Rock and roll and R&B on Yonge and in Yorkville, 1965-1968

Many of the Yorkville coffee houses would transform into rock and roll and R&B venues in 1965-66. A new generation of bands, many of them influenced by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and other British Invasion groups, would pack these small unlicensed clubs. On weekend nights, the Village was full of young people, motorcycle gangs and police. Jack London and the Sparrows, the British Modbeats and Lords of London played Brit-influenced rock, while Jon and Lee and the Checkmates as well as Luke and the Apostles played the Purple Onion and the Devil’s Den on Avenue Road. The Mynah Birds included future stars Rick James and Neil Young. Go-go dancers were a regular accompaniment to the bands, especially in Yonge Street clubs like the Friars. The Mandala, with their spectacular presentation and high-intensity psychedelic soul style, made a big impression that still resonates today.