Latest news with #Kaytranada
CBC
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Abel Tesfaye returns to Toronto to kill The Weeknd
Social Sharing Unlike Taylor Swift's meteorite-like crash landing in the sweaty city of Toronto, there were no friendship bead-wearing police horses at The Weeknd's first showing in the Six. Instead, a more subdued air surrounded Rogers Centre as fans funnelled in: Low-key Starboy tracks warbling into the 30 C drippingly-wet air blanketing the stadium in the heart of The Weeknd's hometown. But that doesn't mean a lack of excitement, despite the weather. "God damn, it's hot," Canadian producer and DJ Kaytranada even exclaimed, towelling himself off onstage during a well-done if not earth-shattering opening. That was as sweltering fans at the first of four sold-out nights in the 50,000-seat venue braved the heat in requisitely dark clothes to match the R&B superstar infamously dark music. Just a day before, Mayor Olivia Chow dubbed the preceding days "The Weeknd weekend." That was because, she said, "Abel (The Weeknd) Tesfaye represents the best of our city." The Scarborough-raised artist also received a key to the city. And it was all just before audience members, eager to experience what is often still described as a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience, were uncharacteristically chatty with journalists — throwing themselves into on-camera interviews instead of waiting for the insistent coaxing of harried producers. "Everyone here, we are The Weeknd," a fan named Perry told CBC News. "He represents Canada." But as Tesfaye took the stage, the seemingly incongruous mix of emotions instantly made sense. Decked in a black robe encrusted with glittering gold rhinestones and a golden half-mask, you could see he embodied that caustic mix of the charismatic and subdued that, for anyone else, would not fit in the same person at the same time. As he has proven since releasing anonymous and unsettling dance-themed mixtapes in the 2010s all the way to this seemingly last tour under The Weeknd moniker, this is the space where Tesfaye thrives. While not retiring from music, he plans to no longer perform under the name he has become famous for. A return home Quickly barrelling through classic tracks The Abyss to Wake Me Up to After Hours, he was flanked by similarly masked, enrobed backup dancers — moving in unison around a slowly spinning golden statue of a giant, nude woman (imagine a female Oscars statuette, but with visible nipples). They stood beneath large gold rings, in front of a mocked up golden skyline of a crumbling city. Even Tesfaye's microphone was gold, a particularly heavy-handed metaphor that, early on, he stumbled chaotically toward. While roughly 30 women walked in sync around the statue and then behind to him, and as jets of fire shot up 20 feet into the air, Tesfaye held his hands up to the mic as if in prayer. None of them had to dance or even move much to earn the deafening applause that came next, as Tesfaye revealed the tiniest bit of his face, slightly peaking over the top of the mask. "Well that's a warm welcome home, isn't it?" he asked to another roar. It wasn't the last call out to his hometown. Later, he remarked the stadium is where he used to come to watch Blue Jays games "as a little baby," let out a long and extended "Toronto" in the middle of his track Sacrifice and managed to sneak both CN Tower and Rogers Centre references into São Paulo. But the focus was the gold, the ceremony and the performative reverence of it. The effect is impressive if eerie. A consummate musical professional with four Grammys under his belt and more Junos than anyone but Anne Murray, Tesfaye knows how to set a scene. He also knows how to sing, and — more than that — perform. He never failed to lead the tens of thousands of cheering attendants in song or just rapturous applause. It all gives the impression of some club-themed religious ceremony: A gigantic and enormously budgeted cultic worship service, except here the god is hedonism, sex and all the more outrageous scenes of Wolf of Wall Street. Of course, this is by design — both why The Weeknd can define himself as a generational sex symbol without gyrating or even revealing a sliver of his body under baggy robes and ostensibly why he's choosing to leave the schtick behind after this tour. In his shows and music, he's playing a club kid, fame-obsessed semi-satirical character invented way back in his debut mixtape House of Balloons days — itself a mask, Tesfaye explained in a 2013 Reddit AMA, he chose in order to hide his name and, by extension, himself. Vanity and nihilism In person, it all comes together like a magic trick. At a Weeknd concert, we're both sick of materialism, and sick of being sick of it. We're letting go of every inhibition, forgetting love, revelling in sex and giving up on self-control. It's all a statement about nihilism, you see. Or maybe, it's not. "It seems exorbitant when it all ends. A pointless, uncomfortable exercise from an artist who believes vanity means no stone of excess can be left unturned," music journalist Hanif Abdurraqib wrote of a 2013 Weeknd show in his book They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us. "The Weeknd tells the same tale: It's never about love, but then again, how can it be about anything but love, even if the love is just the love you have for your own ravenous desires." How much the separate entity of The Weeknd exists for Tesfaye to explore and mock his most self-destructive tendencies — instead of just revelling in them — isn't exactly clear. You would've been hard pressed to find any hints of displeasure from the seemingly ecstatic Tesfaye on Sunday. He hit hits old and new out of the park, and was grinning ear-to-ear as he held the microphone to nearly fainting fans, screaming out the ad libs of Out of Time. Still, it's perhaps a strange message to brand, as Chow did, the best of the city — and a strange one to have drawn as many barely five-foot middle-schoolers as Sunday's all-ages show did. At the same time, it's a theme that has offered diminishing returns. There was the 2022 Los Angeles concert in which Tesfaye infamously lost his voice due to stress. Then the ill-fated series The Idol, a Tesfaye-fronted series about the relentless pursuit of fame that was widely panned by critics and even The Weeknd himself. And then there was Hurry Up Tomorrow, the absurdly, incomprehensibly stupid filmic tie-in of his most recent album. Intended to further explore his falling-out-of-love with The Weeknd after the L.A. show, instead it only managed to compete with Megalopolis as the most offensively boring movie to premiere in the last 12 months. But perhaps these failures were because Tesfaye was performing to the wrong crowd, on the wrong stage. His messy, introspective and vague metaphors work better in song lyrics than dialogue; better sung in front of a stunning pyrotechnic flame and fireworks show than on a film screen. If Sunday's show proved anything, it was that. And even if on the inside he's done with The Weeknd, it proved he can certainly still fake it.
Ottawa Citizen
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Bluesfest Day 9: Kaytranada spins a chill DJ set to wind down the fest
Article content Kaytranada closed out the 31st edition of Bluesfest on Sunday with a solo DJ set that wound down the nine-day party with a chill vibe that was not too heavy, not too loud and fully danceable. Article content With about 10,000 in attendance, it wasn't a massive crowd by Bluesfest standards, especially for an artist who pulls in many millions of views on his YouTube channel. But as the only electronic headliner on this year's program, he had the attention of a demographic that came dressed for the dancefloor, which, in this case, was the rain-dampened dirt in front of the Canadian War Museum. Article content Article content Article content The Haitian-born Montrealer, aka 32-year-old Louis Kevin Celestin, didn't talk much as he conjured a groove-driven set, his surging bass lines dripping with hip hop-laced beats, and often topped off by the ethereal sound of angelic vocals floating overhead. Article content Article content Add a non-stop barrage of strobe-powered lights pulsing to the beat and a closing blast of fireworks, and it was a blissful night for the throngs of fans dancing together on the plaza, including a handful of young women on their boyfriends' shoulders. Article content The instrumental jam band of Canadians barely noticed the change in weather. They were focused on unravelling some intense grooves to warm up the dancers for Kaytranada, and drummer Alexander Sowinski was urging everyone to get loose and shake it out. Article content 'We came to take you on a ride,' Sowinski declared, giving a special shoutout to the band's friends and family in the audience. Turned out it was a homecoming for their Ottawa-born bassist, Chester Hansen, a Canterbury grad. Article content The ride was a musical one that took us down into the funky depths, over a tapestry of jazz and up into the psychedelic atmosphere, with a wonderful salute to the rhythms of Brazil along the way. Article content Article content When the rain hit, Sowinski and his cohorts got even deeper into it, gaining momentum with the increasingly heavy precipitation. Most of the audience scattered in search of shelter in the museum, but a devoted bunch stuck it out to shake and shimmy in the rain.
