Concerts Photos
DRAMA Brings ‘Platonic Romance Tour’ to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
Chicago duo DRAMA brought their Platonic Romance tour to Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on March 2, turning the storied dance floor into a warm, late-night therapy session you could move your hips to.
The pair, producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, are touring behind their third album, Platonic Romance, released Jan. 9. The record leans into what they’ve always done well: sleek Chicago house grooves under vocals that feel intimate and unguarded. The title, coined years ago while on tour with SG Lewis, speaks to deep friendship and chosen family.
They opened with the title track, setting the tone with Rosa’s soft but steady presence. DRAMA has built a reputation for their “happy sad” balance, and it was on full display. Songs like “Make It Look Easy” and “Dollar $hort” pulsed with club energy, yet there was always an emotional undercurrent running beneath the beat.
Rosa doesn’t oversell a lyric, she lets it land. On “Savannah” and “Here With Me,” her voice floated over Shehade’s house rhythms, creating that blurry space between a packed dance floor and a 2 a.m. confession. “Here With Me,” in particular, felt like the emotional centerpiece.
The duo’s chemistry is the anchor. There’s an ease between them that can’t be staged. Shehade stayed focused behind the decks, layering basslines with precision, then stepping forward to hype the crowd when the moment called for it. Rosa moved with a calm confidence, smiling at the front row, occasionally closing her eyes as if she were back in the studio.
Mid-set, they nodded to longtime fans with “Low Tide,” and “Drama,” reminding the room how far they’ve come since their early EP days. A cover of “Dancing On My Own” drew a singalong, and their take on “Nobody” and “You’ve Done Enough,” both tied to their history with Gorgon City, were a hit with the crowd.
There’s something satisfying about watching a duo that has stayed independent grow into rooms like this. DRAMA has supported arena acts like ODESZA, yet at the Commodore they felt right at home. The venue’s springy dance floor seemed built for their grooves, bouncing in time during “Billy,” “Long Night,” and “Hopes Up.”
They closed the main set with “You’ve Done Enough,” leaving the crowd buzzing before returning for an encore that included “Years” and “3AM.”
What makes DRAMA stand out is restraint. They don’t chase drops for the sake of it. They build moods and trust the tension. On this tour, that approach feels refined and confident, like artists who know exactly who they are.
Check out our favourite photos of the night or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
March 3 – Seattle – The Showbox
March 4 – Portland – Roseland Theater
March 6 – Oakland – Fox Theater
March 7 – Los Angeles – The Wiltern
April 17-19 – Indio – Coachella
More information on DRAMA‘s website.
DRAMA
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
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
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