CBCradio
Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

Posted by Grant Lawrence on Feb 25, 2009

Searchlight 2009 Winner of the Best Live Music Club in Canada:

THE PHOG LOUNGE, Windsor, Ontario

It started a month ago with our Long List of 114 nominated venues from coast to coast. You voted, and the Top 50 was announced. Then the Top 20. A week ago, it was the Top 10... and now it's time to decide the Grand Prize winner of the CBC Radio 3 Searchlight Best Live Music Club in Canada from this fine and deserving list:

Aeolian Hall, London ON
Amigo's Cantina, Saskatoon SK
Baba's Lounge, Charlottetown PE
Call The Office, London ON
The Capital Bar, Fredericton NB
George's Fabulous Roadhouse, Sackville NB
The Grad Club, Kingston ON
Phog Lounge, Windsor ON
Starlight Social Club, Waterloo ON
Zaphod Beeblebrox, Ottawa ON

The polls are closed, your thousands of votes are being counted, and we declared the winner at roughly 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT Wed Feb 25.

We asked several artists to tell us what the ingredients of a truly great live venue is... their mental checklist... their top three venue must-haves... and now we turn that over to you the patrons, which brings us to our...

Poll Question of the Day: WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL CRITERIA FOR A GREAT VENUE EXPERIENCE?

What is Top 3 on your mental checklist? Bands? Sightlines? Sound system? Bartenders? Beer specials? Bouncers? Toilets?  

Let us know by posting on our blog or email to feedback@cbcradio3.com and we'll discuss your comments throughout the show!

 

103 Comment(s) | Post a Comment | Permalink

Recent Blog Posts

Comments

102 comments
[Comments are now closed for this post]
NEWEST COMMENTS  |  UPDATE COMMENTS
  1. Silvorgold
    01

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Silvorgold
    I like a small intimate venue where you can sit down, have a few pints with friends and enjoy some good live music! Lo Pub in Winnipeg has this and SUDS at Brandon University has this too. Always a great time
  2. stephen
    02

    sound+beer+mates= :)

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by stephen
    To make a great live music night out I need...
    Good sound for a great band, dark beer and good friends. Simple, yet sometimes remarkably rare...
  3. tb3
    03

    I'm dyin' ova-here!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tb3
    I can't wait till 4pm :(

    Okay my personal criteria are:
    • Good Acousitcs / Sound
    in as much as the venue as possible. It sucks not being able to hear cause its too loud or not loud enough.

    • Good Visibility
    and not just for the people in the first 5 rows near the stage

    • Cleanish Bathrooms
    I am a boy I play hockey so what appeases me is a little further gone bad that probably women and anal retentive types find okay, but please at least look like the shitter's bin cleaned in the last week

    • Good beer
    I don't care if its on tap or in bottles, just have some variety and selection for people who actiually like something made in a vat smaller than Lake Superior

    and of course the most important…
    • Great Shows
    You can have all those things above, but if you don't get good, diverse acts at different levels of notoriety, you ain't got nothing.
  4. AlexOfAnders
    04

    welcoming environment, friendly staff, a close stage and good food/drinks...a dance floor would be nice too

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by AlexOfAnders
    For me, the best venue just has this welcoming feel to it. It's hard to quantify but I really like seeing a show in a place that I'd like hanging out in even if they weren't showing a band. This is why I like the Railway Club so, it has that for me. Plus friendly staff, good food and a really close and intimate stage. My only qualm is that it doesn't have much of a dance floor (there's tables in the way) but maybe I just haven't seen that place explode into a dance party yet (I know Woodhands could make it happen).
  5. suckamc
    05

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by suckamc
    It has to start with the bands the venue books. That's my number one consideration, I don't look at what's going on on a given night at the venues directly, but start with who is playing. Consistently in Charlottetown, Baba's (and to a similar extent Hunters) have the bands that I want to see.