CTV News
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Ottawa Bluesfest wraps up with big crowds, big names and a milestone for one volunteer
After nearly two weeks of live music, scorching temperatures and some of the biggest names in entertainment, Ottawa Bluesfest is taking its final bow Sunday night and closing out with Canadian artist Kaytranada on the main stage. Before the final set begins, organizers are already calling this year a banner edition of the beloved summer festival thanks to massive crowds, big performances and a personal milestone for one longtime volunteer. 'We've avoided a lot of weather and we're very, very lucky,' said Mark Monahan, executive director of Ottawa Bluesfest. 'Amazing crowds, great performances and just a great final day to wrap it up.' For Glenna Gosewich, this year hits a little harder in the best way. It marked her 30th year volunteering with the festival. 'Some days, it feels like it's been 50 years. Some days it feels like five,' she said. 'I've been lucky to see the evolution of the festival, and I think about that a lot.' Bluesfest Volunteer Glenna Gosewich getting ready for the final night of Bluesfest on Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Katelyn Wilson/ CTV News) Gosewich now leads the team responsible for artist transportation, making sure performers get to and from the venue. 'Sting was a big one for me, being able to drive Sting on the way in from the airport,' she said. 'He was great and throughout the years, it's been people who have achieved a lot of success.' Despite soaring temperatures, so far more than 250,000 people have made their way through the gates. This year's nine-day lineup stretched from country to classic rock, with top acts like Lainey Wilson, Shania Twain, Green Day, Def Leppard and Sean Paul drawing tens of thousands each night. While the music draws the crowds, organizers say it's the people behind the scenes who make it all possible. 'The volunteers are the backbone of the organization,' said Monahan. 'There's over 2,000 volunteers but it's so many different people who have also been working here.' The impact also stretches beyond the stage, with an estimated $40 million dollars in economic spin-off. Downtown businesses also saw a boost. 'After 11:30, whenever the train came in, we would see the rush come in so we've been preparing for that every night,' said Kirsten Larkin, a hostess at Aulde Dubliner & Pour House. With Bluesfest wrapping up under hopefully clear skies, fans are already speculating about next year's lineup. Monahan isn't spilling any secrets yet but says roughly 70 per cent of Bluesfest performers are returning acts. As for Gosewich? 'I'm a classic rock person. If Mark brought in Springsteen, Don Henley, or Peter Gabriel… I'd be in heaven.'
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: July 18-20
looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend. Ottawa Bluesfest It's the final weekend of Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats. Here is the look at the headliners for the final three days of the festival: Friday: Green Day, The Linda Lindas, Dwayne Gretzky and Los Bitchos Saturday: Papa Roach, Daughtry, Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram and JW Jones Sunday: Kaytranada, BadBadNotGood, Tim Baker and Darren Kiely Bluesfest runs until Sunday. For tickets, visit Atletico Ottawa Atletico Ottawa hosts the Halifax Wanderers on Friday night at TD Place. Game time is 7 p.m. For tickets, visit Ottawa Redblacks The Ottawa Redblacks host the Hamilton Tiger Cats Sunday night at TD Place. Game time is 7 p.m. For tickets, visit Ottawa Lebanese Festival Celebrate the very best in Middle Eastern cuisine this weekend at the Ottawa Lebanese Festival. The festival celebrates the diversity of the Ottawa-Lebanese community with food, Middle Eastern entertainment and heritage. The festival runs until Sunday at the St. Elias Cathedral. Thai Festival Ottawa Taste, shop and celebrate Thai culture on Saturday at Lansdowne. The Thai Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Ottawa ChamberFest It's the opening weekend for Ottawa Chamberfest. World-renowned artists take the stage during 10 days of chamber music at venues across Ottawa. This weekend's lineup includes: Friday: Montreal Horn Stars at the Great Canadian Theatre Company Saturday: Gryphon Trio, Music that Made the Movies with pianist Jenna Richards, Julie Nasrallah and Bytown Sea Shanty Collective Sunday: Canadian Guitar Quartet: Music of the Americans, Vincent Ho at 50, and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada For tickets and information, visit Festival Parasol Don't miss the Festival Parasol on Friday and Saturday at the Hotel-Casino du Lac Leamy in Gatineau. Friday is the Parasol Beach Party featuring Tropical Disco DJs and Paul LeBlanc on the main stage, while Saturday features the Piknic Electronik. For more information, visit Shenkman Arts Centre Here is a look at what's happening at the Shenkman Arts Centre this weekend. Saturday: Fetch Local Market Always a Bridesmaid The Ottawa Little Theatre presents the farcical comedy 'Always a Bridesmaid.' See the production by Jones Hope Wooten until Aug. 2. For tickets, visit NCC bike days National Capital Commission's weekend bikedays continue all weekend. The NCC will close the parkways and Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for active use. Here is a look at what's open for cyclists, runners, walkers and other active use: Kichi Zībī Mīkan (Vimy Place to Carling Avenue): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Somerset Avenue to Fifth Avenue: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Touch a Truck Get up close and personal with industry vehicles and equipment on Saturday at the Nepean Sportsplex. The Touch-a-Truck event allows people to learn about different types of vehicles used in the landscaping industry. