Nestled in the heart of The Annex, Lee’s Palace is more than just a rock concert hall in Toronto—it’s a legendary venue where iconic performances and unforgettable nights come to life. Since its transformation in 1985, Lee’s Palace in The Annex has become one of Toronto’s best concert halls, revered by locals and music lovers worldwide. This two-floor marvel houses both a renowned live music venue downstairs and The Dance Cave upstairs, where weekend nights pulse with energy. Over the decades, Lee’s Palace has hosted an impressive lineup of international and Canadian acts, from Nirvana to Arcade Fire, drawing crowds with its gritty charm and top-notch acoustics. Step inside to experience a venue that captures the essence of Toronto’s music scene, where the best in live music echoes through the walls every night.
Historical Background
The building that now houses Lee’s Palace in The Annex has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Originally, it served as a bank before being converted into Allen’s Bloor Theatre in 1919. Designed as a luxurious silent film theater by Howard Crane’s company, the venue was a prominent part of Toronto’s entertainment landscape. In the 1960s, it became the Blue Orchid, a cabaret known for its burlesque shows and unique atmosphere. By the mid-1970s, it transitioned into Oriental Palace, a dinner and dance venue.
In 1985, Chong Su Lee, also known as Mr. Lee, transformed the building into the now-iconic Lee’s Palace, a rock concert hall in Toronto. The venue quickly became a staple among live music venues in Toronto, showcasing emerging talent and hosting legendary acts.
In December 2023, Lee’s Palace was acquired by MODO LIVE, solidifying its place among Toronto’s best concert halls.
Venue Layout and Unique Features
Lee’s Palace in The Annex is a two-floor facility designed to deliver diverse entertainment experiences. The ground floor houses the iconic concert hall, Lee’s Palace, known for its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics. This space accommodates approximately 600 guests and features a 5-foot-high stage measuring 24 feet deep and 22 feet wide, making it a standout among concert halls in The Annex.
The top floor is home to The Dance Cave, a nightclub that caters to fans of alternative and retro music. The Dance Cave has its own bar and dance floor, offering a vibrant atmosphere for weekend events and private functions. It can host additional guests, adding to the venue’s versatility.
Both floors are equipped with professional-grade sound and lighting systems, including CLAIR line array loudspeakers and an Avid Digital SC48 soundboard. These features, combined with an experienced technical staff, ensure a superior concert experience, solidifying Lee’s Palace as one of Toronto’s best concert halls.
Events and Performances
Lee’s Palace in The Annex is renowned for hosting a variety of events that cater to diverse musical and cultural tastes. The venue regularly features live concerts, special DJ events, dance parties, and private gatherings. Its dual-level setup allows for unique experiences, with live bands taking center stage at Lee’s Palace downstairs, while The Dance Cave upstairs provides an alternative music club experience.
Over the years, Lee’s Palace has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic live music venues in Toronto. International legends such as Nirvana, Arctic Monkeys, and Red Hot Chili Peppers have graced its stage, alongside celebrated Canadian acts like Arcade Fire, The Tragically Hip, and Blue Rodeo.
Upcoming events continue to showcase a mix of local and touring artists, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to intimate rock shows, themed dance nights, or vibrant DJ sets, Lee’s Palace remains a key destination among concert halls in The Annex.
Technical and Club Specifications
Lee’s Palace in The Annex is equipped with professional-grade sound and lighting systems designed to enhance every performance, solidifying its reputation as one of Toronto’s best concert halls. The venue features an elevated stage measuring 5 feet high, 24 feet deep, and 22 feet wide, with a ceiling height of 12 feet above the stage. This setup ensures excellent visibility and acoustics for the audience.
The sound system includes CLAIR I-3 line array loudspeakers, S4 sub loudspeakers, and a Dolby Lake Processor for precise audio control. Avid Digital SC48 is used at the front-of-house (FOH), supported by a variety of Shure, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica microphones, as well as passive and active direct boxes. The lighting system comprises 12 front-stage par cans and 18 side and back-stage LEDs, creating dynamic visual effects.
Experienced technical staff are available to support events, ensuring optimal sound quality and lighting. The FOH technician is included in the rental package, and headline soundchecks are provided. These features make Lee’s Palace a top choice among concert halls in The Annex and a go-to destination for unforgettable live performances.
Booking Information
Lee’s Palace in The Annex offers a variety of flexible booking options for artists, promoters, and event organizers. Local artists can rent the venue to produce their own headline events, which typically feature 2–4 bands. The rental package includes a flat fee, a front-of-house (FOH) tech fee, and a per-ticket facility fee. Additionally, there is a small doorperson fee. For local performers, the rental fees are discounted, and Lee’s Palace does not take a percentage of merchandise sales, making it an artist-friendly option among live music venues in Toronto. Advance ticketing services are available at no extra charge.
Promoters and third-party organizers are welcome to rent the venue, with the option to manage their own ticketing or utilize the venue’s services. The Dance Cave is available for private rentals, such as corporate events, birthday parties, and book launches. These rentals include access to a professional sound system, bar service, and optional DJ services.
For booking inquiries, contact [email protected]. The venue’s policies and streamlined booking process make it a preferred choice among concert halls in The Annex.
Audience Information and Policies
Lee’s Palace in The Annex adheres to clear policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Most events at the venue are 19+ due to provincial alcohol regulations. However, exceptions are occasionally made for all-ages shows, typically scheduled during weekend afternoons or early evenings, where alcohol is not served.
The venue offers full bar service for 19+ events, providing a range of beverages to enhance the concert experience. Attendees are reminded to carry valid government-issued identification as age verification is strictly enforced.
When it comes to merchandise, Lee’s Palace does not take a percentage of local artists’ sales, allowing performers to retain their profits. These artist-friendly policies, combined with its well-stocked bar and organized operations, make it a standout among concert halls in The Annex and a preferred venue for both performers and audiences.
Location & Contact Information
Lee’s Palace in The Annex is located at 529 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1Y5, making it a prime spot for live music lovers in Toronto. The venue is easily accessible, situated just steps from Bathurst Station on the TTC’s Line 2, making it convenient for both locals and visitors. Positioned in the vibrant Annex neighborhood, Lee’s Palace is surrounded by popular restaurants, bars, and shops, adding to its appeal as one of Toronto’s best concert halls.
For inquiries, you can reach out directly:
- General Information: [email protected]
- Booking Inquiries: [email protected]
- Manager Contact: Joe Clancy ([email protected])
- Phone contact is also available at (416) 532-1598.
- Website
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FAQs
- What types of events are held at Lee’s Palace?
Concerts, DJ events, private parties, and dance nights. - Is Lee’s Palace only for 19+ events?
Most events are 19+, but occasional all-ages shows are held during daytime hours. - What is the audience capacity at Lee’s Palace?
The main floor can accommodate approximately 600 people. - Is alcohol served at Lee’s Palace?
Yes, alcohol is served during 19+ events, with valid ID required. - Does Lee’s Palace take a cut from artist merchandise sales?
No, the venue allows artists to keep 100% of their merchandise sales. - Are private events allowed at Lee’s Palace?
Yes, both floors can be rented for private and corporate events. - How do I get to Lee’s Palace using public transport?
Take the TTC subway to Bathurst Station; it’s a short walk from there.