Kallisto

Transforming klezmer modal traditions into clarinet-led progressive rock with a psychedelic twist

Previous events

CHAMELEON : Kallisto album launch II

 —  —

Petit Campus, 57 Rue Prince-Arthur E, Montréal

Kallisto launches Chameleon, their second album, with a high-energy set of original music at Petit Campus. The album is an homage to the city of Montreal, with each piece drawing from a different corner of its cultural landscape, from neighbourhoods to musical traditions and lived experiences. Blending klezmer, Anatolian and Balkan influences with a prog-leaning psychedelic rock sound, the band moves between intricate melodies, driving grooves and immersive textures. This special album launch brings that new material to the stage for the first time in its full form.

Kallisto lance Chameleon, son deuxième album, avec un set intense de musique originale au Petit Campus. L’album se veut un hommage à la ville de Montréal, chaque pièce étant liée à une facette de son paysage culturel, qu’il s’agisse de quartiers, de traditions musicales ou d’expériences vécues. Mêlant des influences klezmer, anatoliennes et balkaniques à un son rock psychédélique aux accents prog, le groupe navigue entre mélodies complexes, grooves puissants et textures immersives. Ce lancement d’album est l’occasion de découvrir ce nouveau répertoire en live pour la première fois dans toute son ampleur.

20$ pre-sale, 25$ door

Share

Carbaret Acoustique Nuits d'Afrique

 —  —

Club Balattou , 4372 boul St-Laurent, Montréal

Kallisto brings its clarinet-led prog rock to Club Balattou on April 12 at 9:30 PM with a set of heavy, through-composed originals. Channeling klezmer and Anatolian psychedelia through electric guitar, cello, bass, and drums, the Montreal ensemble delivers rhythmically intricate, tightly structured compositions built for immersive live performance.

Tickets and full details coming soon.

Share

Kallisto at Maison Pastel

 —  —

La Maison Pastel, 1815 Montée Binette, Ste-Adèle

Guidé par la magie du ''Self-existing blue eagle'' du calendrier Maya, nous recevrons nul autre que le groupe Kallisto le 14 mars prochain!!

Dressés de bleu pour l'occasion, ne manquez pas ce show où les mélodies couleront à flots telles la sève d'érable dans nos chaudières et où les riffs virtuoses nous envoûteront comme une montée de sucre!!

Au confins de la musique Klezmer et du rock psychédélique turc, Kallisto est mené par la clarinettiste et compositrice Jossée MacInnis, aux côtés d’Antoine Bensoussan (guitare), Jefferson Perez (violoncelle), Patrick LeBrun (basse) et Edward Scrimger (batterie). Issus de parcours variés en rock, jazz, musique classique et expérimentale, les membres façonnent un son collectif à saveur unique et immersive.

Ce groupe prendra d'assaut la scène pour deux sets avec entracte à partir de 20h00.

Début du show: 20h00 Ouverture des portes: 19h30 Contribution aux artistes et à l'espace : 20-30$ Musicalement vôtre!

Share

Live at Doors Pub

 —  —

Doors Pub: taco Joint & Metal Bar, 56 Hess St. S, Hamilton

Montreal’s Kallisto brings its clarinet-led prog rock to Doors Pub for a night of klezmer prog, alternative energy, and indie art rock. Kallisto channels klezmer and Anatolian psychedelia through heavy, through-composed originals. Performing in a rock formation of clarinet, electric guitar, cello, electric bass, and drumset, the band builds extended compositions shaped by shifting meters, immersive grooves, and dynamic arcs. The music is tightly written but deeply physical live, balancing modal intensity with amplified weight.

The evening also features Frantic Lullabies and The Stripprs, creating a lineup that moves fluidly between progressive composition, alternative grit, and art rock texture.

The show is presented in collaboration with Hamilton promoter Jesse Alarcon.

Doors open at 8pm, music at 9pm. Cover 20$ at the door/PWYC

Share

Kallisto live at DROM

 —  —

Drom Taberna, 458 Queen St. West, Toronto

Electrifying show featuring Montreal's own Kallisto! This will be an evening of klezmer prog rock originals, a genre you've probably never heard before.

