The Sounds of Celebration

Think for a second about the power of music. A favourite song from your past can transport you back in time. A good symphony can bring people to tears (and allegedly make houseplants grow better). And a song with a strong beat always seems to make little kids dance.

But nothing beats the power of music played LIVE.

The Old Strathcona district prides itself on being one of the busiest live music areas, not only in Edmonton but in all of Western Canada, not just for touring bands but for local musicians who bring their unique take on music to the stage night after night. You’ll hear everything: acoustic folk, alternative, blues, Celtic, classical, country, DJs, electronica, jazz, metal, and good old basic rock. Head to one of the many popular “open mic” nights and you’re bound to hear it all in one night (and likely some standup
comedy too).

But the music doesn’t stop onstage. You can take it home. Old Strathcona’s got some of the coolest High Fidelity-esque indie record stores in the city (and yes, they deal in vinyl, both vintage and new).

Old Strathcona also has music stores where local musicians and some celebrities (like Aerosmith’s Joe Perry) like to pick up guitars and whatever other gear they need for gigs (drums, keyboards, sound systems, sheet music, you name it). There’s even a guitar maker in Old Strathcona.

Like music? You’ll love Old Strathcona.