Tom Waits Appreciation Congregation to play Dresden’s Czech Hall Oct. 25

The Toronto group regularly plays to packed houses in the city, and organizer John Gardiner says the show saves local fans the trip.

Tom Waits fans in Southwestern Ontario can catch a tribute to his music at the Czech Hall in Dresden on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.

The Tom Waits Appreciation Congregation, a group of five Toronto musicians, will perform the show. The group plays to packed houses in Toronto on a regular basis and has built a substantial following over the years.

Waits is a singer-songwriter known for his gravelly voice and emotionally charged songs. His fans are known for their devotion.

“I just became aware that the Appreciation Congregation were a thing in the last couple of years,” said John Gardiner, one of the show’s organizers. “I’m a big Tom Waits fan and this will save me a trip into Toronto to see some first-rate entertainment.”

Gardiner operated the Glass Onion Folk Club in Wallaceburg for more than 25 years. He has long felt that people in Southwestern Ontario shouldn’t have to travel to the big city for a quality performance.

“The Czech Hall is the perfect venue for this show,” he said. “Lots of room for all these Tom Waits’ fans.”

Show details:

• When: Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
• Where: Czech Hall, Dresden
• Tickets: $30 each

Tickets are available by calling 519-683-2097 or 519-627-5978, or by emailing [email protected].