St. James Hall

Interesting church or community center or japanese school. The elevator freaks the me out. Its one of those old style elevator that you have to press to get it moving. I mean you have to hold it down. So oldie style. Would really scary me if it stops working and I am in it.

You just don’t expect the cozy, creaky, cradled cavern that awaits you through the community centre doors.
Raincity Chronicles, Rogue Folk Fest (Christa Couture is incredible), workout bootcamps with Peak Fitness Management’s Cord Reisdorf are just a few of the events I’ve personally attended here. And should one like to be wed in a defunct church with pews, an alter, and a vaulted ceiling that looks like Noah’s Ark turned upside down, then this is your place.
Plus, there’s been a cash bar at the events I’ve attended.*
*Except the bootcamp. That’d be counterproductive.

Beautiful architecture and great acoustics!
The performance we attended was a near sell out and created a bit of a bottleneck in the foyer but this intimate venue was perfect for the type of show we saw; Caravan Rhythms presentation of Bassekou kouyate. An amazingly talented group of 8 performers playing an string instrument called the N’goni, a guitar/​gourd like instrument with sounds that range from guitar to harp and banjo to keyboard. Their vocals were mesmerizing in combination with the Tama or talking drum, this drum’s pitch is affected and controlled by movement of the arm tightening or loosening the strings and rapped with a curved stick. Really, you have to experience it sometime.
We arrived a bit late and had to sit in the above loft area. The seating up there is pews, lending to the church like feel to the hall. (These hard benches are not so great for my bony butt). Fortunately the music was too good to sit still for, improving the circulation and thus preventing me from falling over when I finally stood up. A lot of people were letting loose on the dance floor in front of the stage.
I’d see a show at St James anytime, (but perhaps sneak in a cushion).

D’accord with the previous reviews. St. James Hall is a warm venue — acoustically and vibe-​wise. The Rogue Folk Club makes it a regular home, and plenty of other music groups and presenters have also discovered its charms. A lovely venue for artists and audience.

Totally agree with Cameron M. St. James Hall is a surprising music venue. This unassuming church in the heart of Kits will blow your socks off with the sound quality that can be produced. To quote the MC…“playing here is like playing inside of a acoustic guitar.” Which was perfect for taking in the haunting sound of Emily Brown’s voice and an upbeat performance by Jeremy Fisher. The wood interior also gives the venue a cozy feel, making the whole performance seem more intimate then it would be in a larger more sprawed out venue. Its also close to all the great bars and late night eateries in Kits!