On November 22, 2021, I got to see the show I was supposed to attend on March 13, 2020: Dan Mangan at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. After 20 months of waiting and email notifications about rescheduled shows, we finally gathered together at the Danforth Music Hall. Dan stepped onstage, and said to the crowd, “Welcome to night two at the Danforth!” in reference to the would-be 2020 gig, which was meant to be the second in a string of shows, “We finally made it!”
Dan Mangan is one of those artists with the ability to remain earnest and relatable, no matter how large the venue he’s playing in is. He can make a sold-out concert feel like a humble house show in a cozy living room. This show at the Danforth Music Hall was no different, as Dan told stories about his life and interacted with the audience in between songs. There was a warmth and camaraderie between Dan and the crowd the entire evening, with fans singing along to each and every word all night.
In what felt like a full-circle moment, the show was the perfect way to mark the return of live music to indoor venues in Toronto.
Dan Mangan Setlist
Which Is It
Road Regrets
Cold in the Summer
Lay Low
You Silly Git
Troubled Mind
Just Fear
Et les mots croisés
The Indie Queens Are Waiting (with Carleigh Aikins)
Tina’s Glorious Comeback
Robots
Leaves, Trees, Forest
Pine for Cedars
Peaks & Valleys
Kitsch
Forgetery
Sold
Post-War Blues
Vessel
So Much for Everyone
Basket
Cassandra Popescu