Concerts Photos
Sophie Ellis-Bextor at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC – Gallery
Sophie Ellis-Bextor lit up the Commodore Ballroom on September 13th, delivering a vibrant performance that was nothing short of a disco delight for a crowd mostly comprised of millennials like me, who had been waiting for this moment since the early 2000s.
From the moment she stepped onto the stage for “Crying At The Discotheque”, clad in a dazzling purple/pink sequined outfit, she commanded the room with her infectious energy and signature glam. The historic venue, with its lively dance floor, was a great match for the upbeat vibe of the night, blending disco nostalgia with a modern touch.
The setlist was a mix of Sophie’s greatest hits and tracks from her recent album, effortlessly blending old favourites like “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Hypnotized” with newer songs like “Ready For Your Love,” released in July this year. In a fun twist, two songs were chosen by a spin-wheel. Her vocals were spot-on throughout, and the band kept everything tight. The crowd was fully engaged from the start, dancing and singing along to every word, especially during the “Lady (Hear Me Tonight) / Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) / Can’t Fight This Feeling / Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” medley. Sophie’s relaxed, friendly stage presence made it feel like an intimate event.
Two standout moments were an acoustic rendition of “Young Blood” from her 2024 Wanderlust album, and the last song of the night, “A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed,” that she performed unplugged from the Commodore Ballroom balcony.
Throughout the show, Sophie took moments to thank the Vancouver audience, as this was the final stop of her US/Canada tour, and shared some light-hearted stories and new facts about the city she’d just learned.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor‘s performance at the Commodore Ballroom was a night of feel-good energy, nostalgia, and impeccable showmanship. It proved why Sophie remains a beloved figure in the pop and disco revival scene.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
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