - nothing planned for New Years Eve? Head down for another double header with Jerome and his guest Jack de Keyzer) band (myspace+listen). It’s only $25; they’ll throw in some bubbly, and you can bet that this Blues will drive your blues away.