Performing at the legendary Drom Taberna March 6th at 8:30pm in Toronto! Free entry with tips in the hat!

Share

Live at bar l'Escogriffe: Plumage duo + Cordial band + Kallisto

 —  —

Bar l'Éscogriffe , 4461 Saint-Denis, Montréal

Friday, January 23 — Bar L’Escogriffe

A night of underground indie and psychedelic rock where languages blur and edges stay rough.

Kallisto headlines with their volatile psychedelic rock fusion—raw, hypnotic, and constantly shifting. Expect driving rhythms, distorted textures, and head bangers.

Opening the night, Plumage Duo sets a moody, textural tone with stripped-back indie sounds, followed by Cordial Band, whose bilingual indie rock hits with warmth, grit, and emotional punch.

15$ advance, 20$ door

Share

Michael Prentky X Kallisto : sadboy:ADD:apocalypse

 —  —

La Sotterenea, 4848 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal

Saturday , January 17 — La Sotterenea

Boston-based trombonist and composer Michael Prentky celebrates the release of his new album sad boy:add:apocalypse with a powerful live performance led by his big band. Blending raw emotion, sharp ensemble writing, and moments of controlled chaos, Prentky’s music sits somewhere between modern jazz, post-genre composition, and cathartic release. Opening the night, Kallisto sets the stage with their high-energy, exploratory sound—pushing through psychedelic textures, driving rhythms, and genre-blurring influences to prepare the room for what’s to come. An intense, immersive evening of new music, vulnerability, and collective sound—don’t miss this album release show.

About sad boy:ADD:apocalypse: Six years in the making, Boston trombonist Michael Prentky’s debut album, sad boy:ADD:apocalypse, is an epic, Zappa-esque suite for small orchestra – string quartet, four trombones and rhythm section. This mammoth odyssey is Prentky’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. The writing is lush, emotive and cathartic. Prentky’s sonic worlds showcase his eclectic interests: dreamy Beach House guitar riffs, avant-pop orchestral strings, breakbeat klezmer, pacific brass chorales, confessional poetry and raucous instrumental frenzies. Prentky conducts the orchestra, plays trombone, sings, and recites original poetry.

20$

Share

Live at Avant Garde: Kallisto X Quite Alright

 —  —

Avant Garde Bar, 135 Besserer St., Ottawa

Kallisto hits Ottawa with local band Quite Alright for a night of psych-rock fusion and indie grooves at Bar Avant-Garde. Join us on Friday, December 12th at Avant-Garde Bar for a special double bill as Kallisto performs in Ottawa for the very first time! Joined by Ottawa's own, Quite Alright.

Kallisto brings their high-energy blend of klezmer-infused psychedelic rock fusion — electric, dynamic, and unpredictable. Ottawa’s own Quite Alright adds their warm, driving indie sound to the night, making this a powerful pairing of two genre-bending bands.

We are stoked to be performing in Ottawa for the first time, come and give us a hearty warm welcome and get ready to rock!

Show at 8:00 PM $15 pre-sale | $20 at the door

Joignez-vous à nous le vendredi 12 décembre au Avant-Garde Bar pour une soirée double alors que Kallisto se produit à Ottawa pour la toute première fois ! Avec Quite Alright, un groupe bien de chez vous.

Kallisto apporte son mélange énergique de rock psychédélique infusé de klezmer — électrique, dynamique et imprévisible. De leur côté, les Ottaviens de Quite Alright ajoutent leur son indie chaleureux et entraînant, faisant de cette soirée une rencontre puissante entre deux groupes qui repoussent les frontières des genres.

Nous sommes ravis de jouer à Ottawa pour la première fois — venez nous accueillir chaleureusement et préparez-vous à rocker!

