Moments and memories. It's been an interesting year.
During the past 12 months, I shot fewer shows than at any time since starting this journey. It's been a year of change, growth, and focus. We'll see what next year brings.
As we wind down the clock on 2019, I'm happy to talk about some of my favourite musical moments and memories. In a break from the norm, they don't all come with neat and tidy links to stories on thereviewsarein.com. They are, however, the ones that are stuck beautifully in my memory.
Check out the list, and please hit the links to see our full posts from these moments and memories, where they exist. While you're here, leave us a comment if you were there, or share your favourite musical moments and memories from 2019.
*moments and memories listed chronologicallyBackstreet Boys - February 13, 2019
One of the things that many of these memories have in common was being at the concert with friends. Backstreet Boys came up in the list of acts we could see when my girls trip hit Vegas. I was surprised at how much I loved this band. I've said it before, and I'll say it again when they started the synchronized dancing, I lost my mind.
Arkells: Rally Cry Tour at Troubador - March 26, 2019
When I was visiting L.A. earlier this year, eventually ending up in Vegas, I joked with my L.A. friend that I should come back and see Arkells. The more I thought about it, the more I knew I had to do it. 2019 was a big year for travel, but one of my musical highlights was seeing Arkells at Troubadour. The 400 person theatre is a significant departure from the sold-out ACC or Bud Stage where I'd be able to see them at home. The chance to see one of Canada's most prominent acts in a club was just too much to resist. It was everything I hoped it would be, and more.
Arkells:
Rally Cry tour at Bud Stage - June 22, 2019
What can I say, I just love this band, and live they're so good they make me cry. It was a beautiful hot summer night. The sold-out crowd was singing along to every song, and Nick Nurse turned up. Does it get any better than that?
Click on the card to read the full review and see the photos.Arkells Sparkle in Toronto on A Rally Cry Summer Night!
X Ambassadors Danforth - June 27, 2019
This moment is all about the music. I've been a fan from day one and hadn't been able to catch them live until this event. They have so many great songs, and I ran into an old friend at this show. Thanks to Instagram for letting me know they were there. It was another great crowd who sang along with everyone song. There wasn't a single down minute from the beginning of the set until the end.
Click on the card to read the full review and see the photos.X Ambassadors Bring the Orion Tour to Toronto
Mike Love at The Horseshoe - July 11, 2019
There was so much positivity surrounding this show. Mike's music me happy. This event also represented the biggest group of friends I've ever had at a show. My job can be very solitary. I attend a lot of things alone. To have a full table of friends, who love the artist as much or more than I do, was great. Mike Love at The Horseshoe also represents some of the best shots I've ever taken at The Horseshoe, the lighting was perfection.
Click on the card to read the full review and see the photos.Mike Love with Jungle Man Sam at The Horseshoe Tavern [Toronto Live Show]
Thomas Rhett Brings the Very Hot Summer Tour to Toronto
- July 12, 2019
I believe this shot was my biggest challenge of the year. Standing behind the soundboard, waiting for the lights to drop. I knew it was going to go from complete black to full lights and that Thomas was going to shoot out of the floor at a stupidly high speed. I picked my camera settings, took a deep breath and waited.
And I got it.
Click on the card below the image to read the full review and see all the photos.
Thomas Rhett Brings the Very Hot Summer Tour to Toronto
Parkjam - The Beaches Interview - September 5, 2019
Look at those faces! It was a privilege and a joy to chat with The Beaches. They've been on an upward curve, and I was glad to ask them all the questions. They were gracious, funny, and welcoming.
Click on the card to read the full review and see the photos.The Beaches Backstage at Parkjam [Interview + 5 Quick Questions]
Parkjam - MxPx - September 7, 2019
From the moment I first heard Responsibility, I was in love with MxPx. It was a 19-year wait to see this band live. It was totally worth it. Bopping around the pit, getting my shots, singing at the top of my lungs. Yeah, it was a very good day. Fun to note, I had a friend in the pit with me.
Click on the card to read the full review and see the photos.Parkjam Alternative Night Delivers the Best in Punk and Ska
The Glorious Sons Private Show - September 13, 2019
Interview and 5 Quick Questions with Ashley MacIsaac - October 17, 2019
This one came out of nowhere, and it made me a little bit nervous. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long between the request, and the interview. Turns out I was nervous for nothing. We chatted on the phone for almost an hour. We covered all of my questions and more. Super fun and memorable.
Click on the card below the video to read the full review and see the photos.Ashley MacIsaac 5 Quick Questions [Interview]
Bonus: Meet and Greet Photo Session with Cheech and Chong - September 22, 2019
The opportunity to be a part of the Toronto Meet & Greets for Cheech and Chong had to find a place on this list. They were lovely, their fans were awesome, and it was a cool new experience for me.
