Larger Than Life: The Blue’s So Look at the Bright Side Album Release Show in Calgary, AB
On Friday night, the #1 Royal Canadian Legion was filled with the unmistakable feeling that something special was about to happen as friends, the community and soon-to-be-turned-fans packed the historic venue to celebrate The Blue’s newest album So Look at the Bright Side. This show marked the third stop of The Bright Side Tour, which sees the band, fronted by Hemen Tor-Agbidye, bringing their infectious larger-than-life energy to cities across western Canada including Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina and more.
(un)decided. Photo credit: Daman Singh.
(un)decided opened the night with their unique mix of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul sound getting the crowd moving and warmed up for what was to come. Looking around the floor, their groove-driven melodies and rhythm rippled through the audience where bodies swayed like waves in sync with the tide of their spontaneous but balanced energy. My favourite part of seeing (un)decided live is how each member of the eight-piece band brings their own flair while moving with such tight chemistry — like when vocalists Pinky and Jon Oshone traded playful harmonies on personal favourites like “Drip Drip,” or when Orein Ferdinandus opened “Hot Outside” with his hypnotizing harmonica while drummer Julio Cesar Ginter-Agreda provided a steady backbone of a rhythm.
Hip Hip Thursday. Photo credit: Daman Singh.
With the room buzzing from the opening set, Hip Hip Thursday, the six-piece band also formed organically through the Alcove Centre for the Arts, took on the stage captivating the audience with their seamless fusion of jazz-infused, hip-hop inspired, and indie- and rock-influenced layers and tones. Their set was truly a showcase of the diverse talents of the band as bassist and ballad belter, Ella Jean and keyboardist Naomi Derksen took the lead on a powerhouse of a song, then followed by the instant-hit new release, “Tippy Tappy La La.” A highlight of the set is finally experiencing being a part of the most whimsical of moments where both the band and the audience lay on the floor, feet kicking in the air, as saxophone and trumpet player Anthony Kha and drummer Tobi Sinclair riffed that turned performance into this joyful and chaotic immersive experience filled with laughter.
Kue Varo and the Only Hopes. Photo credit: Daman Singh.
By the time it was Kue Varo and the Only Hopes’ turn to hit the stage, those in attendance had risen from their seats as Kue Varo, with their incredible range of vocals, seemed to serenade and hypnotize the crowd, drawing them to take one step closer to the front. Every time I hear them live, it’s as if I am being transported into a world where emotion and sound collide, leaving me with this indescribable transcendence that stays long after the last note fades. I remember holding back tears as they sang “Good Days Ahead” so tenderly. It was as if no one else was in the room, just their words, heavenly harmonies from multi-instrumentalist Bob E. Q. and bassist and synth player E.Z. H.D., and the raw emotion Kue Varo poured into every note.
The Blue, alongside Tea Fannie. Photo credit: Daman Singh.
Then came what everyone was waiting for: a set list packed with the fan-favourites and well-known hits like “A Lot” and “Mountaintop,” and of course the new tracks. Their set was filled with an outpouring of love, passion and a palpable sense of community as Hemen brought special guests on stage for the entire set including ZENON, Slim Tyme and Craig Davidson (band member Jo Papasin’s husband, whose wedding Hemen officiated earlier this month!). They also invited others from the crowd to join throughout like Lane Curtis, Harry (a.k.a. HOMEBRAND) and Naomi from Hip Hip Thursday, Tea Fannie and KTheChosen, Pinky and Jon from (un)decided, and Bijaan.
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of The Blue’s set was Hemen’s intention to create this space that uplifts those around him despite being a night to celebrate his album release — a truly amazing thing to witness and be a part of. Band members Eduardo Hernandez, Jo Papasin, Thomas Oldreive also had their turn in the spotlight, showing that the heart of The Blue is not just in their music, but in their generosity and commitment to community care.
And if you have been to a The Blue show, you’ll know that their songs — their richness, emotional depth and infectious melodies speak for themselves. This newest album is proving itself to be just as compelling as their first, maintaining The Blue’s distinct sound, if not even more so with each track showcasing the band’s growth. Playing current personal favourites like “Nobody Told Us,” “End of the Sentence,” “What Does Love Look Like” and “If I’ve Got You” the band effortlessly draws the audience in with each song feeling both intimate and electrifying, getting the crowd singing along by the end. The Blue therefore leaves no questions or second-guessing about why they’re one of my absolute favourite local bands in the city.
To experience the magic of a The Blue show and how their energy can ignite every corner of any space they play, be sure to catch them on the dates for their The Bright Side Tour, which continues until the end of October.