    Next for me I consider the crowd. I love the crowd at Baba's, it's a bit more mature, more serious crowd, who are there to see the band, where other venues, the people seem to be there to drink, and don't care about the band.

    Those are the two most important criteria for me, everything else is a bonus (good bartenders/staff, sound (fairly important), intimacy, beers, bathrooms...)

    Oh, whether the band likes to play there or not is important as well, if they come in excited to play that venue, it's got to be more likely to be a good show than if they come in grudgingly!

    Martin
  6. Colin Medley
    06

    Exciting!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Colin Medley
    Great venue: 1) Great bands, of course. 2) Friendly staff. 3) Affordable shows/drinks/food. Doesn't matter to me too much how it looks, it's more about the vibe in the room. It could be a room with white walls and no seats or bar or anything, but so long as there is a band playing and people in the room, it's good in my books!
  7. mattyjames2001
    07

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by mattyjames2001
    I am sweating with anticipation.

    I think the guys/gals posting above should have written the guidelines for nominating venues based on the points above. Very good rules to live by, for a music club that is anyways.

    p.s. go amigos!
  8. Eugene Haslam
    08

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Eugene Haslam
    We agree with the reasons stated by the previous posts and we offer some more reasons.

    Here is our philosophy, which is posted around the club:

    1. All people, and especially women, should always feel comfortable here.
    2. No racism.
    3. No gender bias.
    4. No pretensions.
    5. No attitude.
    6. No aggression.
    7. Fair prices and fair measures.
    8. Friendly staff and fast, courteous service.
    9. Respecting our audience and gaining their respect.
    10. A social and musical alternative.

    Cheers, and happy listening to all,

    Eugene Haslam and the Staff of Zaphod Beeblebrox.
  9. suckamc
    09

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by suckamc
    Good rules from Zaphods! Best of luck!

    Martin
  10. DearAmbellina
    10

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by DearAmbellina
    bands who should perform at the winning venue... either Choir Practice, Joel Plaskett, Awkward Stage, Chad Vangaalen.
  11. tb3
    11

    Band that should play

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tb3
    The New Pornographers!
  12. tonydanz
    12

    Venue Criteria

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tonydanz
    For me its this simple. Each venue on this list obviously is known for great music, so thats a non factor. And more importantly than looks, beer, bathrooms etc, there is really only one important element. How well does your venue live up to the theme song from "Cheers".

    And Amigos my friends, is where everyone knows your name.
  13. teamquentin
    13

    Toilets

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by teamquentin
    For me, the bathroom the most important feature of a venue. Any self respecting rock venue will have filthy bathrooms, covered with graffiti. There should be no more than 2 stalls in the men's room, and one of them should be missing the door. There should be no paper towels in the dispenser, but a large pile of wet and crumpled paper towels overflowing in the bin. If there is soap in the dispenser, I won't hesitate to ask for my money back. I paid money for a real rock and roll experience!
  14. CBC didgeridave
    14

    Top 3 for me...

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by CBC didgeridave
    Attentive Staff - to both my beer needs and the band...I like to see both patrons and staff gettin' down to a great band.

    A Room with a View - a choice of standing /dancing room as well as somewhere comfortable to plant my butt.

    Sound Quality - Nobody wants tinnitus.

    All three can be found Phog....just sayin.
  15. tonylima
    15

    great venue experiences.

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tonylima
    as we wait anxiously for the announcement, i'd like to say that if every club in Canada was a bit more like Amigo's this country would be a better place. I was there several times in the 90's with nobody bands and their hospitality and love for live music were, in reality, one of the highlights of each of those tours.
  16. flare
    16

    Venue critera

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by flare
    number 1: good artists/bands. I someone I like is playing, I'll see them play regardless of any other criteria.

    Then I think the friendliness of the staff is very important! I've been to venues where the person taking tickets at the door is snappy... thats immediately a turn off. Its great when you're greeted with a smile and a hello at the bar as well. After the show, its upsetting when the staff "heards" you out the door immediately after and doesn't let you wander to the merch table or wait to get a cd autographed. A little respect goes a long way.. I'm a paying customer and would be more happy to return if I feel like I'm welcome at the club.

    And with that, good luck to the Starlight!! :)
  17. Lisa Christiansen
    17

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Lisa Christiansen
    I like a venue that gives you options. If you want to watch the band you can, but if you want to chat with friends and not seem rude, you've got a place for that, too. The Railway in Vancouver fits this exactly.
    That said, the Commodore has that grandness that makes every band feel like rock stars.
  18. Grant Lawrence
    18

    top 3

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Grant Lawrence
    1. stainless steel toilet
    2. large, firmly locking door on toilet stall
    3. downy soft extra large roll of toilet paper
  19. tonylima
    19

    grant's criteria.

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tonylima
    maybe next year should be the searchlight best rock & roll toilet in canada?
  20. Eugene Haslam
    20

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Eugene Haslam
    Hang on, Zaphod's has suspended our programming to apply for a hefty stimulus package.
  21. Grant Lawrence
    21

    @tony

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Grant Lawrence
    we sure couldn't do it in the States... not one single club would qualify.
  22. josco
    22

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by josco
    To my way of thinking, everything stated here are obvious requirements of a good club. But if you want be a really great joint, you need to be compulsive risktakers, you need to challenge the limitations of normal society, you need to help transform the misfits into the sweetest little turds in the bowl, and you need to be completely in tune with the bird. And if that all seems too weird for you, you haven't turned pro yet...

    Josco
  23. tonylima
    23

    @grant.

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tonylima
    i think people who have never toured don't understand the need for a locking bathroom door and a clean stall. it's the only time you get to yrself, right?
  24. jcorbin007
    24

    Best Venue Checklist . . .

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by jcorbin007
    1. An amazing Canadian Indie Band who drove in to play . . . and some local talent who wants to open for them.
    2. An environment that creates no need for Bouncers.
    3. A smiling Jessica serving Tasty Fried Snacks and Cold Beverages.
    Jon in Michigan
  25. krib
    25

    been awhile...

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by krib
    with small kids, I haven't been to a venue for a while. Been to Amigo's with the kids, because during the daylight hours it functions as a regular restaurant.

    I remember toilets being important. Enough of them, to start with.

    wow, this Hannah Georgas sounds a lot like Angie Hart from Frente. Have to look up her artist page.
  26. SChappellaz
    26

    Top 3 criteria?

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by SChappellaz
    (not necessarily in this order)

    1. Friendly, knowledgeable staff : that covers knowing general info about the venue, drinks/beer, and foremost who is playing (yes I've been to venues where the staff didn't know/care who was playing and couldn't tell you if you asked).

    2. Seating options: a place to sit and hang out with friends (and being able to talk), and a place to listen, either sitting or standing, to the band.

    3. Good bands and good sound system. Should be
  27. SChappellaz
    27

    Top 3 criteria?

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by SChappellaz
    (not necessarily in this order)

    1. Friendly, knowledgeable staff : that covers knowing general info about the venue, drinks/beer, and foremost who is playing (yes I've been to venues where the staff didn't know/care who was playing and couldn't tell you if you asked).

    2. Seating options: a place to sit and hang out with friends (and being able to talk), and a place to listen, either sitting or standing, to the band.

    3. Good bands and good sound system. Should be
  28. pance
    28

    Top 3 criteria... hmmm

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by pance
    Only 3, eh? I'd have to narrow it down to:

    A sense of home... it's great having a place to go to that feels like your friend's cool basement.

    Personable staff... goes along with the friend's basement feel... why would you want to hang at a place that makes you feel like dick for being there?

    Decent view of the band... I'm not a musician, but I like being able to SEE the band actually play, not just HEAR them sing...

