Many artists trace others’ footsteps, while certain standouts develop their own paths. Similarly, while many live music venues stick to a familiar formula, occasionally a space comes along with its own distinct vision, vibe and style. Jean Darlene in the Dundas & Ossington neighbourhood is one of the latter, offering a unique, memorable experience to its clientele.
The first time you go, be warned: the entrance is not where you think it is, as is explained in the QR code on the door at 1203 Dundas West. Follow the instructions: walk west, turn left at the KFC, take the alley all the way to the end and take the stairs down; check your coat, pay your cover and take the stairs up and you’ll arrive at your destination: The Jean Darlene Piano Room.
“Where am I?” you will wonder: the lighting is dim and mysterious; a disco ball illuminates the air; a golden grand piano sparkles in the corner; a bartender mixes a martini; you have never been here and yet it feels as warm and inviting as an old friend’s apartment.
The brainchild of Ossington entrepreneurs Joseph Eastwood (Paris Paris), Fadi Hakim (The Lakeview), and rock band Platinum Blonde’s Mark Holmes, The Jean Darlene has quickly become a trendy hotspot, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for its “Singalong Piano Karaoke Open Mic.” On these nights, hired musicians accompany guests as inhibition flies out the window and cheers ring through the air. “The concept is actually pretty simple: everyone at The Jean Darlene is made to feel like a star” says Mark Holmes, who leads the house band through everything from ABBA to Zappa. “That’s what it’s all about. And it keeps people coming back.”
I stumbled onto the Jean Darlene myself just over a year ago and, enchanted by the space, I found myself asking the owners if they were looking for any other music to be curated. They were receptive to the idea and asked me what music I would want to bring in on other nights. Inspired by the dearth of cabaret spaces on the current Toronto live music landscape I pitched a monthly Broadway-inspired series.
“When the crowd is hopping and the folks are appreciative, the Jean Darlene is an awesome venue,” says Canadian musical theatre icon Charlotte Moore, who was the first artist booked in the Broadway-themed series. “The funky décor and excellent staff add to the ambience. I especially enjoyed getting the audience to sing along to their favourites, and introducing them to some new ones. A terrific place to strut your stuff!”
Other vocal artists who have graced the venue so far include veteran crooner John Alcorn, award-winning actor Gabi Epstein and uber-soulful singer Robert Ball. Coming up next in the series: on Monday December 2, 6:00pm, consummate cabaret artist Judith Lander will take the stage, marking a return to the Toronto scene after a 5 year absence.
Known internationally as a master interpreter of Jacques Brel and Kurt Weill, Lander’s storied career has taken her to Carnegie Hall with Brel himself, New York’s Weill revue “Berlin to Broadway” under the tutelage of Lotte Lenya, as well as radio, television and theatre stages all over Canada.
Now in her 70s and still possessing a powerful voice and formidable range, what is most striking about Lander is the depth of her interpretations. An emotionally daring performer, she chooses songs with high stakes and sinks her teeth into the meatiest, juiciest lyrics, always delivered from an honest place.
“I have been away from the stage for a few years, but something always keeps me coming back,” says Lander in her demure way. “I love sharing this music so much, and these songs never get old for me.”
Indeed, what makes her performances so special is the fact that she has been singing certain songs literally for decades, resulting in wise interpretations which have aged like fine wine. Yet she is always in the moment, choosing her engagements carefully, based upon the setting and her musical accompaniment. On December 2nd she will be joined by pianist Jeff McLeod:
“Jeff is exceptional at playing many styles, be it classical, jazz or pop. All these styles are needed as part of my show and it is rare to find a musician who is so truly versatile. The Jean Darlene is an intimate listening spot and the perfect place for me to jump back in. What’s my favourite song right now with all the craziness in the world? Kurt Weill’s Pirate Jenny, of course.”
Nearly 10 years ago, Lander recorded In My Life, an album of songs she has loved performing all her life, which was reviewed in The WholeNote. She will be selling and signing CD’s after the performance; tickets will be on Eventbrite, if there are any left by the time you are reading this.
Singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has toured across Canada and internationally, and has been a staple on the Toronto scene for over 20 years. Locally, he also works as a curator, producer, host and artistic director of JazzInToronto.
