As we all know, the world is extremely upside down at the moment and everything feels increasingly disjointed. Pausing to find gratitude and beauty becomes an act of rebellion and sometimes guilt ridden. This blog is a testament to the arts, culture, and the fleeting moments that lift our spirits and underscore our shared experiences. Recently, my faith in humanity has been rejuvenated through the transcendent power of live music.
One of the most profound experiences I encountered lately was attending the Walk Off The Earth concert at Budweiser Stage. Having had the privilege of art directing a music video for the band, I can say with confidence that Gianni and Sara (husband and wife dynamic leads), are among the most gifted musicians I’ve ever encountered. Their current world tour, which includes their children as part of the ensemble, is a testament to their unparalleled versatility and universal appeal. Witnessing the diverse audience—from exuberant five-year-olds to spirited senior citizens—united by their music, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
There’s an inherent magic to summer concerts at Budweiser Stage. As the sun dips below the horizon, the warm Toronto air possesses a palpable sense of joy. The crowd, an eclectic mix of smiling, dancing, and cheering individuals, collectively celebrates the simple yet profound power of music. This experience served as a poignant reminder of how music transcends linguistic barriers and elevates the human spirit.
Toronto, a city that epitomizes cosmopolitan vibrancy, is blessed with a rich tapestry of live music venues, both intimate and grand. Reflecting on my early career as a traveling musician, I recall the countless nights spent performing across these stages. Sadly, many of these cherished venues have succumbed to the passage of time, highlighting the critical need to support live entertainment and occasionally indulge in the liberating experience of a live performance.
History (1663 Queen St E) is another venue where I recently enjoyed a concert. Nestled in Toronto’s East End, The space was built to encompass a large general admission, open-concept music venue that holds no more than 2,500 people. It was designed to create an exquisite sonic box with perfect acoustics. Seeing Gary Clark Jr. fuse modern sensibilities with an eclectic, authentic vintage rock sound was nothing short of spectacular, once again uniting Torontonians with the sweet embrace of incredible music.
In a strikingly different yet equally enchanting experience, I recently witnessed John Mayer performing with Dead & Company in Las Vegas. It was an immersive, almost surreal journey through sound and vision. The seamless integration of mesmerizing visuals, impeccable soundscapes, and the collective energy of nearly 20,000 fans moving in unison was breathtaking. Much like my experience at Budweiser Stage, this concert underscored the profound joy and unity that live music brings.
Admittedly, a fair share of those Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and millennials might have been under the influence of hallucinogens (after all it was a Grateful Dead Show), it still doesn’t change the fact that music was undeniably transcendent. These moments of shared euphoria and connection reaffirm my belief in the enduring power of live music.
As we navigate these tumultuous times, let’s celebrate what brings us joy, support live music, and cherish those transformative experiences that remind us of the inherent beauty in our world.
This Makes Us Glad.
Unit 305, 171 East Liberty St.
Toronto, Ontario
M6k 3p6
