Last night the Where It All Began Tour (#WIABtour) stopped in at The Mod Club in Toronto. I have to say this is one of the better one-two punches to hit Toronto in the last couple months. Dan + Shay brought 32 year old Canaan Smith from Williamsburg, Virginia along for the ride. I had the chance to sit down and chat with Canaan earlier in the day and that will be posted soon. So I can’t deny that I was pretty excited for his set. And let me tell you he did not disappoint. So much talent packed into this guy. Strong lyrics, outstanding vocals and a kick ass performance!
Canaan Smith – Toronto – Mod Club: Photo By Corey Kelly
For 45 min set I can tell you he knew how to work the crowd and really knew he was there to get the crowd pumped for Dan & Shay. That didn’t mean he didn’t slow it down, he did. He did for one song. That song I have to say was the highlight of my evening. I know, who blows a story this early! But seriously, the story behind Bronco is real, the feeling behind the performance is from the heart. It’s not often you hear a song for the first time that it grabs you the way this one did. I salute Mr. Smith for pouring his heart and soul into such an incredible song. Not a sales pitch but I can tell you that this will be his first single off his upcoming album in June so you won’t have to wait much longer. Canaan put on a killer 45 min set that defiantly had the crowd wanting more.
Canaan Smith – The Mod Club – Toronto Photo By: Corey Kelly
In-between sets I had a chance to chat with a few of the fans predominantly female based. Think it’s safe to say it was an 85/15 split ratio on guys to girls on this night. And you could tell that when Canaan hit the stage early as the screams pierced the air as soon as they caught sight of him. But while chatting with some of the concert goers it was interesting to hear how far some of the folks came to see the show. With people from Hamilton, Barrie, Peterborough & Belleville being a few along with the city girls it was filled from stage to entry and well that shows that country music is alive in well in the GTA so I think we need more shows like that in great venues like the Mod Club and everyone else agrees.
At 10 PM the Headliners of the night Dan + Shay took the stage. The duo out of Nashville have sky rocketed in popularity over the last year and a half with their 1st Hit Single 19 You + Me followed by Show You Off in mid-2014. Having an opening spot for Hunter Hayes on two tours and opening for Blake Shelton kinda gives ya some street cred.
Dan + Shay – Mod Club – Toronto: Photo By Corey Kelly
It also helps get you to that headlining spot. These two defiantly know how to bring the party! This tour has been playing to SOLD OUT shows across North America and Toronto was no different. As soon as the fellas kicked into Somewhere Only We Know the ladies were screaming and it didn’t stop all night.
Dan + Shay – The Mod Club – Toronto – Photo By: Corey Kelly
Every song seemed to be a sing along for the crowd of about 650 people. The way the guys interacted with the crowd was a sign that this wasn’t their first rodeo. Seasoned veterans of the road and only in their early 20’s it’s nice to see country music has a bright future. My personal favorites of the night was Show You Off and Red Dirt Road (Brooks & Dunn Cover) They finished the night with the song that started it all off for them 19 You+Me and have to say every time I am at a concert I think of how lucky the guys on stage are getting the chance to sing their song and have a room full of people singing it back… Last night the guys put on a heck of show if you have the chance to catch Dan + Shay anytime soon I highly suggest it and for those hoping to catch Canaan Smith you only have to wait till August when they play Boots & Hearts out at Burls Creek!
Corey Kelly / CoreyKelly76
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