4.5
What do I love about the Great Hall? Let me count the ways. For one, this old building has a rich history and has served many purposes over time (I've written about it for the Grid if you care to google), but it works best as a concert venue and event space. It's grand staircase and grandiose stages make it an epic place to watch live music. The sound is amazing, whether you're upstairs in the Great Hall or downstairs in the Black Box. The only bad part about this place is in the summer it gets really hot. Really, really hot. Especially downstairs. Hence I had to deduct half a star for bad ventilation.
But alas, I have seen some of the most amazing performances here. I've seen everyone from the Weakerthans to the Wooden Sky. I've seen local bands and bands from afar. I've had the privilege of getting a behind-the-scenes tour to explore my inklings that the place is haunted (I believe it is...this is also in the Grid article). And really, since this place is in my home of WQW, it is an ideal venue for me. It's unlike anything else in the city and it's very consistent and reliable.
Apparently they've recently had some issues with capacity and a bunch of shows had to be relocated. I hope whatever is going on soon gets sorted out fast so I can return to the bliss that is the Great Hall.