Live Music Lineup
Underground intimate musical performances weekdays and weekends in Midtown Toronto. These established and emerging artists are sure to impress and leave your spirit better than when you arrived. Bring friends, bring a date, or come enjoy by yourself!
- Thank you for supporting Toronto musicians!
coming up at function
Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (8 - 11 pm)
Soul soothing, steady grooving music that goes down smooth and makes ya move. With JOEL VISENTIN on keys, and TREVOR FALLS on drums.
Friday, April 26th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Led by keyboardist João Leão, fresh from São Paulo's vibrant indie scene, Brasa delivers a fine selection of groovy and shaky classics with a focus on Brazilian Soul, Samba-Rock, and Tropicalia, covering some of the masters of the genre like Jorge Ben, João Donato, Marcos Valle, and Tim Maia, as well as newer generation Brazilian indie hits.
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 (8 pm - 1 am)
Incredibly dynamic producer, remixer and dj mixing up disco, funk, r&b, hip-hop and more. Alister has an affinity for pairing new and old music, creating sounds that can’t help but provide energy for your body and soul.
Saturday, May 4th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Known to international audiences for talents as vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer, recording artist and performer, CHRiS ROuSE is one of Canada’s most gifted entertainers and voices. Showcasing a specific style of souL seamlessly synergizing new school and old school in a sensual, spiritual, psychedelic stew. CHRiS’ diverse background in soul, R&B, funk. rock and pop finds its routes in a deep passion for music of Prince, Stevie Wonder, and many of the artists from the 1970’s and 80’s. CHRiS continues to have a thriving musical and soulful life travelling and touring throughout the world spreading his love of music and art with audiences far and wide.
CHRiS has performed, toured and recorded with Juno noms and recipients, and tours North America as lead singer with Classic Albums Live: Prince & The Revolution – Purple Rain, including a sold-out performance at Massey Hall in June 2023. Catch him in an upcoming performance of Bob Marley’s Legend Album Live - also at Massey Hall in 2024 - featuring several other A-list Canadian musicians.
”The chameleon, the peacock, & the rainbow show all their colours in 1.
If all are giving, then all are receiving, and no-one is without”. - CHRis ROuSE
Friday, May 10th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
A versatile artist rooted in classical and jazz, reshapes R&B, jazz, funk and soul with a unique flair. Rising star in Canadian jazz, founding member of Quintessential Boys, he released “On Q” in 2010, showcasing funky jazz vibes. His latest CD explores synthesis, melding genres with signature piano, Rhodes, and funky bass lines, pushing the boundaries of modern music. Beyond music, Quincy is a skilled actor and singer, gracing festivals worldwide. A dynamic performer, he shares his love of music with the world.
Bourbon & Brass
Saturday, May 11th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Vibrant and lively New Orleans jazz characterized by its improvisational spirit with colourful instrumentals. Led by trombone-dynamo TED PETERS, this high energy brass band brings the heat of Nola jazz to warm up Toronto. Featuring notorious Toronto talent NEIL BRATHWAITE on sax, JOJO BOWDEN on drums, COLLIN BARRETT on bass.
Friday, May 24th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Join us for a night of fiery Latin rhythms. Originally from Venezuela, The Galdona Brothers play salsa, merengue, reggaeton, bachata and cumbia. With CARLOS GALDONA on keys, JUAN GALDONA on percussion, and JESÚS GALDONA on drums and timbales.
This music will have you shaking your hips all night long! See you on the dance floor.
Saturday, May 25th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
The Canadian soul singer has “a commanding presence and a voice that resonates from every fibre of his being.” dropping old school soul, Accompanied by a 4-piece band of insane talent that feeds off one another. this performance is sure to leave you awe-struck!
Friday, May 31st, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Heather Luckhart is bringing her soulful blues to midtown on Friday, and she’s bringing her Blues Band with her! Luckhart has travelled Canada, the US and Mexico with her blend of originals and renditions of timeless tunes. This woman has earned the right to sing the blues, but knows how to stir up a good time. ERIC ST. LAURENT on guitar, JAY MOONAH on bass & harp, and DANIEL BARNES on drums. Stomp your blues away this Friday at Function Bar & Kitchen!
PREVIOUSLY AT FUNCTION 2024
Friday, January 19, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Playing high energy Blues, Roots, and R&B that will get you moving and shaking. From their countryfied covers of Jimi Hendrix, to their funk interpretations of Bob Dylan, to their own soulful originals, the FMB draws on a wide variety of influences throughout their set. Come get down with FRASER MELVIN (guitar & vocals), RAHA JAVANFAR (bass & vocals), and ANDREW SCOTT (drums).
Saturday, January 20, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Jazzy soul singer, song-writer and musical theatre performer with charisma and years of perfecting her incredible stage presence! With MICHAEL SHAND on keys, COLLIN BARRETT on bass, JOJO BOWDEN on drums, and JESSE RYAN on sax. Featuring a number of special guest singers, it’s going to be a super fun night!
