Concerts Photos
Livingston at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver
Last night, Livingston, rising pop singer-songwriter from Denton, TX, took over the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver as part of The Story Continues Tour.
Braden Bales opened the night. The Toronto-born indie-pop artist has a knack for making people feel seen, thanks to lyrics that tackle anxiety and heartbreak without sugarcoating it. Highlights included “ME MYSELF AND YOU” and the viral “Chronically Cautious,” which had the crowd shouting every word.
At the start of the set, Bales shared that he’d been interrogated at the Canadian border for four hours and arrived just 15 minutes before his set. With no time for a proper soundcheck, he rolled with a stripped-down setup—two mics and one guitar—and apologized for the change. Honestly, it worked. The rough-around-the-edges vibe gave the set charm, and his banter more than made up for the tech limitations. Bonus laughs came when his guitarist, now dubbed “Jakadia” (not Jake), donned a blonde wig for “that final number.”YOU LIED.”
Livingston kicked off his hour-long show with “Half Life,” instantly setting the tone with strong vocals and a magnetic presence. At just 21, he’s already got the stage command of someone who’s been touring for a while. Songs like “Surprise!” and “Architect” brought the energy up, while “Brainstorm” slowed things down and gave everyone a moment to reflect.
He also got in on the border story fun, joking about being held up for hours because he had CBD in his suitcase—unaware that it’s not allowed in Canada. It was a lighthearted moment that got a big laugh.
He spent some time of the set at the barricade, receiving friendship bracelets, and singing face-to-face with fans, some of whom were clearly seeing their favourite artist live for the first time. There was a family vibe in the room, from groups of teens singing in unison to parents dancing in the back.
After a brief exit, he returned for a two-song encore, ending with the sweeping “Godspeed.” If this tour is any indication, Livingston isn’t just “one to watch,” he’s already here.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
6/6 – Seattle, WA – Showbox
6/7 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
6/9 – Portland, OR – Roseland Ballroom
6/11 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
6/12 – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theatre
More info on his website.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
LIVINGSTON
BRADEN BALES
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