I ventured into the big smoke for some food and fun and thought I’d check out “Liberty Wednesday” at the Trane Studio on Bathurst. The Trane Studio is better known as a jazz club, but Wednesday evenings are dedicated to an open mic and songwriter jam hosted by Noah Zacharin.
I was surprised at the number of cover tunes for something billed as a songwriter jam. Alex (who was very helpful and kept the room supplied with beverages) explained that this jam has been at the Trane Studio since January when it moved from the Liberty Café; start time is 8 pm and it keeps going until they run out of performers. Seek out host Noah to get your name on the list. You can perform alone but I would recommend availing yourself of the very proficient house band (bass, drums, accordion, keyboard, guitar).
I liked the feel of the place, the exposed brick wall, the larger than life picture of John Coltrane (who is the inspiration for the venue’s name); however, how to sign up or join in could have been a little clearer for those of us visiting for the first time.
[Liberty Wednesday at the Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst St, Toronto; every Wednesday 8 pm – ?]
The Trane Studio closed August 3, 2012. How did you see a presentation that you wrote about on August 12?
Audra – I visited the Trane Studio on August 8th and it was still open then. Just checked their website and saw the announcement that they are closing. Thanks for the message – wouldn’t want people showing up there looking to play. I wonder if Liberty Wednesdays with Noah Zacharin will be looking for a new home.