Concerts Photos
Alestorm Turns Commodore Ballroom Into One Giant Pirate Party
Last night, I had the chance to photograph Alestorm at the Commodore Ballroom, and honestly, it was one of the most fun shows I’ve shot in a long time.
From the second the band hit the stage, the energy in the room was unreal. The crowd was singing every word, throwing their hands in the air, and fully embracing the pirate-themed chaos that Alestorm is known for. It felt like one massive party where everyone was in on the same joke.
As a photographer, this show was packed with great moments. Between the colourful lighting, the band’s larger-than-life stage presence, and the nonstop crowd interaction, there was always something happening. Every time I thought I had captured my favourite shot of the night, another moment would unfold right in front of me.
One thing that really stood out was how connected the band was with the audience. You could tell the fans weren’t just there to watch. They were there to be part of the experience. Looking around the room and seeing hundreds of people singing together made it clear why Alestorm has built such a loyal following over the years.
My favourite photos ended up being the ones that captured that connection. The laughter, the singalongs, the raised hands, and the pure excitement on people’s faces told the story of the night better than any stage setup ever could.
Alestorm brought the music, the fun, and the chaos in the best possible way. If you ever get the chance to see them live, be ready for a night that’s equal parts concert and pirate adventure.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
ALESTORM
All Photo Credit: Raphael Arthur
Concerts Photos
Bôa Brings ‘Whiplash’ Tour to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
British alternative rock band Bôa closed out the North American leg of their Whiplash tour with a memorable sold-out performance at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on June 27. Making their long-awaited Vancouver debut, the trio was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd that had clearly been waiting years for this moment.
Opening the evening was Vancouver-based Taiwanese-Canadian singer-songwriter Jia. Blending dream pop, indie rock, earthy Americana, and cinematic influences, her set created the perfect atmosphere before the night’s headliner. Songs from her album Technicolour showcased her haunting vocals and thoughtful songwriting, earning warm applause from an audience that quickly settled into the evening.
When Bôa took the stage, the room erupted. Frontwoman Jasmine Rodgers immediately drew the audience in with her effortlessly expressive vocals, balancing softness and strength throughout the band’s set. Her voice remains the defining element of Bôa‘s sound, carrying emotional weight that translated beautifully in a live setting.
The band moved through fan favourites including “Twilight,” “Fool,” “Drinking,” and newer material from Whiplash, proving that their recent resurgence is built on far more than nostalgia. During “Drinking,” phone lights illuminated the Commodore, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments as fans swayed together.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when legendary classic rock singer Paul Rodgers, best known as the frontman of Free and Bad Company, made a brief appearance on stage. Joining his daughter Jasmine Rodgers for a touching father-daughter moment, the special guest appearance was met with loud cheers from the Commodore Ballroom crowd.
Despite it being the final stop of a lengthy North American tour, the band played with remarkable energy. Smiles were constant across the stage, and it was clear they were enjoying every minute of their Vancouver debut.
The encore delivered exactly what fans had hoped for. As the opening notes of “Duvet” rang out, the entire venue seemed to sing in unison. The song’s renewed popularity may have introduced a new generation to Bôa, but hearing hundreds of voices fill the Commodore proved its emotional impact has never faded.
For a first visit to Vancouver, Bôa left a lasting impression. Their final North American show was equal parts intimate and powerful, ending the tour on a high note while leaving fans hoping they won’t wait as long before returning.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
bôa
JIA
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Holly Humberstone Brings ‘Cruel World’ Tour to Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
On June 25th, English indie-pop singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone brought her Cruel World North American Tour to a sold-out Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver.
After Humberstone enthralled the Commodore with her emotional and delicate vocals and created a warm atmosphere, keeping it personal, sharing stories with the audience.
The Grantham native is touring in support of her newest album, Cruel World, of which we got a sneak peek of during her performance at All Things Go early June. While her music remains deeply introspective, the new material carries a greater sense of confidence, shifting between quiet vulnerability and soaring choruses that the audience, getting to hear it live for the first time, can’t help but sing along.
Mixing songs into the set from Cruel World, Humberstone performed the instantly catchy “White Noise,” the gothic-inspired “Die Happy,” and fan favourite “To Love Somebody,” among many other tunes.
Throughout the night, she also sprinkled in career-defining tracks like “Falling Asleep At The Wheel,” “Scarlett,” “Deep End,” and “The Walls Are Way Too Thin”.
Holly Humberstone balanced a raw, commanding vocal delivery with the tight musicianship of her band, expanding familiar tracks into a fuller live sound that made the most of the Commodore Ballroom’s rich acoustics.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE IN VANCOUVER
All Photo Credit: Hunter Soo