    Go Phog!!


  29. SChappellaz
    29

    sorry for posting it twice

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by SChappellaz
    * Should be able to hear clearly. Nothing sucks more then all you can hear is static or ear-piercing volume.
  30. Craig B
    30

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Craig B
    it is crutial to have people who can and cant dance so they can teach each other

    it is necessary to have some sort of beer that is thick enough so you Can't see your hand through

    finally a full house
  31. Craig B
    31

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Craig B
    also whos got my capital complex number one?
  32. fuckyoumagazine
    32

    3 rules

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by fuckyoumagazine
    A) No asshole/grumpy/boring bartenders.named Joe.
    B) No Shirt
    C) No Service
  33. BigRockFan
    33

    Bands

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by BigRockFan
    The New Pornographers would be fantastic band to have, but I think this is a solo project year for them. Carl Newman might be available, depending on the timing. Joel Plaskett, Tegan and Sara and Chad VanGaalen are some other big names with broad appeal. Two Hours Traffic would be a great party band too. F***ed Up is one of the hottest bands right now, but they may not be a band you’d want to bring your mom to see. There are so many good choices that you can't go wrong!
  34. carbonchemical
    34

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by carbonchemical
    the waiting is killing me, get on with it!
  35. RianLoghead
    35

    3:

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by RianLoghead
    1) friendly characters, working, pouring, dancing, drinking, playing.
    2) some friendly character, interesting features, strange things that make you go, whaaa? old world .indie charm. (exposed beams, strange bathroom stalls, gum dispensers on pillars, trains that pass during shows)
    3) bacon.

    (Georges has them all)
  36. vsm
    36

    @ Rian's 3:

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by vsm
    and horseshoes in the summer!
  37. fuckyoumagazine
    37

    PHOG RULES!!!!!!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by fuckyoumagazine
    I just shitpiss my fucking asshole off.
    I am not going to commit suicide.
  38. CDNz1
    38

    PHOG!!!!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by CDNz1
    Congrats, TOM!!!!!
  39. joel
    39

    Phog!!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by joel
    YES!! this is fantastic!!! I can't wait to see this show!!! AHHHH!!!!
  40. mattyjames2001
    40

    Congrats!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by mattyjames2001
    I'm really sad Amigos lost, but the Phog is a deserving winner! I now have a reason to go to Windsor
  41. SChappellaz
    41

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by SChappellaz
    Woohoo Phog Lounge!
  42. eeelph
    42

    YAY PHOG !

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by eeelph
    SO HAPPY !
    YOU DESERVE IT !
    YOU ROCK !
  43. MusicSoop
    43

    Windsor for the Win

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by MusicSoop
    Nice going Phog!
  44. raptor
    44

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by raptor
    Windsor represent!
  45. maybesmith
    45

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by maybesmith
    Congratulations to the Phog!
  46. fretboy1969
    46

    Absolutely Deserved

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by fretboy1969
    So the ballots are in, and a loyal fanbase voted eagerly... way to go PHOG lounge. Way to go WINDSOR!!

    A well deserved break for a city that usually never gets any but still perserveres.

    Hats off to Thom & Frank, loyal owners who stick with a simple plan: bring great indie music from all around to the forgotten folks of Windsor, come hell or high water AND do it all without attitude, pretension, or the usual immature silliness that can accompany a club that takes itself too seriously.

    CONGRATS!
  47. Eugene Haslam
    47

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Eugene Haslam
    No one lost. Everyone won. Congratulations to The Phog.

    Eugene Haslam and the Staff of Zaphod Beeblebrox
  48. YSP!WSD!
    48

    AWESOME!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by YSP!WSD!
    hey tom and everyone else at the PHOG LOUNGE.


    You Say Party! We Say Die! Congradulate you on winning! We're excited to come back and see you again!


