Avatar, the Swedish heavy metal juggernauts, have consistently proven themselves as masters of mayhem in the world of metal music. With their unique blend of theatricality, intense instrumentals, and unapologetic showmanship, Avatar has carved a distinctive niche in the metal scene. Their latest work, Dance Devil Dance, stands as a testament to their enduring prowess, and Edmonton’s Midway was packed to the rafters! (I hadn’t seen Midway this full since Billy Talent in March before the Juno Awards). What a show. Avatar was on fire! (Almost literally…!)
Concert fanatic. Photographer.
Recent Posts by Yuri Woodfall
Billy Talent – A Triumphant Return
Small venue with a big name makes for a great night with one of Canada’s top pop-punk stars Billy Talent and they blew the roof off of the Midway in Edmonton.
Old Dominion – No Bad Vibes
American country/country pop band Old Dominion made a stop at Rogers Place on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, in support of their “No Bad Vibes” tour. Well, they were correct. I could not see any bad vibes inside the venue. (This was my first arena shoot since moving to Edmonton, and I was very excited!) As I walked onto the floor/photographers’ pit, I noticed the sea of denim, cowboy boots, and hats. Edmonton came prepared for what was about to occur!
Lights: An Overdue Return to Edmonton
Wow! What a show. Canadian Electro-Pop artist Lights finally made her return to Edmonton after 4 years… and man… what a treat.
The Headstones – December 1st, 2022
When you hear the iconic Canadian band The Headstones… what do you think? Do you think “Oh, just another rock band creating noise?” or are you like me who thinks “This is the Tragically Hip of punk rock!”. (Coincidentally, Hugh Dillon grew up playing hockey with Paul Langlois; future guitarist of the Tragically Hip).
Barenaked Ladies – A Tour of Force
Barenaked Ladies: A Tour of Force
On August 21st, 2022, the beloved and critically acclaimed band Barenaked Ladies (BNL) closed out the much-needed summer festival Together Again Outdoor Concert Series. Touring on their newest album, “Detour De Force” released in 2021, it finally allowed BNL to showcase their newest songs to an eagerly awaiting crowd.
Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker – The End
USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker) came through Edmonton on June 3rd, 2022, and played their last show at Midway in part of their “Final FINAL Freakquency Tour”. I was lucky enough to shoot them when they played Together Again in the summer of 2021; I was not going to miss a chance to photograph them a second time.
The Beaches – Doubleheader
Almost like they’ve been watching back-to-back hockey games, the 4 piece, Toronto-based, the all-girl band The Beaches set up shop for a doubleheader at Edmonton’s Midway in support of their 2021 EP: “Future Lovers”.
I was there to photograph their first show of two.
Peach Pit – Back to Back in Edmonton
Vancouver’s Peach Pit stopped in Edmonton for two nights at Midway as they wrap up the North America leg of their current tour in support of their third album, “From 2 to 3” released on March 4th, 2022.
Five Days in July: A tribute to Blue Rodeo presented by The Dungarees
On March 25th, 2022, The Dungarees performed at Festival Place in Sherwood Park, Alberta. It was a tribute to Blue Rodeo; specifically, they played Blue Rodeo’s album 5 Days in July in its entirety. They opened the show with “5 Days in May”, which was met with resounding applause and cheers. Between songs, James Murdoch, Robb Angus, Kiron Jhass, and Ben Shillabeer shared what makes them fans of Blue Rodeo, as well as stories from the road.
