The evening was hot and so were the sounds at The Reservoir Lounge on August 26, 2026, when they hosted a media night to showcase the outstanding musical acts that regularly perform at the lounge. Featuring swing, Jump blues, Boogie-Woogie, jazz, Motown, and soul music, the Reservoir Lounge has been entertaining Toronto audiences since 1997 at its Old Toronto neighbourhood home and the venue has had some A-list musicians attend as guests including Prince, Drake, Rod Stewart, Queen Latifah and Tom Jones. In fact, Michael Bublé performed at the Reservoir Lounge early in his career and Jeff Healey, was a regular on stage as well.
When we arrived, my guest and I chose a table a little distance from the stage. The lighting is low and the space is intimate, giving the place a real jazz-blues speakeasy vibe. We were quickly offered cocktails from the evening’s special menu, which included Blood Orange Margarita; John Jameson’s Ginger Beer; Veuve du Vernay Brut; Bertiolo Pinot Grigio and Valle Dorado Cabernet Sauvignon.
We got a taste of the regular food menu with passed appetizers that included:
- Butter-poached Nova Scotia lobster roll
- Vegan Corn Taco
- Poached Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail
- Korean-Style Wagyu Beef Slider
- Free-Range Chicken Lemongrass Skewer
- Marinated Wild Mushroom Thin-Crust Pizza
- Roasted Churrasco Chicken Thin-Crust Pizza
I was really impressed with the food offerings. The Korean-Style Wagyu Beef Slider was one of the best Wagyu burgers I’ve ever had. It was juicy and flavourful and was topped with kimchi and miso on a brioche bun.
The Poached Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail was another standout. The shrimp was extremely fresh and juicy and perfectly cooked, resulting in a firm texture.
Another favourite was the Free-Range Chicken Lemongrass Skewer. These addictive skewers had some delicious heat, from the added tamarind sauce.
Although the guests next to me were raving about the Nova Scotia lobster rolls, I had to pass on them as I am allergic to lobster.
We were treated to the live music offerings of several performers including:
- Janice Hagan
- Danny B
- Xavier Solis
- Shane Phillips
- LUCILLE
The sterling house band was led by William Sperandei, an exceptional trumpeter, pianist, composter and bandleader. I enjoyed listening to the talented musicians perform before the vocalists took the stage.
Jazz vocalist Janice Hogan opened the evening with her sultry voice singing some classic jazz standards.
The dynamic Danny B sang an old Jump Blues tune and marvelled the crowd with his harmonica playing.
Xavier Solis had the audience grooving with his soulful performance of the Al Green classic, “Let’s Stay Together”.
Shane Phillips continued with the RnB vibe, showcasing particularly strong vocals.
LUCILLE demonstrated her incredible vocal range on Aretha Franklin staples including “Chain of Fools” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” the former which was penned by multi-Grammy Award winner Carol King.
We had a great introduction to the variety of performers that you’ll typically find at The Reservoir Lounge. I can’t wait to return!
If you’re in the mood for jazz, blues, R&B, soul or funk, you’ll definitely want to swing by The Reservoir Lounge. Upcoming acts are posted on the website. A minimum suggested food is $20 per person. A cover charge also applies.
The Reservoir Lounge, 52 Wellington Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1C6 416-955-0887
You may be interested in reading, “Events and things to do in Toronto in September 2026”