Spectacle à 20h00 15 $ en prévente | 20 $ à la porte

Share

Frenchmen street fest avec Kallisto

 —  —

Chez Ernest, 6569 Rue Saint Hubert, Montréal

Kallisto at Chez Ernest December 11th!! Join us for a groovy and electrifying evening with Kallisto, a genre-defying ensemble blending fiery klezmer, hypnotic Balkan grooves, and psychedelic rock. With a lineup of clarinet, cello, electric guitar, bass, and drums, Kallisto weaves together centuries-old musical traditions with a modern edge, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and boldly original. Expect wild solos, heavy rhythms, and soaring melodies that dance between the past and the future. Whether you're here to listen, sway, or move your feet, Kallisto promises a journey through sound like no other. 🗓 Date: Thursday, December 11th 📍 Location: Chez Ernest 6596 rue St-Hubert, Montreal 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM until Midnight!

Free entry, we will be passing the hat! Come early, stay late, and let the music take you somewhere new!

Share

Mindfolkadelic: Kallisto, Alice Bro & the You n'Me's

 —  —

Turbo Haüs, 2040 Saint Denis, Montréal

Mindfolkadelic at Turbo Haus! A night of punk, folk, banjo, and psychedelic rock with Kallisto, Alice Bro, and The You n’me’s. Get ready for Mindfolkadelic — an evening where genres melt together in a swirl of blues, folk, punk, and psychedelic rock.

Opening the night, Alice Bro sets the tone with a mix of blues-infused, Franco funky folk — soulful, groovy, and irresistibly fresh. Next, The You n’me’s turn up the heat with their wild brand of punk-tinged, feral folk that’s raw, bold, and brimming with energy. Closing the night, Kallisto takes the stage with their klezmer-infused psychedelic rock fusion — a hypnotic blend of soaring clarinet lines, electric textures, and driving rhythms.

Three distinct sounds, one unforgettable night. Come for the groove, stay for the chaos, and let the mindfolkadelia take over.

Turbo Haus — Sunday, November 23 Doors at 8:00 PM | Show at 8:30 PM 15$ pre-sale, 20$ at the door

Préparez-vous pour Mindfolkadelic — une soirée où les genres se mélangent dans un tourbillon de blues, de folk, de punk et de rock psychédélique.

Pour ouvrir la soirée, Alice Bro présente son univers de blues franco/funky folk, à la fois groovy, sincère et débordant de fraîcheur. Ensuite, The You n’me’s enflamment la scène avec leur folk punk et sauvage — brut, énergique et sans compromis. Enfin, Kallisto clôture la soirée avec sa fusion unique de rock psychédélique et de klezmer — un mélange envoûtant de clarinette, de textures électriques et de rythmes entraînants.

Trois univers distincts, une seule soirée inoubliable. Venez pour le groove, restez pour le chaos, et laissez la mindfolkadelia vous emporter.

Turbo Haus — Dimanche 23 novembre Portes à 20h00 | Spectacle à 20h30

15$ pre-vente, 20$ a la porte

15$ advance, 20$ door

Share

KALLISTO | Album launch: Khevre

 —  —

Bar l'Éscogriffe , 4461 Saint-Denis, Montréal

🔥 Kallisto: Khevre Album Launch 🔥

On October 22, Kallisto takes the stage to launch Khevre, their brand-new album!!! Khevre (Yiddish for “circle of friends”) brings together driving rhythms, raw rock energy, and melodies inspired by klezmer, Balkan, and Anatolian traditions. It’s music that draws from old-world sounds and transforms them into a unique rock fusion.

Expect a powerful live show with clarinet, electric guitar, cello, bass, and drums — songs that shift from hypnotic grooves to explosive high energy. This is Kallisto at their loudest, boldest, and most alive.

We’re thrilled to share the stage with two incredible opening acts and good friends of ours: Socalled (Josh Dolgin) and Farzad Milani. Expect everything from Yiddish hip-hop to Persian microtonal folk-dance fusion — a diverse night of sound before Kallisto takes the stage.

🎟️ Tickets are limited — don’t miss Kallisto’s biggest show yet!

Show starts 8:30pm

Bar l'Escogriffe

15$ (plus tax) pre-sale, 20$ at the door!

🔥 Kallisto : Lancement de l’album Khevre 🔥

Le 22 octobre, Kallisto monte sur scène pour lancer Khevre, leur tout nouvel album!!! Khevre (mot yiddish qui signifie « cercle d’amis ») réunit des rythmes entraînants, l’énergie brute du rock et des mélodies inspirées des traditions klezmer, balkaniques et anatoliennes. C’est une musique qui puise dans des sonorités anciennes tout en les projetant dans un univers rock fusion.

