History

Since the late '80s, the Rex has been at the forefront of Toronto's thriving local jazz scene. The casual atmosphere, eclectic mix of retro-chic decor, and wide selection of Ontario craft beer combine to make The Rex feel like a second home.

The Jazz & Blues Bar continually attracts Canada's finest musicians and is unique in that it remains distinctly inexpensive and affordable for the budget-conscious. During the annual TD Toronto Jazz Festival, The Rex is one of the central venues with the busiest programme.

All year long, it’s not unusual for world-renowned musicians (like Kurt Elling, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Chris Potter, Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, Joshua Redman, Russell Malone, Harry Connick Jr., George Garzone, Frank Tiberi, David Binney, Mark Turner, The Bloomdaddies, Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop, Willem Breuker Kollektiv, Ricardo Del Fra, Derek Trucks Band, Mulgrew Miller, Eric Reed, Stacy Rowles, Ani Difranco, Maceo Parker, Dave Liebman, Seamus Blake, Chris Tarry, Henry Hey, Pete McCann, Chris Cheek, Tim LeFebvre, Keith Carlock, Gary Versace, Dan Weiss, Slide Hampton, Joe & Pat LaBarbera, Christian Scott, Rob McConnell, Donny McCaslin, Ben Monder, Scott Colley, Antonio Sanchez, Don Byron and many more) to show up on our stage.

At The Rex, we stay true to our motto:

"More Great Jazz than anywhere else, all the time!"