James Bay swings!

By Robert Tuomi

Have you ever wanted to go out on the town without the hassle of leaving our quiet village? These seven James Bay locations offer live music that will get your foot a-tapping, and each has proven to offer great food. Best of all, each is within a twenty minute walk of the village centre, or at the most, a very short cab ride.

Heron Rock Bistro, 435 Simcoe, (250) 383-1545

Blues and Jazz, Monday and Friday nights from 7:00 to 9:30pm. Good value specials to accompany exceptional music. Imagine yourself in the best of any big league city.

Hotel Grand Pacific--Pacific Lounge, 463 Belleville, (250) 386-0450

Jazz vocalist, Aurora Scott, performs Friday and Saturday nights 8:00 until 11:00pm. No cover but we always share an appetizer and it's still a cheap night's entertainment.

James Bay Market, Corner of Menzies and Superior,

A variety of performers each Saturday 10:30 to 1:30, from May through to October.

Homemade nibbles and nosh are available. Bring your picnic blanket.

Moka House Coffee, 110-19 Dallas Road, (250) 382-73444

The folk group "Chattering Class" featured from 2:00 to 4:00pm on the last Sunday of the month. A perfect act to enjoy with afternoon tea or coffee.

Oswego Hotel Bistro, 500 Oswego Street, (250) 294-7500

Wednesday night Jazz 7:00 to 9:00pm. Great local musicians perform here and make for a special midweek night out. Gourmet menu. Reservations recommended.

Superior Cafe, 106 Superior Street, (250) 380-9515

Jazz and Blues 6:30 to 9:00pm every night of the week but Monday. Check website for scheduled entertainment. Entertainers are compensated through "tip" bucket.

Swiftsure Lounge, 427 Belleville Street, (250) 389-0839

Classic rock all year around, 3:00 to 6:00pm Saturdays. A $10.00 appetizer may ruin the appetite for supper but not the bank account. What better entertainment is there than early classic rock'n roll? Why should tourists have all the fun!

From experience, I suggest calling early to confirm the entertainment and to make a reservation. The James Bay Market is the exception.

I'm sure that this is not the definitive list. My apologies if I've left one of your favourites off my list. It's one of the joys of James Bay that around the next corner, there is always a new gem to be discovered. James Bay, where the walking is easy and the parking cheap.