What You Missed at Lady Antebellum’s Secret Session in Toronto

November 23, 2019 2 Comments

Hot off the heels of their new album ‘Ocean,’ country pop group Lady Antebellum showed “Crazy Love” to their Toronto fans at an exclusive, up close and personal iHeartRadio Secret Session on Nov. 21.

With over 100 of their biggest supporters filling the Lounge at Live Nation space in Liberty Village, the group participated in an on-stage Q&A, led by Pure Country personality Shannon Ella, and a six-song set featuring two recent singles and several fan fave throwbacks.

.@ladyantebellum’s #Toronto fans are no joke! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @iHeartRadioCA #iHeartRadioSecretSession pic.twitter.com/wgQENLfMxt

— Angela McLean (@angelamcleanx) November 23, 2019

Q&A

The band has a long recorded history in the city, filming the video for their breakout single “Need You Now” at the Omni King Edward hotel and opening their last summer tour at Budweiser Stage — making Toronto the perfect spot for such an intimate gig.

“[This] is a way for us to kind of make it more about the song[s], and we consider ourselves songwriters first,” Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley explained. “We feel like when we perform … just on piano, there’s something about those lyrics [that] take[s] on a little bit more of a heartbreak and meaning to us… and we get to see everyone’s faces! Great people in Canada.”

Photography, Travel

Top Instagrammable Spots in Las Vegas

January 12, 2019 2 Comments

If you have taken a peek at my Instagram lately, you may have the impression that I packed up and moved to Las Vegas. Not quite, but I did just get back from an incredible trip to the Sin City! Despite the city’s nickname, the only “sinning” I got up to was believing I’d become a millionaire by playing slot machines (nope) and underestimating the potential for sweet Insta shots.

Whether you’re planning to head there for a show (I highly recommend Celine Dion’s residency at Caesars Palace!), hockey game (Go Knights!!) or for some good ol’ gambling, you’re going to want to snap a few photos to share and reminisce. I’ve got you covered – check out some of my favourite spots for photos in Las Vegas below!

McCarran Airport

SHOP THE LOOK:

Jacket || Top || Necklace (similar)

If you’re coming into the city by air, this is obviously the best place to start! It epitomizes the city with slot machines, shops and restaurants you would never expect to find in an airport. Take advantage of a layover or just arrive extra early for your next flight. Honestly, I could probably move in here!

Events, Travel

The Ultimate Music Experience in Toronto

December 7, 2018 53 Comments

As a music aficionado, I definitely picked the right city to live in! Toronto has it all – amazing homegrown and visiting talent, iconic concert halls and plenty to see and do between shows. So, when Google Canada reached out last month and invited me to embark on the ultimate music experience in my home city, I knew I was in for a treat!

Follow my guide below to enjoy your very own ultimate music experience in Toronto!

Morning

First, book a hotel!! (or commute in early)

I’m not a morning person by any means, so Google Canada was kind enough to hook me up with a stay at the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville. Staying here has been on my bucket list for years. The property and rooms are simply stunning and you’re just minutes away from great shopping, attractions and music venues (crucial for this kind of experience!).

Next stop, food for fuel!

The beautiful interior of Kost at Bisha Hotel.

My girls Afra (left), Rebecca (right) and I LOVED our delicious brunch!

After lounging around and getting ready while blasting tunes on YouTube Music, my friends and I trekked over to Kōst for brunch. This delightful hidden gem is located on the 44th floor of the new Bisha Hotel in Toronto on Blue Jays Way. The atmosphere is really bright and the dishes are fresh and unique. We all ordered sandwiches; I got the California burger with fries, which was delicious. (If you’re not a spicy/tangy kind of person, I’d recommend getting it without the tomato relish.) I can’t wait to come back in the summer when the outdoor seating is open!

Events, Photography, Reviews

A Revival Tour Diary: Selena Gomez leaves her mark on Canada

May 26, 2016 1 Comment

If anyone knows how to have a revival, it’s 23-year-old pop singer/songwriter/performer Selena Gomez. Currently on her worldwide Revival Tour in support of the album of the same name, she’s proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Leaving the Biebs behind – seemingly for good this time – and adopting a much more confident swagger, Gomez rocked the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 22 and Toronto’s Air Canada Centre on May 25 – two of the tour’s Canadian stops – reminding everyone in the room why it’s cool to be a Selenator.

Ottawa fans were treated to opening sets from X Factor alum Bea Miller and Canadian singer/songwriter Tyler Shaw. Miller delivered a killer four-song set, smashing out fan favourites including “Young Blood” and her new single “Yes Girl.” Shaw, who you may recognize as the winner of the 2012 MuchMusic Coca-Cola Covers Contest, also performed a selection of songs from his album ‘Yesterday,’ like the hit single “Wicked,” and an awesome cover of Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out.” The Ottawa show was Shaw’s last night on the Revival Tour and the Ottawa crowd definitely gave him a great farewell!

A few days later, Toronto welcomed Bea Miller and the Jonas Brother-fronted DNCE for a triple-decker night of amazing music. Miller added a cover of MNEK and Zara Larsson’s collab “Never Forget You” and gave it a pop/rock edge that Larsson has already taken to Twitter to commend. Afterwards, DNCE played a 40-minute set that quickly turned into an epic party with over 13,500 people. The crowd sang and danced along to the kazoo-driven “Jinx,” the unreleased self-titled track “DNCE” and the new single “Toothbrush.” DNCE saved the best for last, coming out for their encore with a high-energy, jump-around-the-room performance of “Cake by the Ocean” that had Snapchat’s servers running a lap.

Photography, Reviews

Rebel Coast Sparked A Rebellion In Toronto

December 8, 2014 No Comments

On a chilly winter night in December, there was a hot buzz surrounding Toronto’s Mod Club Theatre. Hundreds of young fans and supporters, otherwise known as the Rebels, were gathered to see their favourite teen pop-rock band Rebel Coast and openers The Synthetic Army, High 75 and Jesse Gold.

Rebel Coast’s Angelo Moretti, Curtis Smith, Kyle McVea, Amer Dhaliwal and Ryan Hawken were grouped together on the debut season of YTV’s THE NEXT STAR: SUPERGROUP. This show on December 5 marked their second show at the Toronto venue since their win, and it was evident that they continue to be stepping up their game.

The night started off with a bang as alternative rock band The Synthetic Army entertained the crowd with a selection of original songs, like their debut single “Chicago”, and covers, which included Fall Out Boy’s “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs (Thanks For The Memories)”. Judging from the crowd’s early cheers, they were the perfect opener and, as an added bonus, they gave fans the chance to warm-up their vocals for a long night of screaming and singing along.