  49. Bio Spice
    49

    phog lounge feels right!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Bio Spice
    i couldn't be happier for the little engine that could!!!! the phog sounds and looks like a wonderful place with warm and wonderful people and i can't wait to visit there some day.... congratulations phogtom and crew.
  50. stephen
    50

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by stephen
    Well done boys!!!
  51. Emily82
    51

    WE DID IT!!! PHOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Emily82
    WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO PHOG!
    CONGRATS TOM AND FRANK :)
    I'LL BE THERE FOR THE PARTY!
  52. crimewaves
    52

    PHOG

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by crimewaves
    I've never been more proud to live in Windsor, way to go Phog!
  53. gunner82
    53

    The Phog? Sure I'll take it

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by gunner82
    I'm from Saskatoon so I was voting for Amigos Cantina, but the Phog is a great choice as well. I played there once with my band while we were on our first tour. No one really showed up but we were starting to get a good feel for how to put on a show and we had a great time. At the end, Eric (the bartender) phoned up the owner and they actually gave us money out of the till because they liked us so much. What other venue can say they support artists in that way?
  54. tonylima
    54

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tonylima
    there was lot of discussion about the big dities getting knocked out and how it didn't make any sense. you know why smaller cities ended up in the top ten? because, very often, the tiny rock & roll club in their town is the only thing that makes that city worthwhile. and the people there treasure it. and so, Phog wins, because they clearly are vauled by windosorites. congrats!
  55. crimewaves
    55

    @fretboy1969

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by crimewaves
    hell yes does Windsor deserve this. It's been nothing but job loss and economy fails for months, now we have something to celebrate and be proud of!
  56. tonylima
    56

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tonylima
    oops. cites, not dities. and it's windsorites.
  57. CBC didgeridave
    57

    YES!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by CBC didgeridave
    Congratulations Phog, the little bar that could...this feels better than the Karate Kid, Rocky 4 & Rudy put together. I cant wait to celebrate my face off!
  58. What Seas
    58

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by What Seas
    congratulations tom and frank. this was well deserved.
  59. sparklestarr
    59

    TOM AND FRANK YOU BOTH DESERVE THIS!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by sparklestarr
    WAY TO GO PHOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whoooo hoooHOOOOOoo*******************

    #1.
  60. tb3
    60

    Congratulations on a well deserved win!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by tb3
    If the Aeolian couldn't win, and CTO couldn't either, then of course Phog you were my choice. Tom, and crew, you guys get it. And you also give it too!

    I don't care where you are in Canada, that a bar that seats 60 can and did win this contest is just such a phenomenally great sentiment about the community we're all sort of part of here at Radio3.

    Radio3 you've done a great thing here with this, not only for the venues, but for us fans too. This community only gets stronger with every passionate plea for what makes each of out little towns and cities in this nation so rich.

    Tom I only hope that capacity of 60 that has been filled 5 times over already with deserved Essex County folk, spills over into the parking lot and has room from one Londoner that will come down for the event.

    Again congrats, tb3 couldn't be more proud of y'all!
  61. BigRockFan
    61

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by BigRockFan
    I love Tom’s passion! He exemplifies what I think we’ve all learned about what makes a club great in this competition. Congrats to the Phog Lounge!!
  62. Ingrid Ironquill
    62

    So smooth there Grant

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Ingrid Ironquill
    Windsor... Elliott Brood...Phog winning. You're good!
  63. pance
    63

    YAY for Phog!!!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by pance
    The little bar that people weren't quite sure could, but DID!! With a great sense of community and heart, I'm so proud to be a Windsorite and Phogger!! Congratulations guys!!!
  64. Paul Loncke
    64

    Well Deserved

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Paul Loncke
    Tom and Frank at Phog have done amazing things for local music. They're innovative and energetic. I'm proud to see them sitting on top of Canada. Congratulations from The Locusts Have No King
  65. jillenium00
    65

    I like...

