Blog Archives

Juanes, the Colombian rock star, electrified the stage at History in Toronto, Canada,

The vibrant city of Toronto became a haven for music enthusiasts as the iconic Rebel venue played host to Akon’s sensational live concert.

On a vibrant summer night in Toronto, music aficionados and fans of Latin pop sensation Danna Paola

On a balmy Toronto summer night, music enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at the Budweiser Stage for a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s. The stage was set, and the atmosphere was electric, as three iconic bands – Berlin, Howard Jones, and Culture Club – took the stage to deliver a night of unforgettable performances.

Neil Donell Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

On Saturday April 8th the band knows as Chicago brought the endless hits to Casino Rama Canada. With over 55 plus years in the business it doesn’t seem like they’re slowing down anytime soon, with over 100 shows this year already planned. With some new additions to the band this year, the main core founding members consisting of Robert Lamb and James Pankow still leading the charge every night with long time member Lee Loughnane on trumpet.

Ray Herrmann Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

For those who aren’t familiar with the band (those who live under a rock), Chicago is know for not only their brass section to their music but their stunning compositions with brilliant vocalists to boot. Each member of the band almost has a vocal to be heard, majorly Robert Lame and their Canadian boy, Neil Donell. But don’t kid yourself, Chicago brings the brass to rock music when they aren’t serenading us with one of their many famous ballads that millions have used as wedding songs all over the world for decades.

James Pankow Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Chicago is best known for their hits “If You Leave Me Know”, “You’re The Inspiration”, “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”, “25 Or 6 To 4” and “Saturday In The Park”, it’s hard to not believe that with 38 albums that they have cracked the code on songwriting. Both Lamb and Pankow in the songwriters hall of fame. Having sold over 100 Million albums world wide, they are one of the best selling groups of all time, and longest touring too. If you haven’t seen them I would recommend doing so, with grace they show you live mastery of music at it’s best. A must see in my opinion for starting musicians wanting to learn how to compose a song.

Ray Yslas Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

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

Vance Joy / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / FirstOntario Concert Hall

Vance Joy and his “In Our Sweet Time” 2023 tour touched down at the FirstOntario Concert Hall in Hamilton Ontario, Canada. Lineups around the building as fans were waiting for the doors to open to see one of the top online streaming artists of 2023, almost 20 million on Spotify alone monthly. Playing all the hits, 18 of them to be exact, including ones like Missing Place, Like Gold, Saturday Sun, Riptide and many others throughout the evening. Joy can capture the audience with a simple look, but it doesn’t seem that he is aware of his own success. Seeming to be super authentic and a “down to earth” kind vibe, something I know his fans appreciate.

Vance Joy / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / FirstOntario Concert Hall

There are sometime performers and there are natural performers, Vance is definitely a nature performer/singer/artist and was meant to entertain an audience through his singing. Super talented in his writing and creating a hook that will get stuck in your head, one that you can’t help but sing along to. The evening had a beach fire vibe in a theatre, Joy showing his Australian roots by being caught walking outside in the Canadian winter in his flip flops like he was back home at the beach. There are something you just can’t change about a person.

Vance Joy / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / FirstOntario Concert Hall

Vance is adding some dates to his 2023 tour this week so keep your eye out if you’re wanting to catch him at a city near you! You won’t regret it!

Review and photos by Elliott Deseure

Avery Anna / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

An intimate evening at The Dakota Tavern put on by Warner Music Canada Downton Toronto last night, October 25th 2022. Starting off the night with the extremely talented young woman Avery Anna. Bringing that southern charm all the way from Flagstaff Arizona, USA. With a collection of songs and story telling, it wasn’t long before had grasped everyones attention in the room.

Avery Anna / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Heartfelt and warm, she captivated the room with her soft playing on the keys to her jaw dropping voice. Playing songs from her big hit Narcissist to “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash who we find out was one of her grandfathers favourites as she used to sing with him a lot. Watch out Nashville, I think Avery is going to be making some big waves here in the future!

Avery Anna / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Tyler Braden / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Second off to keep the evening going was a gentleman and a comedian when it comes to entertaining the crowd with his one liners, Tyler Braden. Starting his musical journey off later in life, it sure doesn’t appear that way. Feeling as comfortable as a veteran on that stage while singing his heart out. Bold and brass, Brayden has that cool voice with that kicker of power and thrust.

Tyler Braden / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Playing new music to even covering one of his favourite bands the Goo Goo Dolls with their mega hit “Iris” and killing it at that! Learning that Tyler does a lot of writing not only for himself but for others I think we can expect an interesting collaboration here in the future. Tyler has that arena feel but also a sit around the campfire vibe, his journey is just beginning.