Thursday, January 25th, 2024 (8:30 - 11:30 pm)
An alternative folk duo who hail from Toronto and Saint John, New Brunswick. The pair originally met in theatre school in Toronto, and began writing and performing music together during the pandemic. Their music focuses on tight harmonies, paired with thoughtful lyrics about finding your place in the world, and draws inspiration from Joni Mitchell, to Led Zeppelin and everything in between. When not performing around Canada, Monet & Christian spend their time travelling and working as musicians on cruise ships.
Saturday, January 27th. 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Robert is a well-seasoned vocalist and entertainer. He appeals to many - having traveled to and performed in over 60 countries while headlining with the Royal Caribbean International. Robert lives and breathes performance - as a solo artist, background vocalist, global Pride circuit tourist, musical theatre performer, vocal coach, and event producer. He has contributed to the work of many noteworthy singers and producers throughout his career simultaneously maintaining his solo music - a beautiful blend of soul and jazz.
Friday, February 9th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Performer and producer Kubla turns fragments of his soul into songs. Featured on Spotify’s RADAR Canada Artists to Watch, the neo-soul, pop artist joins us for an intimate performance with his new take on classic sounds. Musically inspired by Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Coldplay, Anderson .Paak and more.
ROBERT BALL ft. ONEUP DUO
Sunday, February 25th, 2024 (7 - 11 pm)
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING ROBERT’S BIRTHDAY!
A night of live R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz & Disco - featuring Robert Ball and his band, MD (keys) - Michael McNiel. With a special performance by Season 15 'Voice' NBC alum - OneUp Duo.
Open Mic and jam session featuring many of Robert's singer & musician friends - all are welcome.
Sign up list will be available for those interested in the Open Mic.
Get advanced tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/robert-ball-featuring-oneup-duo-the-voice-nbc-season-15-open-mic-tickets-827612570477?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Thursday, February 29th, 2024 (8:30 - 11:30 pm)
This group brings you the sweet funky soul beats that can’t help but get you moving and grooving. From classic R&B and soul to modern funk, the mix will amaze you. Jesse Karwat’s voice and keyboard playing keeps the crowd in awe and his band in the groove.
Friday, March 15th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Hailing from the soulful streets of Toronto, MINDTHEGAP is a band that will take your ears on a sultry journey through neo-soul sounds. Fronted by talented drummer and producer, JASON MARTIN, these musical maestros bring a vibe so hot, it's sure to light up any occasion. With their effortless, laidback grooves, MINDTHEGAP is here to make you move - whether you're tapping your feet in your seat or cutting a rug on the dance floor. So buckle up and get ready to be transported to a world of blissful beats and unforgettable melodies, courtesy of this neo-soul sensation.
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Four-1-Soul is an R&B, pop, soul and funk band with humble beginnings at Humber College as a jazz band. Their high energy performances have lead them to Jazz festivals, block parties, weddings and corporate events all over Ontario. Come along for the ride!
Thursday, March 28, 2024 (9 pm - 12 am)
With the release of The Bentley Collective solo album, Songs, the band has been performing throughout Toronto and have established a few weekly residencies that keeps the vibe fresh.
Along with JOJO BOWDEN and COLLIN BARRETT the Bentley Collective incorporates Blues, Jazz and Soul vibes to present a talent-filled evening of music and entertainment.
BROOKE BLACKBURN, the primary composer Vocalist & Guitar player Bentley Collective. Brooke has been performing over thirty years, and has accumulated a vast repertoire of original compositions. His solo album, Songs, consists of blues/groove songs & ballads that incorporate various styles and compositional methods acquired throughout his unwavering career.
Brooke has inherited a writing style that consists of melody, groove and lyrical structure well-rooted in historical Black Canadian tradition.
Friday, March 29th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
A truly compelling, high-energy group of talent with a remarkable lead singer. Playing a variety of pop, soul, jazz and more, you’ll surely be entertained, if not vitalized.
Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (8:30 - 11:30 pm)
Brooke has been performing for over thirty years, accumulating a vast repertoire of original compositions. His solo album, Songs, consists of blues/groove songs and ballads that incorporate various styles and compositional methods acquired throughout his unwavering career.
Born into a musical family rooted in the Toronto music scene, Brooke has inherited a writing style that consists of melody, groove, and lyrical structure well-rooted in historical Black Canadian tradition.
During the virus shutdowns, Brooke took the opportunity to write and record at home and set forth a single release, “Heroes”, and another 2 albums worth of material that will be released in 2024.
Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (9:30 pm - 1 am)
Come join in as we celebrate one of Toronto’s very best sax players, while she performs on April 20th! Carrie Chesnutt is a saxophonist and singer, guerilla video maker and live-streamer, social activist, and former underground cabaret star.
Performing with Carrie will be an ALL-STAR band made up of the city’s best players with the best vibes! Playing funk, jazz, and soul. WILL BOWES on vocals, MILAN KOZOVSKI on bass, DARRYL DENNIE on keys, TONY CARPINO on drums.
Vocalist WILL BOWES is a Canadian Screen Award winning director, actor and singer-songwriter. The Toronto-based artist is a 2x first place winner in the International Songwriting Competition (2018-2019) for songs from his debut album, Character, streamed six million times globally.