Attendez-vous à un concert puissant avec clarinette, guitare électrique, violoncelle, basse et batterie — des morceaux qui passent de grooves hypnotiques à une énergie explosive. C’est Kallisto au plus fort de sa créativité et de son intensité.

Nous sommes ravis de partager la scène avec deux artistes incroyables et chers amis : Socalled (Josh Dolgin) et Farzad Milani. Au programme : du hip hop yiddish à la danse-folkorique fusion microtonale persane — une soirée riche en diversité avant que Kallisto prenne le relais.

🎟️ Les places sont limitées — ne manquez pas ce lancement!

Show commence 20h30

Bar l'Escogriffe

15$ (plus tax) pre-vente, 20$ a la porte!

Share

Kallisto live at Club Balattou!

 —  —

Club Balattou , 4372 boul St-Laurent, Montréal

KALLISTO – Live at Club Balattou

📍 Club Balattou 📅 Thursday, September 11 🕘 Doors at 9:00 PM | Show at 9:30 PM 🎟 $15 in advance (online) / cash only at the door

Come spend the night with Kallisto as we bring our signature mix of klezmer roots, Balkan grooves, and psychedelic rock energy to the stage at Club Balattou.

We’ll be performing brand new material alongside some of our favourite traditional klezmer tunes, with plenty of wild solos, driving rhythms, and unexpected twists.

Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and get ready for a night of music that’s equal parts raw, joyful, and electrifying.

Share

Kallisto live at Bar Chez Roger!

 —  —

Bar Chez Roger, 2300 Beaubien Est, Montréal

Kallisto performs new klezmer rock fusion originals at Bar Chez Roger!

On August 30th, rock out with us for an evening of twisted rhythms, psychedelic textures and melodies that will be stuck in your head like an ear worm! We take the soul of klezmer music and slap it with some good ol rock n' roll! Bring your buddies and show us some love at Chez Roger! We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Saturday August 30th Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm Bar Chez Roger 2300 Beaubien Est

Free Entry!

Share

Live with Kallisto: Klezmer rock fusion

Quai des Brumes, 4481 St-Denis, Montréal

Get ready for an unforgettable night of original klezmer rock fusion as Kallisto brings our explosive sound to Quai des Brumes. Featuring brand new compositions that blend yiddish and Eastern European roots, gritty grooves, and shredding solos, this show is all about exploring, experimenting and getting a little wild — or as we like to call it, Yiddish’n’Roll.

We’re thrilled to have Antoine Bens’ opening the night with a powerful solo set of his original music!

Come for the clarinet wails, stay for the head-nodding rhythms — and let’s make it a night to remember.

13.75$ pre-sale admission | 15$ at the door

Share

Cabaret Acoustique Nuits d'Afrique: Kallisto

 —  —

Club Balattou , 4372 boul St-Laurent, Montréal

Kallisto is a Montreal-based band led by clarinetist and composer Dr. Jossée MacInnis. Blending klezmer with Anatolian folk music, Middle Eastern sounds, jazz, and 70s psychedelic rock, Kallisto is a sonic playground—where traditions intersect, genres merge, and spontaneity reigns. Since its formation in 2020, the ensemble has evolved into a five-piece rock lineup, featuring clarinet (Jossée MacInnis), cello (Jefferson Perez), electric guitar (Antoine Bensoussan), electric bass (Patrick Lebrun), and drums (Edward Scrimger). Known for their energetic and unpredictable performances, Kallisto has played at several iconic Montreal venues, including Sala Rossa, Quai des Brumes, and Casa del Popolo. The band has also released two EPs, Arcas (2023) and Tigris (2024). Kallisto continues to push the boundaries of klezmer while celebrating its roots through a fresh and high-energy approach.

Share

Kallisto live at Chez Ernest!

 —  —

Chez Ernest, 6569 Rue Saint Hubert, Montréal

Kallisto makes our debut at Chez Ernest May 1st!!