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. FanaticCon FanaticCon Ottawa is Sunday. It's the ultimate day for all pop culture enthusiasts, with vintage toys, comics, retro games, unique art and more. The event is at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Coventry Road. 613flea 613flea returns to Lansdowne on Saturday. Check out 150 vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Lansdowne Farmers Market The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday. Connect with over 85 local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street Farmers Market The Main Street Farmers Market is open for the season. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grande Allee Park. Carp Farmers Market The Carp Farmers Market is open every Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Metcalfe Farmers Market The Metcalfe Farmers Market has kicked off a new season. The market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds. Westboro Farmers' Market The Westboro Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is located in Byron Linear Park. Barrhaven Farmers Market The Barrhaven Farmers' Market is every Sunday at the Nepean Woods Park and Ride. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Original Navan Market The Original Navan Market is Sunday on Navan Road. Check out vendors selling produce, breads, cheese, honey, jams, jellies, jewelers, soapers, crafters and more. Museums Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario: Parliament of Canada Tours Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block. For tickets and tour times, visit Parliament: The Immersive Experience Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience. Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019. The self-guided tour is 45 minutes. Tickets are available at no cost at visit Stewart Park Festival Downtown Perth comes alive this weekend for the annual Stewart Park Festival. The three-day festival includes music, a marketplace, a kids area and other activities. Musical performances include Blackburn Brothers, Lloyd Spiegel, Great Lake Swimmers, Joel Plaskett, Night Sun and Buffalo Rose. For more information, visit Little League U13 Canadian Championships The best under 13 little league baseball teams are in Kingston until Wednesday. The Little League U13 Canadian Championships will take place at Cricket Field. Cornwall Pride Parade and Festival It's the 10th year of the Cornwall Pride Parade and Festival. The parade departs the Cornwall Aquatic Centre at 11 a.m. on Saturday and ends in Lamoureux Park. The festival features 50 vendors, bouncy castles, a BBQ and live entertainment. The event is free. Brockville Ontario Speedway Saturday night is race night at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. Racing starts at 7 p.m. Cornwall Motor Speedway Sunday is race night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway Enjoy racing around the quarter-mile dirt track, with the first race at 6 p.m.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kaytranada and Justice Will Embark on Co-Headlining North America Tour
Kaytranada and Justice are ready to fill arenas. On Thursday, the electronic music artists announced that they will be going on a 13-date co-headlining tour starting this October. The run of shows will kick off in Vancouver on Oct. 16 before they make their way to cities such as Oakland, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta before closing the run at Miami's Kaseya Center on Nov. 16. The official tour poster for the run shows a to-be-announced date in between Oakland and San Diego that fans online believe may be a special show in Los Angeles. More from Rolling Stone Finneas and Ashe Announce 'An Evening With the Favors' Tour Blackpink's Deadline World Tour Is a High-Voltage Homecoming Paul McCartney Reveals Got Back 2025 North American Tour Dates Those looking to purchase tickets can sign up for presale on the tour's website with access opening on July 22 at 10 a.m. local time. All tickets will then go on sale on Friday, July 25 at 10 a.m. local time. The collaborative run shouldn't come as much of a surprise for fans as they both shared the bill at Miami's III Points Festival last October, and later Kaytranada remixed Justice's single 'Neverender,' featuring Tame Impala. The new run follows the release of Justice's singles 'Mannequin Love' with The Flints and 'Afterimage' featuring Rimon. Their latest album, Hyperdrama — led by'Hyperender' and 'One Night/All Night' wtih Tame Impala — dropped in April 2024. Meanwhile, Kaytranada recently remixed FLO's 'The Mood' and Justine Skye's 'Oh Lala.' His latest album, Timeless, was released last June. Kaytranada and Justice Tour Dates Oct. 16 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers ArenaOct. 17 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge ArenaOct. 19 – Portland, OR @ Moda CenterOct. 22 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland ArenaOct. 28 – San Diego, CA @ Viejas ArenaOct. 30 – Phoenix, AZ @ PHX ArenaNov. 1 – Denver, CO @ Ball ArenaNov. 5 – Chicago, IL @ United CenterNov. 8 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays CenterNov. 12 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm ArenaNov. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie ArenaNov. 16 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked Solve the daily Crossword
