Punk and garage
The backbone of the calendar for 25 years. Fast sets, short changeovers, and a crowd that turns up for the opener rather than drifting in for the headliner.
Shows and live events
Garage, punk, metal and indie, in a room where the stage and the floor are more or less the same thing.
What a night at the Dom looks like
Doors are early, the first band goes on earlier than you expect, and nobody waits until eleven to start. Most bills run three or four acts, usually a mix of a touring band and whoever in Ottawa is a good fit for them. Tickets at the door unless a show says otherwise.
The room holds a crowd without swallowing it, which is why bands who could play somewhere larger keep coming back. It is loud, it is close, and the sound is set for guitars.
Metal
Everything from doom to thrash, including the bills that would not get a look-in at a bigger room. Earplugs are at the bar and you will want them.
Theme nights and DJs
Between live bills: DJ nights, record launches, benefit shows and the occasional sports screening when something is worth watching.
House rules
Simple ones, and they have not changed. Be decent to the bands, be decent to the staff, and be decent to the person standing next to you. Anyone who is not gets to continue their evening on York Street. The Dom is cash only; there is an ATM on location.
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