Join us for a groovy and electrifying evening with Kallisto, a genre-defying ensemble blending fiery klezmer, hypnotic Balkan grooves, and psychedelic rock. With a lineup of clarinet, cello, electric guitar, bass, and drums, Kallisto weaves together centuries-old musical traditions with a modern edge, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and boldly original. Expect wild solos, heavy rhythms, and soaring melodies that dance between the past and the future. Whether you're here to listen, sway, or move your feet, Kallisto promises a journey through sound like no other.

🗓 Date: Thursday, May 1st 📍 Location: Chez Ernest 6596 rue St-Hubert, Montreal 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM until Midnight!

Free entry, we will be passing the hat!

Come early, stay late, and let the music take you somewhere new!

Share

Kallisto: Live at Casa!

 —  —

Casa Del Popolo, 4873 St-Laurent, Montréal

Back at the cozy and wonderful Casa Del Popolo on Wednesday, March 19th for a concert you won't want to miss! Kallisto enters a new era of klezmer prog rock, infusing the melodies and rhythms we love from the klezmer world with the energy and sound we love from rock and roll. Original compositions with a few of our klezmer favs, if you don't believe klezmer and rock can be mixed, come out and see for yourself!!! In addition, we are inviting a wonderful guest, Lotus Wight (a.k.a Sam Allison) to be our opening act of soulful old time jazz and songs!

De retour à l'accueillante et merveilleuse Casa Del Popolo le mercredi 19 mars pour un concert que vous ne voudrez pas manquer ! Kallisto entre dans une nouvelle ère de rock prog klezmer, infusant les mélodies et les rythmes que nous aimons dans le monde klezmer avec l'énergie et le son que nous aimons dans le rock and roll. Si vous ne croyez pas que le klezmer et le rock peuvent être mélangés, venez voir par vous-même ! De plus, nous invitons un merveilleux invité, Lotus Wight (Sam Allison), à assurer la première partie de notre spectacle de jazz et de chansons anciennes pleines d'âme !

20$ at the door, 15$ pre-sale

Share

Kallisto: Live at Tranzac!

 —  —

Tranzac, 292 Brunswick Ave., Toronto

Kallisto takes the stage at Tranzac on March 8th for a night of electrifying klezmer fusion. Blending Anatolian psychedelia, Balkan rhythms, and improvisation, this quintet—led by clarinetist Dr. Jossée MacInnis—delivers a high-energy performance featuring clarinet, guitar, electric bass, cello, and drums. Expect soaring melodies, deep grooves, and bold original compositions that push musical boundaries.

Cover is pay-what-you-can 7:30pm show! Southern cross room

Share

Kallisto: Live at Drom!

 —  —

Drom Taberna, 458 Queen St. West, Toronto

Kallisto brings their electrifying fusion of klezmer, Anatolian psychedelia, and Balkan grooves to Drom Taberna on March 6th! Led by clarinetist and composer Dr. Jossée MacInnis, this dynamic quintet—featuring clarinet, guitar, electric bass, cello, and drums—delivers high-energy improvisation, soaring melodies, and deep rhythmic drive. Join them for two sets of genre-bending original compositions and explosive reinterpretations of folk traditions.

Cover is pay-what-you-can! Show starts at 8pm

Share

Kallisto X The Red Hot Chili Schleppers

 —  —

Quai des Brumes, 4481 St-Denis, Montréal

Join in the fun this February for a wild time of klezmer-fusion, dancing and much more with our friends, the Red Hot Chili Schleppers!! Hold on to your hats because they'll be blown away by these great musicians!

Thursday February 27th Show starts at 9pm 20$ at the door and 15$ pre-sale! Takes place at the one and only Quai des Brumes!

Rejoignez-nous en février pour un moment de klezmer-fusion, de danse et bien plus encore avec nos amis, les Red Hot Chili Schleppers ! Accrochez-vous à vos chapeaux, car ces grands musiciens vont vous en mettre plein la vue !

Jeudi 27 février Le spectacle commence à 21h 20$ à la porte et 15$ en prévente ! Le spectacle a lieu au seul et unique Quai des Brumes !

15$ prévente admission general

Share

Contact

Join our mailing list and stay in the loop!