Scotiabank Arena

Ellen appeared in Toronto for two moderated Q&A events. While the event perhaps lacked the energy fans have come to know from watching her daytime talk show, it still proved to be an inspiring experience for those in attendance. Ellen is the type of person who oozes happiness and inspiration by just being in the same room as you and this event proved just that. 

#havealittlefuntoday #bekindtooneanother

Featuring Paul Brandt, High Valley, Hunter Brothers, and Jess Moskaluke.

Photos captured at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Hanson brought their String Theory tour (which is a complete playthrough of their album of the same name) to Toronto at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Isaac, Taylor, and Zac were accompanied by a small but talented orchestra comprised primarily of local musicians who provided the backdrop to the band's two hour show. String Theory is a concept album that tells a story through the lyrics of Hanson's carefully organized songs. Unlike a typical Hanson concert where you will find a general admission floor of screaming women in their 30's, String Theory provided an appreciated opportunity to enjoy a seated show with a focus on the music itself. Though often overlooked as one hit wonders, Hanson has never stopped releasing music and continues to have a small but mighty international fanbase. 

Setlist:

Reaching For The Sky (Part 1)
Joyful Noise
Where’s The Love
Dream It Do It
MmmBop
Chasing Down My Dreams
Tragic Symphony
Got A Hold On Me
Yearbook
Siren Call
Me Myself And I
Reaching For The Sky (Part 2)
This Time Around
Something Going Round
Battle Cry
You Can’t Stop Us
Broken Angel
What Are We Fighting For
Breaktown
No Rest For The Weary
I Was Born
Sound of Light
Tonight

Sir Elton John played two shows in Toronto at the Scotiabank Arena (formerly ACC) in September as part of his ongoing 3 year farewell tour.  Having seen him in concert four times already, I had a good idea of what to expect and Elton never disappoints. The set list (see below) is full of top ten hits and so very accommodating to just about anyone who has listened the radio in the last 40 years. My favourite part of concerts in general is quite often the chatting/bantering that the artist has with the audience between songs. Seeing Elton in Toronto is fabulous for this because, while the set list remains the same at each stop, his connection to the city (his husband David Furnish) results in some nice personal dialogue unique to this particular tour stop. The man is clearly proud to be part Canadian.

Elton doesn't bother with the high notes in Goodbye Yellow Brick Road anymore and enlists the help of the audience for the "lalalalala" portion of Crocodile Rock, but his voice and piano playing is as strong as ever. 

I was seated three rows up in the side stage section, conveniently facing Elton which provided a great opportunity for photos and a bit of video which is shared below. 

Setlist:

1. "Bennie and the Jets"
2. "All the Girls Love Alice"
3. "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues"
4. "Border Song"
5. "Tiny Dancer"
6. "Philadelphia Freedom"
7. "Indian Sunset"
8. "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be a Long, Long Time)"
9. "Take Me to the Pilot"
10. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"
11. "Levon"
12. "Candle in the Wind"
13. "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"
14. "Burn Down the Mission"
15. "Believe"
16. "Daniel"
17. "Sad Songs (Say So Much)"
18. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
19. "The Bitch is Back"
20. "I'm Still Standing"
21. "Crocodile Rock"
22. "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)"

Encore:

1. "Your Song"
2. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"