Concerts Photos
High Valley Bring ‘Paradise & Hurricanes Tour’ to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
The Commodore Ballroom leaned fully into country mode on March 27 as High Valley ended their Paradise & Hurricanes Tour in Vancouver. The room filled early, a mix of denim, boots, and fans ready to sing every word.
Opening the night was Kelowna singer Dawson Gray, a rising name who’s been carving his own lane in country. Known for his songwriting and easy stage presence, Gray brought a confident, no-frills set that clicked right away with the early crowd. He performed recent releases like “Chevy Back,” as well as his new 2026 single “When We Die,” hinting at a shift in sound. The highlight was his Canadian Medley that included Avril lavigne. His set felt polished but still loose enough to keep things personal, setting a strong tone for the night ahead.
When High Valley hit the stage, the energy spiked fast. Frontman Brad Rempel led the charge with a mix of polish and pure enthusiasm. From the first song, the band leaned into their signature blend of pop-country hooks and bluegrass roots. Tracks like “She’s With Me” and “Make You Mine” had the floor bouncing, while newer material kept things fresh. Rempel even mentioned how Vancouver got going right away instead of having to ease the crowd into the night.
Midway through, the set took a turn. The band pulled things back for a stripped-down segment that felt closer to a campfire jam than a packed ballroom. Requests came flying in, and High Valley played along, delivering older fan favourites with tight harmonies and a loose, personal feel. It was a smart shift that gave the night some breathing room.
Rempel stayed in constant motion, even stepping into the crowd to high-five fans and grab a few quick selfies without missing a line.
They closed the night the same way they opened it, with high energy and big singalongs. The balance between full-throttle country and quieter moments held up all night.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
HIGH VALLEY
DAWSON GRAY
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Alabama Shakes Bring the Soul Back to Vancouver
After nearly a decade away, Alabama Shakes returned to Vancouver on June 26 for a night that was both a reunion and a revival. Performing at the new Freedom Mobile Arch, the Alabama band wasted little time reminding the crowd why their blend of blues, rock, soul, and gospel made such an impact in the first place.
The band opened shortly after 8p.m. with immediate force, locking into the familiar rhythms that have defined their sound since their 2012 debut, Boys & Girls. As the daylight decreased, “Another Life” brought a warm shift to the rainy evening, with the crowd swaying together before “Hang Loose” kept the mood loose and upbeat.
At the centre of it all was Brittany Howard, whose voice remains as commanding as ever. Her ability to move from a delicate falsetto on “Future People” to a full-throated roar gave the songs a fresh edge without losing what made them special. “I Found You” brought out the band’s gospel and blues roots, while “Hold On” turned the venue into one massive singalong.
The set’s emotional high point came with “Gimme All Your Love,” as Howard and the band leaned into every groove. “Don’t Wanna Fight” followed with equal parts tension and release before the band left the stage.
Alabama Shakes‘ return showed that, after all these years, this band can still make a crowd rise.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
ALABAMA SHAKES
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Of Monsters and Men Bring ‘The Mouse Parade’ Tour to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver
Of Monsters and Men returned to Vancouver on June 25 with a packed show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, bringing their mix of indie folk, rock and cinematic pop to a crowd that was more than ready to welcome them back. After years away from the live stage, the Icelandic band showed no signs of rust, delivering a performance that moved easily between quiet, atmospheric moments and full-room singalongs.
The evening opened with American indie folk singer-songwriter, August Ponthier, who shared songs from their debut album Everywhere Isn’t Texas, as well as new unreleased material.
At 9p.m., the lights dropped and Of Monsters And Men emerged from the shadows, surrounded by haze and an eerie wash of light that matched the darker mood of their newer material.
The set leaned heavily on songs from their latest album, All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, giving fans a chance to hear how the band’s sound has developed since their breakthrough. Tracks like “The Actor” and “Ordinary Creature” brought a more layered, reflective side of the group, yet they fit comfortably alongside older favourites.
Of course, the biggest reactions came when the band reached back into their catalogue. Both “King and Lionheart” and “Dirty Paws” had the audience singing along. Then came “Little Talks,” still one of the band’s biggest hits and an undeniable highlight of the night. The familiar opening instantly brought the room together, with the crowd handling a lot of the vocals.
At the centre of it all were Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson, whose voices remain the band’s greatest strength. Their harmonies, paired with the group’s dynamic musicianship, made the long-awaited return feel completely worth the wait.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
OF MONSTERS AND MEN
AUGUST PONTHIER
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer