No Tickets at the Door – a look at how the pandemic affected Toronto musicians, promoters, and venues

The film offers an in-depth look into Toronto’s diverse underground music scene and the myriad of challenges that musicians, promoters, and venues are facing during COVID-19. Questions about creative survival and perseverance during lockdown, as well as the overwhelming effects of merciless gentrification, are actively raised and discussed by the community. Part documentary, part love letter to the scene, filmmaker and musician Danny Alexander explores the creative impulses that are driving musicians today while paying close attention to the endangered status of Toronto as an incubator for the arts. Featuring interviews with prominent contributors such as Sook-Yin Lee, Dan Burke, Luna Li, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, and TRP.P, owners of historic venues like the Horseshoe Tavern, and local politicians who are championing the arts.

No Tickets At The Door examines the importance of music communities in the modern age and what is at stake if a city is no longer hospitable towards them. While there is struggle, there is also creative resilience. Right here in Toronto, meet the talented indie musicians, promoters and venues that are fighting to survive and persevere amid the ongoing lockdown and the overwhelming effects of gentrification.

**In lieu of a ticket, please consider donating to ESN (Encampment Support Network). Any contribution, big or small, will help out our city’s homeless population and allow ESN’s volunteer’s to provide essential supplies such as water and tents, ice, sleeping bags, fire safety equipment, and snacks.