Wednesday Nov 1
@ The Rivoli, 334 Queen Street West
The Jersey Connect
Two friends from Jersey City that have been making music together since 2007. ChatGPT says: “In a world filled with sound, there emerges a captivating blend of voices and melodies that resonate deep within the soul. The Jersey Connect is a dynamic duo whose music transcends genres and captivates hearts, and is redefining the boundaries of what can be achieved with just a guitar, a piano, and their heartfelt vocals. The Jersey Connect’s connection with their audience is palpable, creating an unforgettable
experience for all who are fortunate enough to witness it.”
Instagram: @thejerseyconnectband/
Monotremes
Formed in 1968 while in high school in Jacksonville, Florida, Monotremes began playing throughout the South, where the group became notorious for their triple-guitar attack, rousing stage presence, and lack of humility. On October 20, 1977, a plane carrying the band between shows in Savannah and Baton Rouge crashed in a wooded area outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi, taking the lives of 4 members of the band and a goat. In 1987, the lone surviving member reformed Monotremes and decades later, they remain consummate road warriors. A hard-living, hard-driving, goat-fearing rock & roll band. The last of a dying breed.
Whitespace
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The Early Pooch
The band’s least favourite foods are sunny-side eggs, Sun chips, Sunny D, hot wings, and crème brulee. This is The Early Pooch
Thursday, November 2
@ Supermarket Bar and Variety, 268 Augusta
Augustus
People always asks me, “What do you enjoy the most? Is it singing, choreographing/dancing, writing, or producing music?” To me, that’s like asking who’s your favourite child? Even though they’re all different and convey different emotions, I love them all deeply. There’s a paternal instinct that kicks in, which drives you to do the best that you can in what you’ve created in hope they can contribute to society and bring awareness and happiness to others. That’s what I do as an artist. That is who I am.
Instagram: @simplyaugustus
Places of Comfort
Supervisor with the City of Toronto, Employment and Social Services division, by day – wannabe singer/songwriter by night.
Instagram: places of comfort music
Midnight Satellite
Forging their orbital path for three years in an Uxbridge garage, this ensemble is a fusion of talent and good intentions. Playing a mix of covers and originals, with a new lead singer helping them reach higher altitudes. Brace yourself for a celestial experience as they take you on a ride through the night sky.
Trainwreck
Trainwreck is East Toronto’s favourite party band, a high-powered, 11-piece freight train that’s been rolling between Montreal and Toronto for 10 years. TRAINWRECK has raised tens of thousands of dollars for a variety of causes, and our aim is to delight and surprise with every song we play: from Elvis (Presley) to Elvis (Costello), from Gabriel to Gaga, from ABBA to ZAPPA – a ‘wrecking’ good time!
Instagram: @trainwreckpartyband
Facebook: @trainwreckpartyband
Thursday November 9
@ Lee’s Palace Dance Cave, 529 Bloor Street West
The Binds
Forming in the summer of 2014, The Binds have been bringing their flavour of blues, funk, and alternative rock to the Toronto music scene. After playing under a different band name for almost 3 years, the band changed direction and attitude in 2017, going full force with their craft. Fusing elements of a multitude of styles and artists, they have found an intricate, musically expressive niche to explore their sound.
Spotify: The Binds
Raquel’s Riot
Raquel’s Riot is a high energy band from Toronto. They play party hit covers of various genres and decades; with powerhouse vocals and being dynamic in sound, their performance will have you singing and dancing all night long.
Facebook: Raquel’s Riot
Tearzan
Tearzan has been this way before. Tearzan brings the love and wisdom and also some people from the ancestral bands Briefing Notes (emeritus), Government Rock Picnic (hibernative), and Deuxpeche Mode (possibly contagious – isolate). But you haven’t heard these songs before. Unless you’re my mother. Who thinks I’m great.
Bandcamp: Tearzan
Friday, November 10
@ Lee’s Palace Dance Cave, 529 Bloor Street West
The One-Offs
The One-Offs are a high-energy party-rock band made up of entirely, 100% pure ingredients of City of Toronto’s Transportation Services Division staff! Formed in 2018 as a quick entertainment solution for the divisions holiday party (hence the name “The ONE-OFFS”), they became such a huge hit that they are now the go-to entertainers for many divisional BBQs, fundraisers and holiday parties. That’s over six years running!
The Swinging Pussycats
The Swinging Pussycats are a fun, upbeat, four-piece band based in Toronto. They play original music that will make you want to dance. So don’t be shy – step up and shake your tail feather!
