On a crisp September evening along Toronto’s waterfront, Budweiser Stage played host for a night of music from Bahamas and Alabama Shakes. Both these bands owned the stage with their effortlessly cool musical expertise. Opening the night was hometowner Afie Jurvanen, better known as Bahamas, who transformed the open-air amphitheatre into something that felt much more intimate. His set was mellow, captivating, and had the whole crowd swaying along. Alabama Shakes took the stage to thunderous applause as Toronto welcomed them back for the first time in almost eight years. Brittany Howard, as always, came out strong. With her beautiful…
Author: Christina Macaluso
For this summer solstice weekend in Hamilton, it was Rally weekend for all those who celebrate. Arkells brought “The Rally” to Hamilton Stadium (formerly Ivor Wynne) for the first time in 2018. In 2022, the city saw the second iteration. In between, Buffalo and Toronto got a taste of the party, but the Arkells brought it back to their hometown on June 21st, 2025 for the 3rd, and biggest Rally yet. The Rally is not only a rock show, but a full weekend of community events, with street namings, basketball games, vendor markets and so much more. The Arkells did…
Every time I have attended an Arkells concert it seems more and more has been added to their extravagant live shows. With their horn section and backup singers, you can’t help but smile ear-to-ear in the crowd. The Arkells brought their Big Feelings tour to The Aud in Kitchener for their last stop. Bringing along fellow Canadian band, Valley, the two bands gave it their all for the final show. The energy in the room was palpable as the whole crowd rose to their feet to join along with singer Max Kerman’s dance moves. Speaking of Max, it was evident…
Twenty years ago, Modest Mouse released their groundbreaking album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News. This year, they are touring the album in full and bringing their indie rock sound to HISTORY in Toronto. Along with them was San Diego’s Black Heart Procession. They grabbed the crowd’s attention early on when singer, Pall Jenkins, emerged in silence and played a literal saw that wailed across the venue. After their dark, moody set, Modest Mouse burst onto the stage with their Horn Intro as the crowd cheered and started dancing to prepare for the first song on the album, The…
Now, I don’t want to be biased, but there’s nothing better than seeing a big-time band in an intimate venue. Billy Talent went stateside to break in Buffalo, New York’s newest venue, Electric City. Playing to a sold-out show, they brought the full energy of their big stage performance to this faithful crowd. Electric City is a beautiful and clean venue, with everything shiny and new. This venue was a perfect place for the band to play a setlist filled with old classics and the latest hits. Billy Talent has mastered performing no matter the size of the crowd!
Do you remember the 21st night of September? Maybe not, but I bet you can remember the 23rd night of July when Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire brought their co-headlining Heart & Soul tour to the Budweiser Stage in Toronto. Now, I always have compliments for the sound at Budweiser Stage, and with its amphitheatre layout, I believe any seat is a good seat, but the sound that night was incredible. Both bands sounded incredibly tight and filled the whole place with their skilled musicians. There were horns, percussion, and a lot of dancing from the crowd of…
On a snowy Sunday in February, a sold-out crowd flocked to Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario. As the fans trickled in, Ruby Waters took the stage and won over the crowd with her raw energy and raspy rock voice. The sensational energy of the night kept pouring in as Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats took their place on the stage. Cheering from the crowd continued as they sang along with the upbeat choruses of their singles. From tamborine to saxaphone the musicianship of the band had everyone on their feet. As the lights dimmed for the final time, the…
This Valentine’s Day weekend, Hamilton’s Rexford Drive opened up an exciting, energy-filled night at the north-end venue Bridgeworks. The band made sure to get the room moving and dancing early with their light indie rock tunes. As more people rolled in, Fake Shark took the stage asserting their presence with a reminder that they would be “your new favourite band”. With a fan blowing the hair of lead singer Kevvy Mental, and singalongs for the crowd, they kept the energy palpable and everyone engaged as they welcomed Hotel Mira. When Hotel Mira stepped onto the stage to Total Eclipse of…
Heavy metal band GWAR took over Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre on Monday, October 16th. The band and their openers made sure to fill the whole venue, not only with people but covered it in blood as well. First up was Cancer Christ, opening up strong with dramatic performances of ripping up text and involving the crowd. They made sure to start the night off strong and baptize everyone in blood before departing the stage. Canadian band, Blood Opera was up next. The band made sure to keep the theatrics going strong with their costumes replicating the undead. The band carried…
Tears for Fears brought their tour to Budweiser Stage on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 to promote their latest album, The Tipping Point. Even though the air quality was at a “poor” level it didn’t stop the crowds of fans from bringing the energy. Starting the night off was California indie rock band, Cold War Kids, taking full advantage of Tears for Fears elaborate stage setup. Just as the sun started to set, and the rest of the fans rolled into the amphitheatre, Tears for Fears took the stage. Time has not been cruel to the talent of Tears for Fears.…