Here at Met Radio, we’re closing out 2025 with a new round of year-end favourites! To cap off the year, our volunteers and staff are sharing their personal top-ten lists, highlighting the music, media, and gems that defined the past twelve months. New lists to explore and enjoy will be dropping on the Met Radio website every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this December!
My name is Amanda Shekarchi, and I host the radio show Met 30 every Monday at noon. I also interview artists for the Met Radio YouTube Page. As a musician myself, going to live shows is one of my favourite ways to discover and connect with new artists. This year, I experienced many venues catering to different moods and genres. Here are my top 10 favourite venues in the order that I attended them.
Burdock Brewery
My first show of 2025 was at the Burdock, where I watched Campbell Woods and Madeleine Roger. Acoustically, it is one of my favourites. There is a natural reverb, making the sound crisp and clear.
The Garrison
This year, I attended two events at The Garrison. Eliza Niemi’s album release party in April, and Chloe Doucet’s 90s Nostalgia night in October. I appreciate this small and intimate space, as I love experiencing the bustling activity, from the audience singing and cheering to the excited chatter after each set.
Reid’s Distillery
In May, I attended Reid’s distillery for a Departure showcase featuring Paige Penney and Jessica Sole. The atmosphere was inviting with comfortable furniture and sweet drinks. The natural reverb of this open space added a unique quality to the acoustics.
Blue Moon Brewery – STACKED Market
I also discovered this venue at the Departure festival. I went to two showcases featuring artists Chloé Caroline, Kaiya Gamble and Eric Brandon. My favourite aspects about this venue are the food, drinks, and the artists I met there.
Poetry Jazz Cafe
In June, I discovered this venue while covering the North By North East festival. Some artists who performed were Dynesti and Gee. I enjoyed the passion fruit mocktail and the cozy set up, making, adding a sense of closeness between artist and audience.
Palais Royale
I discovered this vibrant event space at the end of July, taking in a showcase by CEAMA, Canadian Emerging Artists Music Awards. The night featured performances by Zochi and Juno Award winner The Honest Guy. Palais Royale is a fitting name as it reminds me of a formal ballroom with a cozy outdoor balcony.
Henderson’s Brewing
The first time I attended this venue was on a warm August evening for a Local Nobodies showcase. It was hosted by Megan Oquias, who also performed.
I love the relaxed atmosphere.
Youthful Vengeance
Youthful Vengeance is an art gallery and cafe. The space is aesthetically unique, containing small string lights hanging from the ceiling and comfortable couches. I enjoyed a soothing cup of Camomile tea while listening to Merv Gotti’s set. Gotti also introduced me to this next venue.
Bar Mordecai
Fun fact: the aesthetics of this venue were inspired by Wes Anderson films. The vibe is similar to a bar at a hotel lobby with dine-in service and a variety of drink options. As well, the basement has karaoke rooms.