Concerts Reviews
Live Review – Janelle Monáe’s ‘The Age Of Pleasure’ Tour Electrifies Vancouver
On a late summer night in Vancouver, the UBC Doug Mitchell Sports Centre became the epicenter of musical and visual brilliance as Janelle Monáe, along with support acts Flyanna Boss and Jidenna, took the stage for the second date of her highly-anticipated “The Age Of Pleasure” tour on August 31, 2023. It was a night that left the audience in awe, celebrating Monáe‘s unique blend of artistry, empowerment, and unforgettable performances.
The evening began with Flyanna Boss, setting the tone for the night with their energetic performance and catchy tracks proving that they are more than a social media phenomenon.
Jidenna, the suave and stylish artist, followed with an soulful set, capturing the audience’s attention with his charismatic stage presence and hits. His fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and African influences had everyone swaying, creating an electric atmosphere that continued to build the anticipation for the headliner.
As the clock struck closer to 10pm, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Janelle Monáe, resplendent in her flowery Midsommar-inspired outfit, graced the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers as she opened her set with the enchanting “Float”, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The setlist for the evening was a carefully curated selection of Monáe‘s most iconic songs. “Champagne Shit”, “Phenomenal”, and “Haute” flowed seamlessly into one another, each song punctuated with Monáe‘s captivating dance moves and powerful vocal delivery. Her stage presence was magnetic, commanding the attention of everyone in the venue.
“Django Jane” and “Q.U.E.E.N.” carried a strong message of empowerment and unity, with the audience singing along and embracing the call for self-expression and identity. “Electric Lady” and “Lipstick Lover” kept the energy high, and the crowd was enraptured as Monáe and her wonderful dancers effortlessly transitioned between various musical genres.
“Water Slide” and “Pynk” showcased Monáe‘s versatility as an artist, with her ability to seamlessly blend funk, soul, and pop, all the while delivering a powerful message of self-acceptance and body positivity.
Adorned in her signature tuxedo, hre performance of “I Like That” and “Make Me Feel” had the audience dancing and singing at the top of their lungs. The infectious beats and lyrics emphasized the celebration of individuality, love, and freedom.
As the night reached its crescendo, Monáe closed the show with her iconic “Tightrope”. The crowd went wild, and it was clear that the night had been an experience like no other. The combination of her charismatic stage presence, incredible band, and her impassioned vocals created an electric atmosphere that will be etched in the memories of those who attended.
In summary, Janelle Monáe‘s “The Age Of Pleasure” tour stop in Vancouver on August 31, 2023, was nothing short of phenomenal. With an unforgettable setlist, a message of empowerment and unity, and an electrifying performance, Monáe proved once again why she’s a true icon in the music industry. The audience left the UBC Doug Mitchell Sports Centre that night feeling inspired, entertained, and uplifted by the pure pleasure of Janelle Monáe‘s performance.
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer – Shot from the crowd with a Sony RX100vii
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Benee Brings Her ‘Particule Tour’ to the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver
The Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver | March 4, 2026
BAYLI
Opening for BENEE was singer, songwriter, and rapper Bayli! Formerly part of “The Skins,” Bayli has been touring as a solo act since 2019, reaping acclaim for songs like “Passenger Princess” and “SUGARCOAT.” The first thing we thought when dipping our toe through her back catalog this week was how much she encapsulated Robyn’s recent line that “The purpose of [her] life is to stay horny.” That’s very much Bayli’s vibe; her songs are sexy, bordering on erotic. Her brand of EDM-pop is rooted in “explicit queerness” and while she has rejected any one label, her music is for and relatable to everyone. Also, again, very, very, horny.
If You Only Listen by One Song by Bayli:
“Sushi For Breakfast” (Stories from New York, 2020)
Here are a few photos of Bayli that we hope you enjoy!
BENEE
On Wednesday, March 4, BENEE returned to Vancouver to support her 2026 headlining Particles Tour which began earlier this month. A mind-blowing five years after the release of her debut album, BENEE is once again on the road and hitting 23 cities in North America. We were lucky enough to shoot her June 2022 show at The Vogue, and we’ve been patiently waiting for another chance to see her live ever since! We waited through COVID for that show to be rescheduled, we waited 5 years to see her again and, hand to heart, we’ll happily wait until she returns again!
Must Hear Songs by BENEE (In Our Respectful Opinion):
Wishful Thinking (Fire on Marzz, 2019)
Soaked (Fire on Marzz, 2019)
One of BENEE’s more endearing traits is her comfortability and overall contentment on the stage. Still rocking oversized boots and long sleeves, she seemed at home in front of the crowd, dancing through the shadows the minimal lighting provided. And smiling! Always smiling. Whether it was thanking her fans for taking the time to make an adorable sign or – and I’m not saying I understand how we got here – speaking about Canada and leading the entire venue through an impromptu round of “Oh Canada” she cleared enjoyed her time in Vancouver.
BENEE’s latest album continues to experiment with genres, mixing upbeat pop with lighter, more experimental melodies. Perhaps unsurprisingly, her shows are never one-note as she moves back and forth between these sounds, creating a “what’s next” situation where it’s beyond difficult to get bored or into anything resembling a sleepy rhythm. Her show is visually dark, and moody, and there is smoke! But there is a lot coming at you, and a lot to love.
Benee Setlist:
Sad Boiii
Cinnamon
Vegas
Beach Boy
Wishful Thinking
Soaked
Doomsday
Demons
Prey4U
Animal
Heaven
Make You Sick (Snippet)
Glitter
Princess
Underwater
Afterthought (Joji cover)
Supalonely
Off The Rails
Play Video
Green Honda
Once again, we had an incredible night at The Hollywood Theatre and loved every moment of the show. Thank you, BENEE! Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
All Photo Credit: Jason Martin
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: A Sold-Out Night of Performance Art With Sudan Archives
Words by Kali Moreno
Photos by Kelli Rothwell
A sold-out night at The Pearl set the tone for a show that felt half concert, half art installation. Sudan Archives brought her genre-blurring world to Vancouver following the release of The BPM in 2025, with support from Cain Culto.
Cain Culto confidently navigated an energetic, multi-media set backed by Indigenous, Latin American, and Bluegrass influences – what he calls Kentucky Latin Art-Pop. As he gradually shed layers of clothing, he added homemade props to deliver his song’s messages of empowerment and resistance in both Spanish and English. His musical skills as a vocalist and violinist, paired with his artistic expression as a visual artist, created a riveting piece of performance art.
Dressed in a skin-tight, full body suit and wearing otherworldly grey contact lenses, Sudan Archives commanded a sold-out stage for her one-woman set at The Pearl. The deeply human themes of her songs, which sit in genre around house, techno, and R&B, were shared with the rowdy audience alongside recurring mechanical sounds and choreographed robotic movements. This examination of technology and humanity reminded that her artistry and expression transcend her talents as a singer, violinist, and beat-maker. Sudan Archives performed three encore songs, jumping off the stage to dance with the screaming crowd before leaving Vancouver with the parting words: “y’all are fucking lit.”
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
02-18 San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
02-19 San Diego, CA – Music Box
02-20 Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
More info on Sudan Archives’ website.
SUDAN ARCHIVES
CAIN CULTO
All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell