Ottawa music scene touched by the spirit, courtesy of Dear Rouge and guests Hotel Mira

It was a packed house at Ottawa’s Bronson Centre that awaited Dear Rouge and guests Hotel Mira for the second day of their Spirit Tour on November 23. Named after Dear Rouge’s newest album, the tour debuted in a sold-out show in Saint Catherines, Ontario the night before and features stops in 14 Canadian venues before it wraps up in Vancouver on December 10.

Interestingly, the Spirit Tour debuted 10 years to the day that married alternative pop rockers Danielle and Drew McTaggart took home the grand prize at the Peak Performance Project, a western Canadian music competition for emerging artists in British Columbia and Alberta. Even though it was only the sixth time they performed a live show together as Dear Rouge, the timing was right and the stars aligned. Dear Rouge went on to pick up a Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2016, two Western Canadian Music Awards for Pop Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year in 2018, and Indies Group of the Year just this past summer.

Fast forward to this week’s emotionally-charged show; it was an opportunity for the band to perform many of its newest singles live for the first time. Danielle’s hauntingly resilient vocals paired with Drew’s sharp guitar rhythms created the perfect synchronicity underlying the mature, hook-driven vulnerability woven through their latest songs, including “Fake Fame,” “Life Goes By and I Can’t Keep Up,” and “Facedown.”

With hit after hit from their Phases and Black to Gold albums, like “Live Through the Night,” Modern Shakedown,” and “I Heard I Had,” Dear Rouge had no trouble keeping fans dancing with hands in the air. In a moment of reflection, Danielle shared that “Every moment is so valuable. It’s happening right now,” before launching into “Wanna Love.”

As the performance drew near a close, the band ignited a new wave of excitement when the first notes of the tour’s flagship song “Gimme Spirit,” rose into the air, wrapping up the night with passionate applause.

Hotel Mira did a fantastic job of setting the stage for a memorable night. Formerly known as JPNSGRLS, the four-member band has had roots in the Vancouver alternative music scene since 2010.

Front man Charlie Kerr immediately enchanted the audience with his volcanic charisma and kinetic stage energy, enticing fans to bellow the lyrics to such hits as “This Could be it For Me,” and “The Eyes on You.” Kerr’s animated performance of “You Know Best,” had this reviewer wondering if there wasn’t a little Mick Jagger in his blood.

Kerr has described the band’s style as dirty-slick with chaotic elements. Whatever your interpretation may be, the infectious rock and roll energy emanating from the stage was enough to draw the crowd near and hold their attention through a set list that included such favourites as “Jungle” and “Son-in-Law,” as well as a soon-to-be-released single called “Eventually.”

This won’t be the last time music fans will hear from either of these top notch performers. Definitely catch the Spirit Tour in one of its future venues if you can. Tour dates can be found on www.dearrouge.com

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