A Brief History of Silence: Guelph’s Portal for Adventurous Sound and Community Resilience
Silence, located at 46 Essex Street in downtown Guelph, Ontario, stands as a humble yet vital beacon in the landscape of Canadian independent arts. Housed in a nondescript former garage of concrete and cinder blocks, this not-for-profit artspace has transformed a modest 1,200-square-foot venue into a dynamic incubator for experimental music, improvisation, visual arts, and interdisciplinary creativity.
Its ironic name—evoking the quiet spaces essential to sound exploration—pays subtle homage to John Cage’s 4′33″. As Artistic Director and co-founder Daniel Fischlin notes, the name captures the “uncanny resonances” of a venue where cacophony emerges from stillness, fostering an acoustic intimacy that encourages risk-taking and deep listening.
Many performers echo this sentiment about the venue’s intimate and welcoming acoustics:
“I performed at Silence on an album release tour and it was an absolute pleasure! It felt like playing a house concert – intimate and comfortable, good sound, with a lovely ambiance.”
— Shawna Caspi (musician)
“The sound at the venue was incredible… Performing at Silence was a beautiful experience.”
— Smomid aka Nick Demopoulos (musician)
“I’ve performed in many spaces around the world, and Silence is one of those memorable venues that really stick out in my mind due to the professionalism of their staff, and for how welcome I felt from the moment I stepped through the doors! Just a lovely experience.”
— Lynne Hanson (musician)
“Silence is a gem of a space in the heart of a hip town for art and music… they’re supportive in a way that feels unique and personal to the space/staff.”
— Alex Fournier of Triio (musician)
Over its 13-year evolution, Silence has survived economic precarity and the COVID-19 pandemic to become a cornerstone of Guelph’s cultural identity, hosting hundreds of events annually while prioritizing accessibility, equity, and the livelihoods of artists.
Origins and Early Years (2012–2019): From Informal Studio to Community Hub
Silence began in 2012 when hurdy-gurdy player and percussionist Ben Grossman rented half of the Essex Street space as a personal studio. What started as occasional “Silence Sounds” gatherings quickly grew into a vital hub for experimental music. By 2013 Grossman was joined by Gary Diggins and Daniel Fischlin, and the trio formalized the project as a not-for-profit collective run on volunteer labour, PWYC admission, and modest artist stipends.
Programming leaned into free improvisation, electro-acoustic experimentation, noise, contemporary composition, and cross-genre collisions. The raw room—low ceiling, exposed brick, capacity ~50—became legendary for its intimate acoustics and unpretentious vibe.
In 2014 the façade received its iconic chaotic-wave mural by Arthur Kerrey, and Janet Morton’s cassette-tape “smokestack” sculpture appeared on the roof (its remnants now greet visitors in the lobby).
By 2019 Silence had presented over 600 performers to nearly 5,000 audience members across hundreds of concerts, workshops, and community events.
Performers from this era highlight the space’s role as a highlight for tours and launches:
“I only performed at Silence once, as part of my “Nostalgia and Other Fantasies” album launch tour back in 2019, but I absolutely loved the space! It was a highlight of the tour… I can’t wait to have the opportunity to bring my music to Silence again, and to connect with the arts community in Guelph that welcomed us so warmly last time!”
— Aaron Dolman (musician)
Video of Aaron Dolman’s 2019 performance at Silence
In Conversation with Aaron Dolman | Music – McGill University
“I have always enjoyed the cozy and inviting space that Silence holds for musicians and artists and I was so honoured to have my first EP release in the Space in January 2020. The vibe was welcoming and relaxed and it was just the right feeling for welcoming my new project into the world.”
— Jenna Kessler (musician)
Local artists also emphasize the comfortable, varied atmosphere:
“I have had so many great experiences at Silence in Guelph. I’ve attended many open mics… I always appreciate the varied talent and comfortable atmosphere… We are very fortunate to have Silence in Guelph, it’s an amazing space for creating and appreciating art.”
— Chris Dallan (musician)
In Conversation with Aaron Dolman | Music – McGill University
“I have always enjoyed the cozy and inviting space that Silence holds for musicians and artists and I was so honoured to have my first EP release in the Space in January 2020. The vibe was welcoming and relaxed and it was just the right feeling for welcoming my new project into the world.”
— Jenna Kessler (musician)
Local artists also emphasize the comfortable, varied atmosphere:
“I have had so many great experiences at Silence in Guelph. I’ve attended many open mics… I always appreciate the varied talent and comfortable atmosphere… We are very fortunate to have Silence in Guelph, it’s an amazing space for creating and appreciating art.”