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by jillenium00
    A place I can dance
    A place with warm lighting and warm people
    A place with a philosophy of affordability
    A place that's open to all ages

    I don't like...
    basements
    crappy acoustics
    coke deals going down in the back room

    Congrats Phog!
  66. thecrafteconomy
    66

    Congrats to Tom and Phog

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by thecrafteconomy
    We've got a similar story to gunner82. Our band The Craft Economy rolled into town, minus the band who had booked us for a mini-tour (since there was a death in the family of one of its members) and as a result of that band not able to do any pre-promo for the show, only a small, very-enthusiastic crowd showed up. But the guys at Phog were so awesome that they went into the till as well and paid us out of their pockets. Truly incredible and we still had a great time there. Congrats Tom and everyone and we can't wait to come back.
  67. Benoit from Ottawa
    67

    @gunner82

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa
    The Black Sheep Inn, that's what other venue does that. Paul ALWAYS remunerates (whatev) each act, no matter the size of the crowd. And when it's cracking full, ALL the door goes to the performers.

    (I didn't say this. I wasn't here. You can't prove it.)

    (Paul, you didn't read this.)
  68. Benoit from Ottawa
    68

    Oh, I forgot.

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa
    CONGRATULATIONS, PHOGTOM!

    I sorta had a hunch, just then.

    (Good luck at fitting 150 people at yer next show!)
  69. Ingrid Ironquill
    69

    All over the Southern bands

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Ingrid Ironquill
    First Elliott Brood, now Sunparlour Players. I see the method to your madness. Good call!
  70. boyforpele
    70

    venue criteria

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by boyforpele
    My main criteria for a great live venue is the ability to move around and have a great view of the band from anywhere in the room.
    This is one of the reasons I love going to Richards on Richards in Vancouver. This place is a little run down and not polished at all, but I have seen an amazing list of shows at this venue including Rufus Wainwright, Metric, The Subways, Amy Millan, Born Ruffians and The Hidden Cameras.

    This place is slotted for demolition for a new ugly high rise condo. Richards - you will be missed dearly.
  71. boyforpele
    71

    venue criteria

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by boyforpele
    My main criteria for a great live venue is the ability to move around and have a great view of the band from anywhere in the room.
    This is one of the reasons I love going to Richards on Richards in Vancouver. This place is a little run down and not polished at all, but I have seen an amazing list of shows at this venue including Rufus Wainwright, Metric, The Subways, Amy Millan, Born Ruffians and The Hidden Cameras.

    This place is slotted for demolition for a new ugly high rise condo. Richards - you will be missed dearly.
  72. Dusk
    72

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Dusk
    Congrats Phog! :-)
  73. Benoit from Ottawa
    73

    @phogtom, re ur comment on performers

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa
    ur so rite; they r remarkable.
  74. Grant Lawrence
    74

    @bio spice

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Grant Lawrence
    hi!
  75. Bio Spice
    75

    @grant

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Bio Spice
    hi back!
  76. shufle
    76

    Jacob Two Two

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by shufle
    I want a no prize
  77. mjustice
    77

    Hooded Fang

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by mjustice
    Jacob Two Two meets the Hooded Fang, by Mordecai Richler.
    Classic story from my youth.
    Will need to go reread that now :)
    MJ
  78. lindsey.who
    78

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by lindsey.who
    Wow, congrats Phog Lounge. I've never been to you, but maybe I will in the future.

  79. apalaceat4am
    79

    phog

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by apalaceat4am
    I am glad you won!!!! I hope your concert is on a long weekend so I can come .
  80. apalaceat4am
    80

    phog

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by apalaceat4am
    I am glad you won!!!! I hope your concert is on a long weekend so I can come .
  81. Spenny
    81

    Congrats

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Spenny
    Next time I'm in Windsor I will definitely be checking this place out. Great acceptance speech from the owners, too. Well done Phog Lounge!
  82. phogtom
    82

    Humbled beyond belief....

