Trinity-St Paul’s United Church

Saw a baroque orchestra concert here. Church itself was very nice and the oval seating helped view the orchestra from every angle. Sat at the balcony pews (they have seating numbers FYI) and although it was a bit tight and uncomfortable, the grand view made up for it. The floor had individual chairs that were linked to one another and it appeared to have more room. But I guess if you’re short, you’d have to look past all the heads in front of you. I noticed only one bathroom which was located downstairs and I wished it was well ventilated because it wasn’t pleasant at all.

I traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah to attend a show in Toronto — based on the fact that a.) we’d never been to Toronto and b.) that seeing a show at a Church sounded cool.
If you’re looking to travel to see a favorite band — and they’re playing here — stop reading this, go back to Ticketmaster and book those tickets before they sell out.
This easily became my absolute favorite place to see a concert. What was expected to be a great venue turned out to be a borderline holy experience. The sound was great, the venue is gorgeous, and the security/​management at the venue allowed us to get into the place in a seamless, painless process.
The only downside is the heat. If you’re going in the summer months, stop at some little tourist trap shop and buy a $ 1 folding fan. It was the best investment I made in our entire weeklong trip.

After living in Toronto for 20 years and seeing concerts in so many bars and clubs, I’m blown away by how much better the sound is in a church. Sure, you expect great acoustics but honestly, this is the sound that clubs and bars should be striving for. As a devout atheist, I feel a bit odd about going to a church for a concert but hey, where else was I going to see Timber Timbre. Sadly, this band will soon be too big to keep playing venues like this but while it lasts, I’d go to see ANY decent band that is playing in this church-​and probably many others in this city. And not wholly uncomfortable seating, great view, despite not being able to get seats upfront. If you’re even contemplating going to this church for a show-don’t hesitate.

This is one of the best venues to see a concert anywhere.
I could not have been happier with everything about the Alejandro Escovedo show earlier this summer — the sound was amazing! We were in the front row! And the band played majestically. You could tell they really enjoyed thmselves and the venue, so much, in fact, that they were walking the aisles interacting with the audience.
I am now constantly checking to see what artists are performing here for a chance to go again.
Great convenient location too. Seating is first come, so come early. They do allow water inside, which they were selling in the vestibule.

GENERAL NOTES
I only go to churches for wedding, funerals and concerts and as much fun as weddings can be (for obvious reasons), this was easily the most fun I’ve had at a church. First of all, the church itself is the perfect music venue. Seating for about 700 – 800 including a huge U-​shaped balcony with padded pews (who are the suckers on the main floor sitting on hard wood?), this church is truly a place to worship… music. It’s a smallish room, keeping you close to the action but the high ceiling allows for wonderful reverberations. It’s sonic poetry.
MENU RECOMMENDATIONS
Try the water. Holy, it’s good.
LOCATION NOTES
Located on the south side of Bloor, just west of Spadina. Street parking on side streets. It stands out in the Annex like Mark Wahlberg at a Pride Festival.

I’d snatch up any opportunity to see a band perform at Trinity-​St. Paul’s Church. It’s a rarity and for a reason — only the most special tours stop through here, ensuring that the experience is an unforgettable one.
The venue fits just under 800 people and about 500 of these are on the second floor balcony, which is U shaped series of padded pews that look onto the main altar area. Down below, about 300 more people sit on regular pews. It’s first come, first served so it’s best to show up early, or if you’re me and Bryan G., show up just before the main act goes on and score the best seat in the house (first row balcony near the stage).
Obviously being a church, concerts are ‘dry’ events — in fact, I didn’t see any beverages available at all. It’s a small price to pay for majestic sound and a beautiful backdrop, not to mention the comfort of being in a seated venue with other civilized concertgoers for once.
I saw Patrick Watson on the weekend and his performance could not have been more perfectly suited to Trinity-​St. Paul’s. It was simply majestic! I couldn’t imagine it anywhere else.