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Casa Del Popolo: A hidden gem in Mile End


In search of a music venue to hear some local artists, a quick internet search brought me to Casa Del Popolo. Tucked away on Boulevard St-Laurent amidst so many cafes and restaurants, it’d be easy to walk right by Casa Del Popolo. That would be a mistake for any music lover.

The intimate building boasts a dining area and multiple concert rooms. There’s a chalkboard displaying drink options, and a vegan menu to choose from if you’re feeling hungry.

Being my first visit to the venue, I had no clue what to expect of the concert. With tickets to see the June 6 North American musical showcase of Willy Mitchell and Beatrice Deer Band, I headed up the stairs to the left and into a white paneled room.

With folding chairs set-up in front of the stage, and a range of music lovers from twenty-somethings to a family with kids, the venue was intimate and approachable.

After a quick documentary showing of the 60s film, You Are on Indian Land, portraying the confrontation between the police and the Mohawk Indians on the Ontario bridge between Canada and the U.S., the music began. Now completely packed, the room switched to standing mode to accommodate everyone.

Canadian Beatrice Deer took to the stage. In an all black ensemble, the female vocalist performed pieces in English and native Inuktitut. With songs ranging from traditional chants (Katatjaniq) to crystal clear ballads on love, loss, and family (Do I), the Beatrice Deer Band displayed an incredible range of talents and a gorgeous musical presence.

With a headliner like the Beatrice Deer Band, it was hard to imagine the concert getting any better. However, as soon as Willy Mitchell came out with his guitar and goofy grin, it was clear – if not by the audience’s reaction – that we were all in for something special.

Mitchell picks up his guitar, starts to play, and with a grin, endearingly admits that he’s forgotten the lyrics. Without a hint of hesitation, the audience immediately cheers him on: “You got this Willy!”

Then, fiddling on his guitar as sweat beads on his face, he goes: “We’ll just pretend this is a sweat lodge.” And with that out of the way, the folk songs come pouring on out. Hitting every note, and telling the best stories in between songs, Willy played to a packed house until 12 AM.

From stories of how he and his bandmate would busk on the streets to the crowds of concert goers at the now long gone Montreal Forum, to tidbits of song origins, Mitchell proved storyteller and artist.

With two fellow bandmates for the night – one on drums, the other on guitar – Willy Mitchell played Kill’n Your Mind, Birchbark Letter, and Call of the Moose. He even played a lovesong he wrote for his wife – which he preceded by saying: “I’m not a romantic, so here goes.”

One of the best moments came when the band performed There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. The audience ate it up – everyone was singing along and grooving to the old folk song.

In an encore featuring Mitchell on electric guitar, and his bandmate on drums, the night ended with a Willy Mitchell rendition of The Rising Sun.

Definitely a newfound favorite of mine, Casa Del Popolo is a must for anyone visiting the Mile End Area who wants a taste of what the local music scene in Canada has to offer.

You can view the calendar of upcoming performances on Casa Del Popolo's website.

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