The Orbit Room

The Orbit Room is a Toronto bar owned by Rush lead guitarist Alex Lifeson and Tim Notter. The restaurant is managed by Tim Wilson. The venue is decorated in the style of a 1950s New York City cocktail lounge, and plays host to many different kinds of live music; particularly R&B, funk, and jazz. It is located at 580-A College Street, within Toronto's "Little Italy" district, accessible by streetcar. There is street parking. They serve some food; more on certain nights of the week. The Orbit Room began in November 1994. The original house band, The Dexters, played classic R&B Thursday through Saturdays, then Fridays and Saturdays, and finally just Saturdays. The Dexters are Lou Pomanti (Hammond B-3), Bernie LaBarge (guitar, vocals), Peter Cardinali (bass), and Mark Kelso (drums). They played at the club for ten years, until their semi-retirement in 2004. Blues, alternative rock, reggae, soul, and/or R & B can be heard live 7 nights a week. On any given night, local musicians and Canadian celebrities are often present.