Concerts Reviews
bb’s bonanza Charity Fest 2024 at the Malkin Bowl in Vancouver, BC – Review
On May 26, Vancouver’s hip-hop artist bbno$ hosted a special hometown show at the Malkin Bowl with all his friends, under the banner of bb’s bonanza. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.
Despite the rain and somewhat cold temperature for the end of May, everyone was in high spirit and the venue filled out quickly with a sea of fans donning their rain jackets and mud-ready Blunstones, ready to party for over 5 hours. The stage was adorned with props reminding everyone of a medieval fair. LARP games were available for folks who wanted to immerse themselves in the universe.
The lineup featured established and up-and-coming artists: Jungle Bobby, Eric Reprid, Haviah Mighty, Joost Klein, Freddie Dredd, Yung Gravy, Baby Gravy and finally bbno$.
Check out our full gallery of the night on our Facebook page!
Jungle Bobby
Vancouver artist Jungle Bobby, who had joined bbno$ on the road for many years, started the day. In Bobby‘s own words on what the audience can expect from his sets: “They can expect flair. They can expect cinematic behavior. They can expect fun, just a really good time filled with love. They can expect to feel better leaving the show compared to when they walked in. They can expect good music and they can expect to dance.” And that’s exactly what he delivered! With his bouncy energy and colourful outfit, he was the perfect act to open the fest.
Eric Reprid
Up next was Canadian rapper Eric Reprid, aka Shi Yi Lu. Reprid releases all his music copyright-free, allowing anyone to use it in mixtapes, parties, YouTube, or TikTok videos, as long as they credit him. This generous approach has saved content creators money and increased his exposure. His song “Cold World” from the album of the same name was nominated for a Juno Award in 2021, making him the only completely independent artist in the category, although he didn’t win. The song’s catchy tune and Reprid‘s smooth delivery, combined with producer Marc Wavy’s versatile beats, rival those of major label artists. His sense of humour definitely carried through his set: “If you know the words of this song, don’t sing-along. It’s my song!”
Haviah Mighty
The only woman of the line-up was Haviah Mighty, a Canadian rapper from Brampton, ON. Haviah Mighty brought her dynamic energy to the stage where she performed tracks from her Juno-nominated album Stock Exchange. She showcased her swagger, flow, stage presence, and insightful rhymes. Her performance was both entertaining and enlightening. Haviah Mighty, already noted as a rising star in Canadian hip hop since her debut 13th Floor won the Polaris Music Prize in 2019, lived up to her reputation as one-to-watch.
Joost
Joost Klein, also known simply as Joost, is a Dutch rapper, singer, and content creator renowned for his eclectic musical style and humorous persona. His tracks blend elements of hip hop, pop, and electronic music with witty, often satirical lyrics. His breakout came with the single “Scandinavian Boy,” which showcased his unique approach to music and humor. He delivered an energetic performance and showcased his distinctive style. As expected, he performed his Eurovision 2024 song “Europapa” under the cheers of the crowd, as well as a new song in Dutch. Throughout the whole set, Joost was jumping all over the stage, repeatedly screaming “Canada!” in his mic – his way of showing appreciation for being here. bbno$ even made a quick appearance running across the stage with a Dutch flag.
Freddie Dredd
Freddie Dredd, aka Ryan Mitchel Chassels, is a Canadian rapper, producer, and internet personality hailing from Oshawa, Ontario. Known for his dark, gritty style and blending of hip-hop with horrorcore elements, Dredd has carved out a unique niche in the underground rap scene. His music often features lo-fi beats, eerie samples, and lyrics that explore themes of violence and the macabre, setting him apart with a distinctive sound. Despite his unconventional style, Freddie Dredd‘s music has achieved significant success, resonating with fans who appreciate his raw and unapologetic approach. His work continues to grow in popularity, marking him as a significant figure in the evolution of modern hip-hop.
Yung Gravy
Then came Young Gravy, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his humorous lyrics and catchy beats. Hailing from Rochester, Minnesota, Young Gravy gained popularity in the late 2010s with his single “Mr. Clean” – that he obviously performed that night – and unique blend of hip-hop, trap, and vintage samples, often incorporating elements of soul and old-school music into his tracks. Young Gravy‘s music often features witty, irreverent lyrics that blend modern rap with nostalgic references, making him a distinctive figure in the hip-hop scene. His discography includes popular projects like “Snow Cougar” and “Sensational,” which have helped him amass a dedicated fan base and millions of streams. His charismatic stage presence and engaging performances set him apart and solidify his place as a rising star in contemporary hip-hop.
Baby Gravy
As the second-to-last act, Yung Gravy and bbno$ joined forces as Baby Gravy. The duo, already on their 3rd album, met 8 years ago through SoundCloud. Both put on a great show and got the fans jumping, dancing and singing-along every tracks. The duo performed their most notable songs like “Welcome to Chilis” and “Whip A Tesla”. They even brought back Freddie Dredd on stage for one song.
bbno$
bbno$, aka Alexander Leon Gumuchian, closed the night, dressed a court jester. The Vancouverite rapper, singer, and songwriter is known for his catchy, upbeat music and humorous, laid-back lyrical style. He first gained recognition in the late 2010s through the viral success of his collaborative singles and innovative use of social media platforms like TikTok.