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by phogtom
    We are so thrilled here, you have no idea, really.

    Friends and family are coming in, musicians, patrons, and everyone in between.

    The other 9 venues in this contest are so unbelievably sweet. My hope is that one day I can visit each one of the top 10...at least.

    Hats off to the proprietors of all these fine, fine establishments. It is a joy yo know that so many people love the community we all try to nourish day in and day out.

    We all win.

    Again, thanks SO much to all the voters, business owners in Windsor, ex-pats from Windsor, family, and friends who voted, and for the love of musicians come and gone.

    Pay attention to Windsor everyone. There's a lot to be proud of here!

    So very humbled....

    As for tonight's show...we are open 7 days a week, but we didn't have anything booked so Frank demanded that we invite any local Windsor bands that want to play tonight to celebrate...and we are going to, once again, live-cast a video stream to the web on this link - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-at-phog-lounge

    We have been trying to highlight shows this way with willing artists...in order to share the shows we have with others in Canada without the opportunity to see these performers.

    See thephogblog.blogspot.com for some embedded live streams from the past.

    Again, so flattered.
    Much love to CBC Radio 3.
    You're our heroes!!
    Tom & Frank
    Phog Lounge
  83. mattyjames2001
    83

    @ Phog Tom & Frank

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by mattyjames2001
    Keep up the good work! Even though I have never been to your club, I can already tell I'd love it. You guys are great spokespeople for the Canadian music community. I like your vision. You have my full support. Look forward to stopping by in the future.

    Go Riders
    -Matt
  84. Benoit from Ottawa
    84

    @phog

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa
    Tomorrow, give us a thumbnail sketch of what will have happened tonight.
  85. stephen
    85

    @Benoit from Ottawa

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by stephen
    They are live streaming tonight @ http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-at-phog-lounge
  86. Benoit from Ottawa
    86

    @stephen

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Benoit from Ottawa
    thx
  87. Colin Medley
    87

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by Colin Medley
    Congrats Phog Lounge! Hope to make it down there soon.
  88. muradical
    88

    Phog Tonight...

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by muradical
    Will be incredible. I am so proud of the way our cultural community has rallied behind this little orange box we call home. It speaks in volumes to all the people who continually come together in the face of economic struggle and a poor reputation to better our community for all.

    I've talked to a lot of other people involved in our arts commuity (and community in general) today and there is an over-whehelming feeling amongst all that 'we' won, not 'they' won. This is huge for us, and I will once again thank the CBC Radio 3 for shining a light on one of the best arts and music communities in the country.

    Tonight will be legendary. I am honoured to have played my first shows at Phog, book my first shows at Phog and to be a part of something that , to me, is truly remarkable.

    See you in an hour or two.

    Muradical
  89. sheasisco
    89

    Best Live Music Club In Canada

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by sheasisco
    It's very impressive that a small town venue like Sackville's George's Fabulous Roadhouse made it to the top 10, a town full of culture and arts surrounded. I was stunned that the Seahorse & Marquee from Halifax didnt win or even make the top 10. I believe it's safe to say Halifax and Montreal have to have two of the best music and arts scenes in canada... no offense ontario but you only topped this vote because of the massive amounts of people who live there and stillllll small town sackville gave you a hell of a run HA!
  90. amigos
    90

    Congrats Phog from Amigos

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by amigos
    Just wanted to say congratulations to Tom and Frank from the Phog on their victory. Way to go!!!

    We want to give a special thanks to Grant, Chris, John and all the rest of you CBCRadio3 folks for running such a great contest. It was truly fantastic to hear the outpouring of support for all the clubs throughout Canada from people who know what they are talking about. We have been overwhelmed and so thankful for the support we have received, and know other clubs feel the same.

    Once again CBCRadio3 points out the fact that the music scene in Canada is flying high with so much great talent from coast to coast, and by the sounds of things, lots of great venues to host it.

