Drop the Needle, Catch the Beat: May Music Moments in Oshawa

Oshawa is known as the music centre of Durham Region, not just for the many live music venues it is home to, but also for the many record stores located in the city. Within a block downtown, there are three: Let It Rock, Another Spin Records, and Kops Records. All three have their own personality reflected in how the stores are curated. Kops, because of its size, also hosts live shows. For music fans, it is possible to spend several hours digging through the crates of vinyl and then taking in a performance at one of the venues, all within walking distance of each other. Kops has several shows lined up for the month of May, but first, here are some gigs at the clubs and theatres around which to build that record shopping trip.

The Biltmore has a stacked line-up through May, notably with British punk/folk singer Frank Turner making a stop on Thursday, May 15. One can follow a line from Turner through Billy Bragg and Joe Strummer to Bruce Springsteen. It's quite a big deal to have Turner in town. 

British Singer-Songwriter Frank Turner makes a once-in-a-lifetime stop at The Biltmore Theatre on Thursday, May 15. Trust us, you don't want to miss this concert!

Coming out of the Long Weekend, The Halluci-Nation brings their big wave of Indigenous sounds to the Biltmore, mixing rave, hip-hop, and traditional pow-wow to create something unique and inviting. Formerly known as A Tribe Called Red, they play on Tuesday, May 20. On Thursday, May 22, country singer Corey Marks is at the Biltmore, and on Sunday, May 25, Daniel Romano’s Outfit returns to Oshawa to perform. 

Across the street from The Biltmore Theatre, at the Regent Theatre, Canadian icon Gowan plays not one but two separate dates at the historic theatre. Gowan, known for his hits ‘Moonlight Desires,’ ‘(You’re a) Strange Animal’ and ‘A Criminal Mind,’ also sings lead vocals for American rockers Styx. Gowan plays Thursday, May 15, and again on Sunday, May 18, such is the demand for his music. 

On the Long Weekend, Windsor’s Feral Minks takes a trip up the 401 to play Saturday, May 17 at the TwoTwoTwo inside the Bond|St. Event Centre.

Windsor's rock'n'roll outfit and great hair enthusiasts, Feral Minks, are stopping at The TwoTwoTwo on Saturday, May 17.

And as noted above, along with the many venues offering live music, including Cork & Bean, Brew Wizards Board Game Cafe, and The Atria, there is also a deep vinyl scene with Kops hosting a series of shows ushering in the summer of 2025. 

On Saturday, May 10, the store hosts an all-day fundraiser with performances by local bands and singer/songwriters, including Poor Pelly, Trish Robb, Plz Respond, Gish, and Paper Cages. Viviana will play on Saturday, May 17, and on Saturday, May 24, indie rockers Mary & Adelaide will open for Toronto-based country folk act Spirit Josh. 

So, when considering a trip to downtown Oshawa for the many music events, spend some time browsing the record crates.