His breakthrough came with the hit single “Lalala,” a collaboration with producer Y2K, which became a global sensation and amassed hundreds of millions of streams. bbno$‘s music often blends elements of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music, characterized by playful beats and witty, self-referential lyrics. bbno$ has built a dedicated fanbase and established himself as a prominent figure in the modern music scene.
He delivered a high-energy live performance that captivated audiences with his charismatic presence and infectious beats. With his playful and humorous lyrics, he engaged the crowd with a mix of witty banter and dynamic stage antics. He even brought a sword swallower on stage! He performed his new single “lil’ freak”, as well as many fan favourites like “Edamame”.
Overall, it was an evening of great tunes for a worthy cause, with a great line-up of many indie artists. As bbno$ pointed out, they all performed for free in order to give as much of the proceeds to the Vancouver Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. Hints were dropped during the night that this might be the 1st edition of many Bonanza. We can’t wait for next year!
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Jimmy Eat World Brings Bleed American Back to Life in Vancouver
There are some concerts you go to with no idea what you’re going to get. A 25th anniversary tour built around one of the best albums out there is not one of them. You know the songs, the order, exactly when the big moments are coming ; the only real question is whether the band can make those songs feel as alive as they did the first time you heard them. Jimmy Eat World had no trouble answering that question.
On July 19, the Arizona rock band finally returned to the Vancouver area for the first time since 2017, bringing the Bleed American 25th Anniversary Tour to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. It had been a long wait, and the packed room made it clear that fans had not forgotten what they had been waiting for.
Motion City Soundtrack opened the night, giving the crowd a strong dose of early-2000s nostalgia before Jimmy Eat World took the stage. It was a fitting pairing. Both bands came of age during a period when alternative rock, pop-punk and emo could still find a home on mainstream radio, and both have built careers that outlasted the era that first made them famous.
For me, though, the night carried a more personal weight for a different reason: this was my first time seeing Jimmy Eat World live. After more than three decades as a band, and nearly a decade since their last Vancouver appearance, the fact that it took until 2026 for me to finally see them live made the wait feel even more significant.
Jimmy Eat World began the evening with songs from Clarity, their 1999 breakthrough album, including “Clarity,” “Your New Aesthetic,” “Blister,” and “Lucky Denver Mint.” It was a smart choice. The band could have gone straight into Bleed American and given everyone exactly what they came for, but those opening songs made a point: Jimmy Eat World did not suddenly become a great band in 2001. They had already been doing this for years.
Then they switched to “Bleed American,” and the stage itself transformed. A large wall that had kept the full production hidden from view moved aside, revealing the expanded Bleed American stage setup behind it. The lighting rig opened up across the width of the stage, giving the band a much bigger canvas for the album that had changed their career. It was a smart bit of theatre without feeling overproduced.
The album was performed from beginning to end, and hearing it in sequence made one thing very clear: Bleed American is an unusually complete record. The obvious hits are there, but so are the songs that tend to get pushed aside when a band is working with a limited setlist.
“A Praise Chorus” remains an absolute rush. “The Middle,” one of JEW‘s biggest and most recognizable hits, turned the venue into a massive singalong. “Sweetness” took that energy even further, with thousands of people shouting every “whoa-oh” back at the stage. “Get It Faster” brought the aggression. “Your House” offered one of the night’s more affecting moments. And “Hear You Me” remains one of those songs that can stop you in your tracks, even after you’ve heard it hundreds of times.
The beauty of hearing Bleed American played from start to finish is getting the full picture. The album has explosive highs, quieter emotional moments and everything in between. Songs that don’t always get the spotlight in a regular setlist suddenly have room to breathe.
Jim Adkins remains a compelling frontman, delivering these songs with the same sincerity that made them work in the first place. Tom Linton’s guitar playing was sharp and energetic, while Rick Burch and Zach Lind continued to provide the steady foundation that has held this band together for more than three decades.
There was no sense that the band was simply going through the motions of an anniversary tour. They looked like they were having fun and so did the fans.
That crowd was one of the best parts of the night. Fans who discovered Bleed American when it was released stood beside younger listeners who weren’t even alive when the album came out. Everybody seemed to know the words.
The main set ended with “My Sundown,” bringing the album to its quiet conclusion before the band briefly left the stage.
Jimmy Eat World returned for a five-song encore that moved beyond Bleed American, opening with “Disintegration” and continuing through “Pain,” “For Me This Is Heaven” and “(Splash) Turn Twist” before closing with “23.” It was a fitting reminder that Bleed American may have been the record that changed the band’s career, but it is only one piece of a catalog that has kept giving fans reasons to stick around.
Twenty-five years after Bleed American changed everything for the band, these songs haven’t become museum pieces. They’re very much still capable of making a room full of people lose their voices.