Breland / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

For those who did’t know Ireland before, they do now! Fun and energetic was the scope of the evening. As you can tell from the smile on his face, this is what he was meant to do and be, right on stage. Having fun both onstage and off, having worked and done collaborations with various artists from Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Lady A, to Thomas Rhett.

Breland + Tyler Brayden / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Breland + Avery Anna/ The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Learning that he will be opening for Shania Twain soon he thought it was appropriate to rock the Queen of country musics songs, doing them with justice I might add. Also adding a big hit to his night with Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter and bringing up Avery Anna to help him sing it! It seems wherever Daniel goes he makes friends.

Breland / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

At such a young age and the accomplishments under his belt, what’s next is what we all want to know. I guess only time will reveal that but I sure that he will be back Toronto!

Breland / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Simon Le Bon Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

One of the worlds biggest pop glam rock bands took over Toronto on August 22 2022 to a sold out audience, that band was DURAN DURAN. Touring in honour of their latest album release Future Past, and to give their devoting fans a well deserved night out for classic hits and fun post COVID 19! But was Toronto ready for the “Wild Boys”? Because Duran Duran was there to put on an unforgettable performance. Leading into the night it appeared that the show wasn’t going to go on with a massive storm rolling through just as showtime was to commence. Pausing the evening, the staff at Budweiser Stage had everyone on standby under the canopy as it was unsafe to leave the venue. With crashing winds and torrential downpours DURAN DURAN fans weren’t going anywhere, besides the fact that they couldn’t leave… they wouldn’t have! But just as fast as the storm rolled in, it rolled out and Nile Rodgers their long life friend/co-writer/producer/inspiration had to reduce his set to a few classical hits with his band Chic so the night could go on!

John Taylor Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

Starting the night off right with their opening song “Wild Boys” leading into the song that everyone knows “Hungry Like The Wolf”! Ending the night with capped it off with their most famous song RIO and playing everything in-between those songs from Notorious, A View To A Kill, Come Undone, Ordinary World, Planet Earth, The Reflex, Girls On Film, Save A Prayer, White Lines, and even some new songs like Anniversary, Invisible, Give It All Up and Tonight United!

Nick Rhodes Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

Simon Le Bon (Left) John Taylor (Right) Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

Its easy for fans to notice the chemistry on stage whether its good or bad or in-between. Its always fun to see the band members look back over their shoulder to acknowledge their band members like when Simon Le Bon peers back to the “Keyboard God” Nick Rhodes and gives him a wink, or on the way passing by of John Taylor whispering something in Dom Browns ear to then have him laugh on stage. These guys are still really great friends and you can see that on stage! Being with the band since 2004 Dom Brown replaced Andy Taylor in the band and they haven’t looked back since. So can you really call him the new guy still? World class guitar and entertaining performing from the “new guy”! That new guy has also worked with acts such as Elton John, Lionel Richie, Liam Gallagher, Justin Timberlake and many more so lets just say that he’s good!

Dom Brown Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

John Taylor (Left) Dom Brown (right) Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

If chemistry on stage wasn’t enough, then the hits and performing would do it! Simon Le Bon’s singing is the best it’s been in years, bringing the youth to youthfulness back to the stage. Having spent many nights in performing venues across GTA I will have to state that DURAN DURAN put on the best overall performance for Toronto this summer! It was fun, entertaining, exciting, surprising and so much more, even the hurricaine that came through couldn’t take down the stage like DURAN DURAN did! I would highly recommend making an effort to seeing them if they pass by your town or city and if they don’t, make the drive because they are more than worth it!

Nile Rodgers Chic / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure

Travelling with Duran Duran is their long time ghost member of Duran Duran that you will hear on their albums and see live for a few songs each night! Accompanied by his world class band Chic, playing all the hits… except for Torontos show that got cut short due to a severe storm front that came through. But saying that, we all got to dance and sing along to “Chic Cheer”, “Dance, Dance, Dance”, “I Want Your Love” and “Everybody Dance”! One of the kings and godfathers of funk and a newly appointed honouree of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Nile has been creating hits for generations for artists such as Duran Duran, David Bowie, Sister Sledge, Queen, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross and the list could go on and on, appearing on over 500 million in record sales albums and on over 75 million singles sold worldwide, this “chucking” guitar player/singer has the chops to play with anyone from anywhere! I think you would be surprised to learn the songs that you know originated or were inspired by Nile! A must see for sure!

Reviewer Elliott Deseure

Insta @Elliott.Photog

@Soundcheckentertainment