Ever wonder how The Garrison got its name? Or Wavelength's history with this Dundas St. West destination spot? I asked owner, Shaun Bowring, these questions plus more in honour of The Garrison's upcoming 3 year anniversary.

How did you get involved in the Toronto music scene?
SB: When I was 16 years old my band "Issue number 6" started playing places like The Beverly Tavern, Larrys Hideaway, Cabana Room etc. I had a few different bands but Teknicolor Raincoats was my first band that recorded / released music. So that was when I became fully immersed in the local scene.

What was it like making the switch from musician to club booker?
SB: Pretty easy actually. I was the guy in the band that did all the management / booking / record company duties / promo etc. So my approach was to booking was to strike a fair balance of art and commerce. Make sure bands had a place to play as well as sell beer.

When did The Garrison open, why did you choose this spot and what's its history?
SB: The Garrison opened October 1 2009. I tried to find a place on Dundas street anywhere from Bathurst to Lansdowne. After many failed viewings the former Portuguese Billiards Hall became available.

What made you open The Garrison?
SB: The place I formerly booked had a management change. We did not share the same business ethics, so we parted ways. I had been planning to open my own place for a while, so that was the push and shove that set it in motion.

How did you decide on the name?
SB: I had always been fascinated by the mysterious under ground waterway Garrison Creek that runs through Toronto. So when we ended up a few hundred yards away from it The Garrison seemed like e a good timeless / locally derived name.

What kind of things go on at The Garrison?
SB: The Garrison is a a multi use space - we have food, bands, bingo, movies, dance nights, theatre, book launches, fundraisers, clothing swaps, we had the local city councillor debate for the last municipal election and hosted Andrew Cash' victory party on the last federal election night.

The Garrison and Wavelength have a history together, how did that come to be?
SB: I was the booker at Sneaky Dee's for seven years - the time Wavelength ran its weekly Sunday series. When I opened the Garrison Wavelength followed and ran the last 5 months of the weekly series out.

What's in store for The Garrison in the future?
SB: Keep on doing what we do best & move with the times! Also the Garrison Cantina is in full swing offering Latin tapas from 6PM till late every night.

What has been your top favourite moment/experience/night at The Garrison?
SB: Every night is great!

The Garrison is located at 1197 Dundas St. West (just west of Ossington & Dundas)
Website: http://www.garrisontoronto.com/   
Facebook Group
Twitter: @TheGarrisonTO

Wavelength returns to The Garrison for our first major show since ALLCAPS! on Friday, September 28th with WL550!