Facebook and Instagram: The Swinging Pussycats
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBYdgzWIhsYlVvdUYkAIrzg
X: @TheCatsTO
Heroes Don’t Wear Capos
Heroes Don’t Wear Capos formed from a ragtag group of musicians that has been gathering for years for eclectic jams in Toronto’s east end. We bring sparkling public service credentials to GovFest, representing the City of Toronto Transportation Services and City Manager’s Office, the Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire Dept and CBC-RadioCanada, along with tons of experience from UofT and the shadier parts of Ireland. Powerhouse vocals, killer percussion and guitars with and without capos!
Thick as Thieves
Words leap off the page and turn to honey in your ear
Youtube and TikTok: atopermusic
Vintage Derelicts
The Vintage Derelicts performed at GovFest 2022 and are back this year to perform another tribute to some of the best rock tunes ever written. The hardest part is choosing the perfect songs to honour our music heroes. We hope you enjoy the show. We’re here for a good time, not a long time, so bang your head, move your feet, and sing out loud! Let’s go!
Instagram: Vintage Derelicts
Thursday, November 16
@ 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas Street West
ALL SPICED
All Spiced is an all-female band which was created by Band Leader Dolly Currie 4 months prior to Govfest 2019! The Band had so much fun at Govfest, that they decided to continue as a band and even participated in 2020 by submitting a video show for the virtual Govfest festival. The band has gone through some changes which resulted in adding some great talent and an even wider selection of instrumentation! Here is what the Band says, “If you want to get your music kicks, don’t go to route 66, just come and listen to ALL SPICED”!
Invisible Hands
The Invisible Hands are very excited to be back playing in the 2023 iteration of the Battle of the Bands! While the band remains faithful to our punk rock economist roots, we have evolved over time into a glorious “Clash” of alt-rock, punk, and heavy metal. We like it loud and take no prisoners.
The Precedents
Holy stare decisis, The Precedents are back! The Precedents are an all-OPS cover band made up of lawyers and future lawyer, whom some (mostly family and close friends) have described as talented, energetic and charismatic! On this year’s docket, the band stands charged with bringing down the (court)house. Incapable of being overturned, and endearing beyond all reasonable doubt, The Precedents’ blend of symphonic justice is beyond objection!
Flight Risk
Flying out of Toronto, fueled by the City of Toronto and the OPS, comes a new band with an unstoppable sound and energy that will leave you craving for more. Flight Risk combines a rhythmic mix of rock, pop and alternative music with a brand new modern-day edge. Knowing sure well that time and experience is what really makes a band, Flight Risk is just that. Years of experience and an appetite for more makes a recipe to look out for.
Facebook: @FlightRiskTO
Instagram: @FlightRiskTO
Saturday, November 18
@ Junction Temple, 151 Annette
ZeroGiven
ZER0 GIVEN is made up of five diverse individuals: Lead vocalist Spence is rumoured to be the leader of a cultish Oasis fan club. On rhythm guitar, Tom is Zero’s lone American member and has an unconscious ability to forget any Canadian band or their songs. On lead guitar, Brian is proof that you don’t need hair to be a rockstar. Filling out the bottom end, bass player John is known for his lack of both his onstage clothing and tact while drummer Scott remains traumatized having to keep the beat behind John and his wardrobe choices.
Whiskey Concussion
Whiskey Concussion is a rock cover band kicking out your favourite hits from all decades – 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Based out of Toronto and Mississauga, they’ve been rocking the GTA and shattering ear drums with their diverse mix of all genres of rock for the past 8 years.
Facebook: Whiskey Concussion Band
Version Control
Come on flee the noise with Version Control, the Crown lawyer band that plays the New Wave hits of the 1980s.
Web: www.versioncontrol.ca
Instagram: versioncontrol_band
The Hollow Men
Introducing The Hollow Men, an electrifying rock band hailing from the vibrant music scene of Toronto. With a powerful lineup consisting of Jeff on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Kat on drums, Marco on lead guitar and Pete on bass, they create a mesmerizing fusion of raw energy and epic melodies. Influenced by classic rock icons and modern indie sounds, they conquer stages with their explosive rock sound that captivates audiences of all ages. Their live performances are nothing short of breathtaking, leaving fans craving more after each exhilarating show. With their unwavering passion and unwavering determination, The Hollow Men continue to evolve and push the boundaries of their artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene.
Facebook: The Hollow Men
Instagram: thehollowmenhq
The Bridge
The Bridge is a High Energy Band that aims to get the crowd moving and singing along. They seamlessly bridge together various genres across decades.
Final Final
Named to make light of the mind-numbing nature of government approvals (“but is it the final final?”) this four-piece brings together past members of past Govfest acts like the Secondments and Late Shift, backed by a second generation Govfest drummer to rock the stage with a mix of modern, alternative and indie-leaning rock.
