If you were to ask any Canadian artist worth their salt what is the one venue they love playing the most, I’m willing to bet the common answer would be somewhere that’s specifically off the beaten path. Away from big city hustle and bustle but large enough to consistently attract diverse, always excited crowds of locals and out-of-towners in the midsized 1,500 to 2,000 person range, that venue is the KEE to Bala.
Located in the heart of Ontario’s famed cottage country – facing a picturesque bay no less – the KEE has been hosting soirées that have varied from fancy dress big band dances to VIP-exclusive gatherings with Aerosmith for darn near 80 years now. The surrounding area may be known for things such as natural serenity and laid-back vibes, but inside its barn-like structure the KEE is hopping more time than not as music fans of all backgrounds mix harmoniously over a shared feeling of wanting to have a good time while seeing some great live acts. Is that sappy? Maybe, but there are no shortage of bands who have ostensibly built their careers on winning over crowds at the KEE, time and time again in some cases.
This vacation destination-type playlist features a 10-pack who have been welcomed with open arms at the KEE repeatedly, even if they ply their trade in “Tarrana” or are originally from elsewhere like Tsawwassen, British Columbia’s own 54-40. Or how about Montreal-born, son of South African immigrants Sam Roberts, who has to hold some kind of informal record for amount of times playing Bala. The only thing more KEE to this playlist would have been if I posted it on the Friday of a long weekend; I would have to double or even le its length though to last the typical drive time it takes from the so-called Centre of the Universe.
KEE to Bala interior photo courtesy of Brad Wheeler
This isn’t sponsored or anything, but if you’re looking to get away for a few days to unplug from the world (but don't mind a little speaker amplification), you can’t go wrong with a sojourn to the Muskokas. Book yourself an Airbnb and check out the KEE’s schedule for the summer.
Gone Rockin’ to Muskoka
(A Vacay Road Trip Playlist by ROCKthusiast)
Big Wreck – That Song
The Glorious Sons – Kill the Lights
54-40 – Love You All
The Trews – Hold Me in Your Arms
Max Webster – Hangover
July Talk – Headsick
Sloan – Underwhelmed
Matthew Good Band – Apparitions
Blue Rodeo – Hasn’t Hit Me Yet
Sam Roberts – Detroit ’67