— Chris Dallan (musician)
Morning Music Series: A Cornerstone of Community Engagement
One of Silence’s most beloved and enduring initiatives was the Morning Music series, launched in the mid-2012 until 2019 and running every Saturday from 10 am to noon (except long weekends). Conceived as a family-friendly, all-ages, barrier-free space for collective music-making, Morning Music welcomes professional improvisers, curious amateurs, children with toy instruments, seniors, and everyone in between. Facilitated by rotating hosts (Gary Diggins, Joe Sorbara, Ben Grossman, Daniel Fischlin, and others), the sessions emphasized deep listening, spontaneity, and non-hierarchical collaboration. Admission was free or by donation, coffee and tea were provided, and the circle regularly includes 20–40 participants. Over the years it became a vital social and artistic anchor for Guelph’s creative community and a rare example of truly intergenerational improvisation.
This series has inspired participants far beyond Guelph:
“Silence is morning music, which I attended with unbridled fervor and commitment whenever I was in Guelph… Silence has so impacted and inspired me that we have started a Morning Music ritual at my studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA… There is no substitute for Silence.”
— Douglas R. Ewart
Charitable Status and Sustainability (2020–present)
Silence incorporated as a not-for-profit early on and, during pandemic closures, achieved official registered charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency in 2020. The ability to issue tax receipts transformed fundraising, enabling larger grants and the “Vow of Silence” monthly donor program that now keeps artist fees flowing even when public events are impossible.
The venue’s resilience and commitment to artists are praised by many:
“My show was on a Sunday afternoon on the same day as the Santa Claus parade, and yet the room was still full – a testament to the trust the community has in Silence to present great events.”
— Shawna Caspi (musician)
“I don’t have much to say about my whole experience playing at Silence, else than it was very positive… The reception was good, the dealing of the admin and logistics issues went smoothly… I simply look forward to my return next year.”
— Pierre Bensusan (musician)
“After we agreed upon a date, the staff at Silence was very helpful in providing me with ways to promote my performance… I would recommend for everyone to support this unique venue, both musicians and the surrounding community in Guelph.”
— Smomid aka Nick Demopoulos (musician)
“In 2018 My band Electric gas hosted our EP release show at silence to a packed house. The sound was great… the rowdy crowd was well controlled.”
— Chris Dallan (musician)
Notable Performers (a very partial honour roll)
Over 13 years the stage has hosted an astonishing range of Canadian and international artists, including, among many others:
- International legends: Evan Parker (UK), Maggie Nicols (UK), Joe McPhee (USA), Mats Gustafsson (Sweden), Zeitkratzer (Germany), Han Bennink (Netherlands), Lê Quan Ninh (France), Jaap Blonk (Netherlands), Trichy Sankaran (Canada-India), William Parker (USA), Patricia Nicholson (USA), Tomeka Reid (USA); Kim Dong Won (Korea), Bae Il Dong (Korea), Pierre Bensusan (France)
- Canadian improvisors: Ken Aldcroft, Dave Clark, Joe Sorbara, Susanna Hood, Jean Martin, Jesse Zubot, Nicole Rampersaud, Marilyn Lerner, Scott Thomson, Christine Duncan, Aimée-Jo Benoit, Lori Freedman, Germaine Liu, Kathryn Ladano, Colin Fisher, Nick Fraser, Rich Marsella (Friendly Rich and the Lollipop People)
- Guelph and regional regulars: Vertical Squirrels (Daniel Fischlin, Ajay Heble, Lewis Melville, Ted Warren), Matt Brubeck, Anne Bourne, Ben Grossman solo and ensemble projects, The Rootdowns, Baracuda, Joni NehRita, Alysha Brilla, Scott Merritt, Jeff Bird, Bonnie Trash
- Contemporary and new-music ensembles: Thin Edge New Music Collective, Arraymusic, Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan, Contact Contemporary Music, The University of Toronto Opera Division, Upper York Mandolin Orchestra, Not the Wind, Not the Flag
- Singer-songwriters and cross-genre explorers: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Jennifer Castle, Selina Martin, Sarah Peebles, Isaiah Ceccarelli + friends, Tannis Slimmon, Tony McManus, Kevin Breit, Rebecca Jenkins, Rebecca Hennessey
- Emerging and youth artists through the Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble, Black Heritage Society collaborations, Audiopollination, Temporary Ensembles Night, the Pipedown Series for local garage bands, and countless first-time improvisers at Morning Music
Prominent artists underscore Silence’s uniqueness and importance:
“One of my favorite places to perform is Silence… It is an incredible performance place… The motivation for this center is love and respect for the arts and the artist. It is a unique and very personal experience for both the artists and the listener… Please help to keep Silence going. It is Vital for the community.”
