Category Archives: Concert Reviews

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

On Saturday February 25th Billy Joel crossed north of the boarder into Canada for the first time in nearly 10 years, making his stop at Fallsview Casino, Niagara. His performance was the crown jewel on the official celebratory opening of the brand new OLG Stage here in Ontario. The 73 year old New Yorker put on the performance of a lifetime, still holding his title as “The Entertainer”.

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Opening the show with “My Life”, the patiently awaited crowd rose to their feet once the first piano key was struck, and the hits followed as the night went on. Still playing like had something to prove, Joel captivated everyone in the room, not a soul left the venue until the balcony lights came on. Prior to showtime it’s always amazing the things you hear as you walk down what I like to call “Storyteller Alley”. Storyteller alley is the bee hive of noise and conversations of the fans in line as they make their way through security. Hearing competitive people telling one another how many times they have seen Billy Joel, some 5, some 15, even hearing 45 times from one gentleman. And for some it being their very first time after over hearing one lady tell the person next to her that she’s been waiting 45 years for this moment, it’s one of those reasons why I think he still tours, for the fans. For some couples it was their first date and for others their first date was at a Billy Joel concert 35 years ago!

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Creating the songs that many got married too, Billy doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Soft spoken in-between many songs, Joel has that “lets have a conversation at dinner vibe”. Telling stories and making jokes, everyone was delighted to get that one-on-one chance with him as he made everyone in the audience feel front row. Billy is known for leaving the front row empty and non for sale, and selecting those at the very back, as high as you can get and bringing them front row as he states “these are the real fans”, he really gets it.

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Billy Joel, Carl Fischer, Mark Rivera / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

You might not find it hard to believe but Joel isn’t the only famous musician in his band, travelling with world class musicians like Carl Fischer, Mark Rivera, David Rosenthal, Andy Cichon, Mike DelGuidice, Chuck Burgi and Crystal Aliefero. Having the chops like Joel does it’s a no brainer that he has a band that could support anyone with their talent and performing capabilities.

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Overall Joel won’t be with us forever so if you get the chance to see him, don’t pass it up. Life is too short to not treat yourself or someone you know so head into town, try a new local restaurant, “grab a bottle of white, or a bottle of red” and then make your way to the venue for a night of timeless hits. You’ll be surprised with the smile on your face as you leave the building because he’s just, that, good!

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Richard Taylor, Joseph Soper, Jim Diodati, Jim Warren, Jody Madigan / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Before the headliner Billy Joel, Sound Check Entertainment was graciously invited to the grand opening ceremony at the brand new 5000 seater venue at Fallsview Casino and Resort, OLG Stage! Starting off the evening was an introduction brought by Devo Brown, following him was President of Niagara Casinos Richard Taylor, Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati, Chair of the Board of Directors Jim Warren and Jim Madigan COO Mohegan.

Hands down one of the nicest if not the nicest soft seated theatres in Canada, where the farthest seat is only 150ft away, it truly is a stunning work of art. Hard to believe the size of the venue let me tell you, standing on the street outside you wouldn’t know that there was this huge and stunning theatre on the other side of the buildings walls. Fallsview and OLG did an amazing job taking care of us and making sure that our evening was well taken care of, on top of having world class staff that will and some of the best in the industry attend to every need. OLG stage is putting Niagara back on the map with yes of course bringing Billy Joel to town but to follow him in the upcoming months like Bret Michaels of Poison, Pit Bull, Kevin Heart, Dane Cook, Billy Idol, George Thorogood, Cheap Trick, Daughty, Steve Miller Band, John Fogerty, Kane Brown, Rod Stewart, Kenny Loggins and many many others. Who will you be seeing?

Richard Taylor, Joseph Soper, Jim Diodati, Jim Warren, Jody Madigan / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

The bar was open. An affordable (in these times) cover charge was paid and the crowd showed up for the Thomas Rhett “Bringing The Bar To You” tour stop in Edmonton recently. And what a party it was at Rogers Place.

Wow! What a show. Canadian Electro-Pop artist Lights finally made her return to Edmonton after 4 years… and man… what a treat.

After a 3 year absence Old Dominion made their return to Canada on Friday night as their No Bad Vibes tour made it’s Canadian debut at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

The iconic Canadian rockers who boast four Juno awards, and once graced the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, wrapped up their extensive “Outta Sight” tour this weekend at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. A palpable buzz of excitement was in the air for ticket holders to The Sheepdogs’ final performance of this tour.

Tenille Townes blows the roof off of the Winspear Centre in Edmonton last night with a stellar performance.

Jess Sevier / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / @ Lee’s Palace

On Thursday February the 26th, Lee’s Palace brought the next generation of country music artists to the stage! It was a great night to be out on the town to enjoy some great talent with some good company. Headlining the event was Jess Sevier, playing for her hometown she brought the fire to the stage. Jess has been making waves with over 1 million streams, a fast growing following and music making the radio all over. Playing Confetti & See You There, even some Shania Twain but the most impressive cover was Summer Of 69 by Bryan Adams. Sevier and her band really looked the part of country music, but most importantly they could play, and the crowd was loving it. Keep up-to-date in Jess through her Instagram @JessicaSevier !

Josh Taerk / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / @ Lee’s Palace

Second act of the evening was Josh Taerk and his band! Josh at such a young age has accomplished more than most dream to in a lifetime. Like who has John Oates sing back up in their music, that’s pretty impressive. Already a world traveller with his music, he has big dreams that are happening everyday. A song that stuck out was one go his hits Here’s To Change, powerful lyrics and words to live by. Making his way through the crowd to talk to everyone before the show started, complete strangers turning them into friends, class act.

Lauren Carson / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / @ Lee’s Palace

Lauren Carson started the night like a good sunrise, pure enjoyment. Learning from listening to her speak we found out she and her band all went to Queens University, I think it’s clear that they were doing a lot more than studying as her and her band were in complete synch with one another. She has a mature voice and a soft presence while she commands the stage, something most cannot do. Keep up to date on all her work on her Instagram @LaurenCarsonMusic !

The Dead South wrapped up their brief Canadian tour with a killer two-hour show in Edmonton. If this is an indication of what’s to come for the 2023 concert year, we are off to a great start. The bar has been set very high.

An early winter storm might have been raging outside the doors of Ottawa’s Bronson Centre, but inside it was dark, sweaty and loud – all in a good way, because celebrated singer turned actor-producer Hugh Dillon was in the house with fellow Headstones members for the first of two O-town shows on the Flight Risk tour!

Back in 2019 Kane Brown came to Ottawa to headline at RBC Bluesfest, at the time I was skeptical as to whether, or not, Brown would be able to hold his own in a headlining set as he was still relatively new to the country music scene. Not only did he prove that he could when I saw him a month later at Boots and Hearts opening for Jason Aldean it was clear that Kane was best experienced in a headliner role.