    Particular thanks to our staff and all the rest of our fabulous supporters, it has been fun.
  91. ludoandpig
    91

    Phog all the way

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by ludoandpig
    When I first found the Phog, I knew that the move to Windsor was going to be great. I am so, so happy that you guys are getting this recognition - you are the heart of Windsor to me.
    Love
    Robin
  92. hot12345
    92

    Congrats PHOG LOUNGE

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by hot12345
    It's nice to see small lounges win it's great to see you have many loyal fans.

    Also like to congratulate baba's lounge in Prince Edward Island for making it to the top 10. Congratulations Ryan
  93. cpwalsh06
    93

    yeah!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by cpwalsh06
    I'm not going to move back to Windsor just yet but CONGRATS PHOG LOUNGE!
  94. kimbafreeman
    94

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by kimbafreeman
    Enter Comment Here:
  95. kimbafreeman
    95

    "Keep Your Pants On....."

    Posted on Feb 25, 2009 by kimbafreeman
    Holy Moly: Tom and Frank and the entire Take Your Pants off Gang!

    May it go without saying that I am very happy to be even a small part of you past, current and future success.

    Rest assured that there was absolutely no luck involved -as my regular attendance in the P-Hog is testament to the fact that you have an irresistable watering hole.

    A combination of staff openess, patron diversity and inclusiveness, great talent and a genuine grass roots feel...

    I'll see you soon for my usual -tall glass of red wine -with ice...

    Regards, Kimba/Koal
  96. darwtn
    96

    congrats Phog from George's (Fabulous) Roadhouse

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by darwtn
    Congrats Phog on being selected as the #1 venue for live music in Canada.
    Thank you to all who took the time to vote, letting all venues know how much you appreciate all the hard work that goes into putting on great live shows week after week.
    Thank you CBCradio3 team for putting this contest on and bring the "Searchlight" to many a great venue across this country.
    Darren Wheaton
  97. Preckle003
    97

    Mobilizing the Creative Class

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Preckle003
    Frank and Tom - two guys that balance each other out and put magic in a little orange box called Phog. THIS is what happens when you mobilize a small, but passionate creative class - rallying behind their city and the venue they love so much. I can only imagine what's next for Windsor ... this is only the beginning!!!! Congrats Phogians - and kudos to all the voters near and far!
  98. SamGreggWallace
    98

    NUMBERS!

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by SamGreggWallace
    Please give us a breakdown of the numbers for the voting. We are dying over here.
  99. JohnLunnin
    99

    Aahh

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by JohnLunnin
    I couldn't decide between Zaphods or Amigos, so I tried to spread out a couple votes each way. Somebody tell me where the phog is this place is again?!
  100. JohnLunnin
    100

    ?

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by JohnLunnin
    Why wasn't the Ship & Ancor on the list?
  101. Twit
    101

    WOW

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by Twit
    Congrats to everyone in this contest, its great to see everyone come out and support their communities...
    i have been to phog and it truly is the best bar in windsor.. (sure there are a tonne of dance clubs and meat markets but they don't count) the art crowd in windsor really did a great job of representing.
    to all the haters, what are you all about? this was voted on BY YOU! it's true that the contest doesn't only reflect the venue itself, it reflects the community BEHIND it - did you rally behind the club you believe in, did you do it as effectively as Tom from Phog did...no...no you didn't so kick yourself in the ass and then congratulate the winner.

    i hope phog picks tokyo police club (who've played phog before) or feist or broken social scene or anne murray..

    peace and love!! phog rules!
  102. megerdie
    102

    Re: Live on CBC Radio 3: SEARCHLIGHT! Best Live Music Club in Canada Revealed! THE PHOG LOUNGE!

    Posted on Feb 26, 2009 by megerdie
    YEAH RIGHT WINDSOR? WORSE THAN WINNIPEG.
102 comments
OLDEST COMMENTS  |  UPDATE COMMENTS