— William Parker
“Silence has become one of the premier venues for creative music and arts in our community and well beyond… Artists and audiences alike treasure this venue. It’s a real gem of a facility.”
— Ajay Heble
“Over the years, Silence has proven to be an invaluable resource for the musical community as well as for visual artists, filmmakers, dancers, poets, and various other creatives in Guelph and beyond. It is a unique venue that welcomes not only polished performances but also embraces the spirit of experimentalism that is vital for continued artistic growth. Long live Silence!”
— Matt Brubeck
“Silence is a unique arts space. It is a treat for the senses- a venue where music and improvised sound can be presented in a welcoming and accessible place… Such spaces are a wonderful part of the creative fabric of any community. We are lucky to have this one in ours!”
— Tony McManus
“OF ALL THE GIN JOINTS IN ALL THE TOWNS IN ALL THE WORLD, SHE WALKS INTO MINE. There is only one Silence… Where is the closest Silence.”
— Kevin Breit
“Silence was born of the DIY spirit… It’s got grit, and now some real history… We need venues like Silence to thrive, to continue taking risks, and foster a culture bigger than any one of us.”
— Rich Marsella
“Silence in Guelph, Ontario is a creativity, community and economic generator for a great deal of artists. It is a fully inclusive space… Silence is an essential link in the arts chain in Ontario. I urge you to support Silence.”
— Dave Clark
“As an artist working at the fringe… Silence is one of these places. My experience working there was such a positive one… Such small organizations are the backbone of the creative music scene, and worth supporting.”
— François Houle
“This venue has given space and support for so many artists… Their focus is personal with both the creative community and their public. SILENCE is totally unique… I hope that SILENCE can continue its important work for many years to come.”
— Patricia Nicholson Parker
“As a bandleader… it’s not always easy to find professional sounding, community-focused venues… Silence… always feels like a very important gathering place.”
— Rebecca Hennessy
“Silence is an important hub for music and art in Guelph. It’s one of the only spaces in the city to accommodate a diverse array of expression, and offers a small space intended for listening.”
— Nick Zubeck
Visual and interdisciplinary artists also highlight the space’s role:
“I had the pleasure of being a part of Arts and Drafts at Silence… it was amazing to see the possibilities created by my two interests colliding at Silence… I’m still in touch with lots of people who crowded into Silence that night.”
— Rebecca Casalino (artist)
“For years, Halifax had [a similar space]… And then the building was sold. The void opened, and we just haven’t recovered… Small spaces are hard to come by, so when we have one in our hand it is critical to hang onto it!”
— Norm Adams (cellist, improviser)
Major Grant-Funded Special Projects
Silence has leveraged Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council project grants to create ambitious, community-engaged works that extend far beyond the four walls of 46 Essex Street––among many others:
- The Crossings Project (2018, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts) A performance event titled “The Crossing Project—Exile, Exodus, and Transformation,” led by Andrew Craig as Musical Director & Composer. Held at Silence and the Black Heritage Society (including an Essex street parade between the two buildings) in Guelph on May 26, 2018. The project focused on themes of exile, exodus, and transformation through musical exploration specifically tied to Guelph’s Black community. Video documentation was produced in 2018, edited by Kimber Sider and Jackson Klie.
- RiverChants (2021, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts) Corrected from “River Chants,” this project is a recorded album by The Silence Collective, released under the BarCode Free Music label. It features an ensemble including Madhur Anand (spoken word, poetry), Jeff Bird (composition), Matt Brubeck (cello), Gary Diggins (cornet, waterfall kalimba), Christine Duncan (voice), Daniel Fischlin (guitars, monotronics), Karen Houle (spoken word, poetry), Kathryn Ladano (bass clarinet), Lewis Melville (electric banjo, betablock), and Joe Sorbara (percussion, klepsydra, , water imaginaerium). The work incorporates themes of water and improvisation, with specially commissioned instruments like the “water imaginaerium” suggesting environmental and sonic explorations of rivers or aquatic elements.
These projects exemplify Silence’s commitment to using experimental music as a tool for social and environmental dialogue—while still paying every participating artist a professional fee.
Looking Forward
As of early 2026, Silence continues to present 200–300 events per year, remains one of the last truly independent, DIY, volunteer-run, artist-paid listening rooms in Canada. In an era of disappearing venues, rising rents, and precarious livelihoods, Silence’s stubborn persistence—and its refusal to let adventurous sound be silenced—feels more urgent than ever.
The testimonials from artists worldwide reinforce this urgency, celebrating Silence as an irreplaceable, safe, and sacred space that sustains community, experimentation, and resilience.