Country concert fans flocked to the East Side of Queen Street last night to watch the beloved Brett Young perform. Featuring the amazing opening acts of Hannah McFarland and Tyler Braden, Country fans got a great blend of country music genre styles.
Cowboy hats, blue jeans, cowboy boots and good vibes piled into the HISTORY venue on a Thursday night for an unforgettable performance by country star Brett Young. Bringing together the rising talents of Hannah McFarland and Tyler Braden and the impeccable talent of Brett Young, each performer brought their own unique style, from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, ensuring there was something for everyone in attendance.
Hannah McFarland opened the night taking the stage with her acoustic guitar and fellow friend and musician, Kaylin Roberson. The duo’s pure acoustic performance featuring just the 2 guitars, the foot drum, and their perfectly melding harmonies was a beautiful way to amp up the crowd for what the evening had in store. Both Nashville natives serenaded the audience with originals including “The Bed I Made” and a beautiful rendition of Canadian Country Queen Shania Twain’s “Still the One”.
Be sure to check out “Hey Highway” coming out this Friday on all streaming platforms.
As Tyler Braden took the stage to backtrackings and one heck of a lightshow, the audience’s energy was now in full swing. Opening with “More Than a Prayer”, Tyler shocked those of us who have not yet heard this deep rasp vocal experience, and the impeccable bass work through the song was also one of my personal highlights of this performance. Launching into a brief cover of Dirk’s Bentley which seamlessly blended into his very own song “Little Red Wine” showed the impressive musicianship of his band and their abilities to switch notes and change keys without the audience even noticing.
Though his band’s ability was something to marvel at, I think the most impressive moment of Tyler’s performance took place when he wound down the crowd for an acoustic solo set which expelled so much raw emotion and talent, and really displayed his personal vocal abilities. Tyler went on to explain the amazing surprise he was greeted with by “Team Canada” – both the actual Team Canada Hockey Players, and his Team Canada fans – when they presented him the news and plaque that his country radio takeover hit “Devil You Know” went Platinum in Canada. Keep in mind, Canada has never seen a live show from Tyler yet, so this just speaks testaments to his musical abilities.
Tyler’s version of Christmas classic “Pretty Paper” has been included on the #MelancholyMistletoe Warner Nashville, Vol. 2 album. It is out everywhere now on all streaming platforms.
In a classic WWE style entry – flashing lights, smoke canons and all – each member of Brett Young’s band emerged from behind the crowd and took their place behind their instruments. The anticipation grew with each member introduction leading up to …the one….the only…… BRETT YOUNG. Flying right into crowd favourites “Here Tonight” and “Missing You”, Brett used every inch of the stage to get the crowd engaged. The stage presence Brett has as he glides from one corner of the stage to the next, using the onstage steps and stools as props along the way, is mesmerizing. I can genuinely say I have never seen an artist use the entire HISTORY stage the way Brett did. He exuded an effortless confidence on stage, embodying a sense of comfort that captivated the entire audience.
The comradery between Brett and his band was evident from the second they all took the stage. They interacted with each other and looked like they were having a phenomenal time. Showing the deep respect he has for his fellow musicians, Brett seamlessly wove moments into the performance that allowed each band member to shine. As the spotlight shifted, individual solos emerged from each artist, showcasing their unique talents and hidden gem voices. The synergy of Brett and his band was displayed especially during the cover of “Season of the Sticks” and the acoustic set of “Mercy”, as well as the heartfelt songs he wrote for his daughters – that’s right, we get an unreleased song on this tour specifically dedicated to Brett’s second little girl Rowan.
As part of the beautiful encore Brett planned, he would sing the obvious crowd favourite “In Case You Didn’t Know” but with a twist. Bringing back out rising artist Hannah McFarland, Brett and Hannah performed what will be known as “In Case You Didn’t Know” 2.0, where Hannah wrote and recorded a version of the song from the female perspective. The duo’s song is said to come out around Valentine’s Day 2025.
Hannah, Tyler and Brett will be on tour together across the States until mid November. Be sure to catch them on tour near you and keep an eye out on all 3 for new releases of music coming soon!
Check out some more photo’s from that night in the gallery below: