If you’ve been paying attention to Bathurst’s live music scene over the past few years, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Phil LeFort. 

Southside Lounge has quietly become one of the most important venues in the region, particularly for rock, heavier genres, indie, and touring bands that don’t always have a natural home in smaller markets. Phil’s approach to booking is simple but intentional: variety matters. Rather than recycling the same styles weekend after weekend, he’s focused on bringing in different sounds, one-night experiences, and bands that give audiences something new. The result has been strong community support, with people consistently showing up for unique shows.

Booking bands happens a few different ways. Phil reaches out to touring acts passing near the region, gets referrals through trusted networks, and increasingly receives direct messages from bands who now see him as Bathurst’s point person. 

While there are no confirmed expansion plans for Southside, Phil admits the space is often stretched thin. Between live music, dining, and community events, the building is doing a lot at once. That said, the success of the room speaks for itself, especially with Bonnie Rockets Kitchen operating inside the venue. The kitchen has been thriving, and its dining area seamlessly transforms into a performance space on show nights  remaining family-friendly while food service is open.

Phil is also a musician himself. His band, The Golf Pencils, recently released their debut EP Pencilcore on streaming platforms. He joined the project after hearing early demos and instantly connecting with its direction. What began as a tongue-in-cheek idea about “small things” evolved into a Midwest emo, punk, and indie-influenced band — jokingly labeled “pencilcore.” The lyrics are emotional, grounded, and self-aware, shaped by influences across punk, rock, indie, and emo. The EP was recorded and produced by Jerome from Mean Street, and the release was celebrated with a packed show at Southside alongside Today Junior and Mean Street.

Phil’s musical journey started in Bathurst, took him west to Edmonton after high school with his former band Fading Fast, and later through scenes in Calgary and Kingston. Ironically, after returning home unexpectedly, he found more opportunities to play, book, and build community than he had in larger cities.That community impact is perhaps his biggest contribution. A jam night at Southside helped spark the formation of three to four new local bands, and Phil sees a genuine band movement happening in Bathurst.

For Phil LeFort, it all comes back to community. When venues, bands, and local businesses work together, something special happens — and Bathurst’s music scene is proving that small cities can still make a lot of noise.