And after waiting nine years to see Jimmy Eat World back in Vancouver, I can say this with complete confidence: it was worth the wait.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
July 22 –– Sandy, UT –– Sandy Amphitheater
July 24 –– Concord, CA –– Toyota Pavilion at Concord
July 25-26 –– Long Beach, CA –– Vans Warped Tour
August 14 –– Halifax, UK –– The Piece Hall
August 15 –– Cardiff, UK –– Cardiff Castle
August 16 –– London, UK –– Gunnersbury Park
August 22 –– Montreal, QC –– Vans Warped Tour
August 23 –– Toronto, ON –– RBC Amphitheatre
September 6 –– Phoenix, AZ –– Chase Field, supporting My Chemical Romance
September 9 –– Austin, TX –– Moody Amphitheater
September 10 –– Dallas, TX –– The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
September 12-13 –– Mexico City, MX –– Vans Warped Tour
November 12 –– Nashville, TN –– TBA
November 14 –– Tampa, FL –– MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
November 14-15 –– Orlando, FL –– Vans Warped Tour
More information here.
JIMMY EAT WORLD
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Screaming All Around Me – Flyleaf Live in Silver Spring
What started as a string of festival appearances over the past few years has turned into a reunion tour over a decade in the making. When Lacey Sturm left Flyleaf in 2012, it left an enormous hole in one of the defining bands of the 2000s. The band continued touring with a new vocalist while Sturm took some time off, eventually returning to the stage with her solo project. In 2022, the band’s social media pages were reactivated, and they took to the festival circuit, with Sturm once again at the helm.
Earlier this year, the band’s self-titled album’s 20-year anniversary tour was announced to much fanfare, with thousands of likes and comments adorning the post. The tour finally reached Silver Spring and could not have come sooner. Fans filled into a sold-out Fillmore just a few miles from Our Nation’s Capital on Wednesday night for one of the shows of the summer.
The show was opened by two very capable bands. Tiny Ships, an alt-rock band native to New Jersey, took to the stage first. They brought a great sound and strong stage presence. Although they are a little rough around the edges, they will likely grow into a solid band as they gain more experience. Opening for Flyleaf on a sold-out show definitely says something about their future and gives a good indication of where their career is heading!
Ohio Christian Metalcore band Convictions played next and absolutely dominated every corner of the Fillmore’s stage. Unclean vocalist Michael Felker made his way from side to side with what seemed to be the goal of screaming in the face of every front row fan. The band has a very gritty sound that just makes you want to jump twenty feet in the air and then go for ten-mile run through the desert. They played a ten-song set and really stole the show. If Flyleaf was not headlining, the band would easily be the best band on any bill they open for. I would not be surprised if the band is earning some prominent festival slots and headlining their own sold-out shows soon. Check Convictions out if they are playing a show near you. You won’t regret it!
After the extreme adrenaline of Convictions started to wear down, the energy picked right back up as Sturm and crew made their way onto the stage. It is very common for some fans who came for the openers to leave early when the headliner comes out, but not a single person left the venue early on Wednesday night. They were all there to relive the songs of their teenage angst years all over again.
After a preshow prayer from Sturm, drawing on her religious roots, the set started right off with a bang of a back-to-back dosing of “In the Dark and Chasm.” It is a lucky thing that I wear really good earplugs at shows, or else I might have some hearing damage from how loud the screams were inside the Fillmore. Sturm commanded the crowd with a masterful control. Every movement she made was followed by thousands of eyes awaiting the next great moment on an already amazing evening.
The crowd’s voice was warmed up by the time Sturm requested some participation on Fire Fire. The 2012 track from the band’s last release with Sturm was a huge favorite and a big highlight from the early part of the set. “Cassie,” “Freedom,” and “Stand” filled out the ending part of the first half of the show. Even though the show was half over, it seemed to just be kicking into gear.
The back half of the night was filled with all the songs that a Flyleaf show would be incomplete without. “Cage on the Ground” kicked off the second half, followed by “This Close” and “Saving Grace.” It was extremely hard to hear the bass of Pat Seals, or the guitars of Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann with how much the crowd participation filled the venue with noise. James Culpepper’s drums cut right through the noise though and gave a thumping kick to keep the Fillmore on beat.
“Fully Alive” started to signal that the show was unfortunately close to an end which was met with calls for the night to never end. After a sermon from Sturm following “I’m So Sick,” the band launched into one of the most defining songs in rock music, “All Around Me.” The bumping chorus juxtaposed with the soft and sweet vocal melody showcase Flyleaf’s superior musical composition skills and ensured that a new generation of Flyleaf fans would be born with the large number of kids in attendance.
Overall, the show was just top notch. Sturm and Flyleaf’s reunion was well worth the wait. Unfortunately, if this review convinced you to purchase a ticket to the closest Flyleaf show, you may be out of luck as like the Fillmore, every other venue on the tour has sold out as well. Hopefully this tour was not a one-off for the band though and will lead to new music and another decade of shows around the world.
Check out our favorite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
FLYLEAF
All Photo Credit: Ryan Renger