That’s a wrap for the Breakers Tour in Canada

Nashville native Jillian Jacqueline opened up the night promptly at 7:30 with a 20 minute acoustic set.  Accompanied by only her guitarist / fiancé.  While they both played guitar for first half of her set, it was put away in favor of holding the mic to cover more of the stage & making her more flexible to move to the music & power put the high notes.

 

She kept those that got to their seats for the start entertained with eclectic range of songs even with a strictly acoustic set.  Everything from a slowed down Acoustic Cover of Whitney Houston’s Dance with Somebody to tales of her first country radio single about her ex, Reasons, which her current fiancé is “forced” to perform alongside her every show.

Closed put the set with the guitar & “God Bless This Mess” … a reminder there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel – there’s always a tomorrow – so keep fighting.

After what seemed like a quick turnaround, Midland got set to take the stage in grand style.  The lead in was with a version of John Denver’s classic song, “Country Road” playing on the speakers that quickly got the entire audience chiming in to sing along, virtually washing out the sound projected from the speakers … and the energy just keep going up from there!

Didn’t take long for Midland to turn the Abbotsford Centre into a dance party – in the isles & at their seats on the floor & even on the stairs in the stands.  They all came out onto the speakers in front of the stage & threw out guitar picks to the audience. Lead singer, Mark Wystrach, been drinking since 3 so he jokingly requested forgiveness for not reading the set list.

The Little Big Town Kids came out, brought what looked like, beer (?!) and then danced along to a few songs … they got moves!  LBT (and their kids) have been big supporters of Midland for a long time, since well before they signed their first record deal so they were thoroughly enjoying – and appreciative – of having spent the better part of the year with them touring and performing in some capacity … and they definitely earned their paychecks as openers to “warm up” the audience for the headlining act.

At 9:25 the headlining act took the stage – 5 minutes early!  That deserves a huge shout out to the production crew because it’s so rare to have things start on time, let alone a little early!

Big screen (or maybe it was 2 big screens laid out like a V ) with 2 cameras in the back and at least one in the pit.

Big screen (or maybe it was 2 big screens shaped like a V ) with 2 cameras in the back and at least one in the pit.  Despite the unusually low stage height everyone in the crowd was able to see what was happening throughout the set.

They played to the entire audience – back to front to side & all took turns covering all the angles and corners of the stage. They kept the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along the entire set. Their cover of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” was a roaring success with the crowd belting out the chorus along with the band almost as loudly as they did for the LBT original music.

Kids came out again for a few tunes with their parents this time with a special shout out to the birthday boy Dylan (Karen and Jimi’s son).

About half way through the set the band took a few moments to give thanks to everyone that was a part of the latest tour, with a special huge Shout out to Sakamoto for bringing them to Canada and all the fans along with Midland for not just the past 2 weeks in Canada, but the past year with them internationally.

Here’s hoping the success of this tour encourages the Sakamoto Agency and Little Big Town to collaborate in coming back again soon!