Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

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Concord Tavern

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October 2017

Photo Source - Heritage Toronto

Attached to the wall on the west side of this building at 925 Bloor Street West at Concord Avenue west of Ossington Avenue can be seen this 2016 Heritage Toronto plaque. Here's what it tells us:

Coordinates: 43.661571 -79.427111

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The Concord Tavern opened in this building on June 14, 1948. It originally operated as a restaurant with live music, hosting big band concerts. There was no cover charge; the alcohol-free section was marked on the floor with tape. During the early 1960s, as the focus shifted to rock, country, and blues music, major acts such as Conway Twitty, Bo Diddley, and Duane Eddy came here to play. Around the same time, musician Ronnie Hawkins recruited a house band, The Hawks, who played high-energy rockabilly during the club's twist dance parties. The Hawks performed seven nights a week, sometimes sleeping upstairs. They later became The Band, one of North America's most influential groups, and created a new electric sound as Bob Dylan's back-up band. As business waned in the late 1970s and early 1980s, management increasingly booked adult performers. The Concord Tavern closed in 1983.

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> Posted February 21, 2018
My aunt worked at the Concord back in the 60's. She often spoke of Conway Twitty and how he would bring 2 little girls in to his work. I have a Rolex cigarette lighter she received as a gift there still in its original Rolex box and in a little velveteen pouch. It has never been used and is inscribed The Concord Tavern Toronto, Canada. Thought someone might be interested.
Thanks Conn cbowden@gbtel.ca

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