Concerts Photos
Big Boi, Dot Da Genius, Chip Tha Ripper on Kid Cudi’s ‘The Rebel Ragers Tour
Before Kid Cudi took the stage at Rogers Arena on June 19, fans were treated to a stacked lineup of hip-hop veterans and collaborators that set the tone for an energetic night. Big Boi, Dot Da Genius, and Chip Tha Ripper each brought their own style, making the opening portion of The Rebel Ragers Tour feel like an event of its own.
Chip Tha Ripper kicked things off with an easygoing confidence that quickly won over the audience. His chemistry with the crowd and longtime connection to Kid Cudi made his set feel like a natural extension of the night’s theme rather than just an opening performance.
Dot Da Genius followed with a polished set that highlighted his production work and solo material. His atmospheric sound filled Rogers Arena, offering a change of pace that fit naturally within the lineup. Longtime Kid Cudi fans clearly appreciated seeing one of his closest collaborators perform live.
Big Boi closed out the opening acts in commanding fashion. The OutKast legend delivered a confident set packed with charisma and Southern hip-hop classics. His decades of experience showed through every performance, with fans rapping along and dancing from start to finish.
Together, the trio provided an entertaining build-up that had the arena fully energized and ready for Kid Cudi‘s highly anticipated headlining performance.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BIG BOI
DOT DA GENIUS
CHIP THA RIPPER
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Buffalo Traffic Jam at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto
There is something magical about voices matching the season. The excitement of walking up to the Danforth Music Hall on the perfect autumn night, only to be engulfed in raw, emotive rasp.
Lydia Maes really pulled me in. There’s such an emotional quality to her voice. The way she incorporates the saxophone and the way she hypnotizes the crowd. She played a beautiful set and then later came out with her fiddle, to join Buffalo Traffic Jam.
Colin Lynch completely caught me off guard, with a voice that sounds like he sells out stadiums. He’s young, but that soulful, raspy, depth speaks to every age.
Then came the one and only Buffalo Traffic Jam. Gritty, earthy harmonies took over the Danforth and the crowd was electrified. There’s something about their sound that feels both stripped down and warm at the same time, and the moment they started, we were all at their mercy.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BUFFALO TRAFFIC JAM
COLIN LYNCH
LYDIA MAES
All Photo Credit: Bailey Morgan
Concerts Photos
Sabaton Bring Fire and Fury to Vancouver on North American Tour Finale
After many many years away from Vancouver, Sabaton returned to the PNE Forum on October 8 for a fiery night of heavy metal, military-themed theatrics and massive sing-alongs. The Swedish metal band chose the city to close out its North American tour, and it went out with a bang.
Opening the night was Pop Evil, whose modern hard rock offered a different sound from the headliner’s power metal. Tracks like “Trenches” brought plenty of energy, giving the crowd a reason to get moving before the main event. Their heavier riffs and commanding stage presence made for a solid start to the evening despite the low lighting.
Sabaton wasted little time making its return count. Kicking off with “Ghost Division,” the band delivered a wall of sound backed by pounding drums, sharp guitar riffs and bursts of fire that lit up the Forum. The stage, complete with military-inspired hardware, gave the performance the feel of a full-scale production rather than a standard metal concert.
Frontman Joakim Brodén led the charge with his unmistakable voice and natural sense of showmanship. Songs like “The Last Stand,” “Stormtroopers” and “Night Witches” showcased the band’s knack for turning historical stories into anthems built for thousands of voices. The crowd happily did its part, singing along throughout the night.
The spectacle never distracted from the music. Flames punctuated the band’s heaviest moments, adding extra intensity to “Bismarck,” “Fields of Verdun” and “The Attack of the Dead Men.” For the latter, the band leaned into the song’s subject matter with gas masks, adding another theatrical touch to an already explosive set.
The closing stretch was pure Sabaton. “Swedish Pagans” brought another huge audience sing-along before “Primo Victoria” and “To Hell and Back” sent the Forum into the night at full volume.
After seven years, Sabaton gave Vancouver plenty of reasons to welcome them back. Closing the North American tour with a performance this tight, loud and entertaining was a fitting end to the run. With commanding vocals, memorable choruses and enough pyro to warm the entire Forum, the band left little doubt that its next visit cannot come soon enough.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SABATON
POP EVIL
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer