Does anything sound better than Dallas Green and an acoustic guitar? The answer is No.
Unless you were going to say Dallas Green and his cohort of talented musicians that help bring the music of City and Colour to life.
Photo credit: NowMedia
On Sunday evening, Okanagan fans of the Canadian singer-songwriter got a taste of both scenarios, as Green shared his emo-tinged melodic poems through a beautiful performance that featured everything from his latest tracks to most-adored hits.
Photo credit: NowMedia
From the moment Green and his crew graced the stage, a blanket of silence was cast over the crowd as fans stared in awe. The show opened with two of the latest City and Colour singles “Astronaut” and “Strangers” from October’s release A Pill for Loneliness.
The two 2019 tracks set the tone for the evening, which was one of addictive heartache, a feeling synonymous with City and Colour’s music.
Photo credit: NowMedia
I say this because while Green’s falsetto register is one that immediately sparks joy in any music connoisseur, it is not news that the lyrics and messages behind the songs are heavy, painstakingly relatable and take listeners back to some pretty vulnerable times.
Photo credit: NowMedia
It is not often that you attend a show of this magnitude and it feels completely honest, but I have to say, this one did. While C&C may be selling out arenas and playing festival mainstages across the continent, the performances are always humble, inviting and moving — at least last night’s was.
Green said very little, aside from a gentle “Thank you” here and there or introducing one of his bandmates, allowing his music space to breathe and letting people’s emotional connections to it propel the night.
Photo credit: NowMedia
Between songs like “Fragile Bird,” “Lover Come Back” and “Two Coins” which required the backing of electric guitars and cranked amps, lied tender moments when it was just Green, his guitar and a spotlight or two.
“Sensible Heart,” “Little Hell” and “Northern Wind” snuggled closely together, prompting cellphone lights to illuminate the stands like stars and soft sing-along whispers to carry us into a dreamscape.
Photo credit: NowMedia
In addition to having a knack for somehow conveying the emotions of an entire generation, Green is an incredible composer and instrumentalist, though he only gave us a taste of his talent with a guitar last night, focusing more on his vocals and the musicians that surrounded him.
Joining C&C on stage was Kelowna’s own Matt Kelly, an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist who proved he has mastered the skill of making a pedal steel guitar croon.
Photo credit: NowMedia
While the majority of the show was filled with surreal “pinch me” moments, the heavenly highlights included “Waiting…,” “We Found Eachother In The Dark,” “The Girl” (Obviously) and the “Sleeping Sickness” finale, which undoubtedly sparked tears and prompted the audience to serenade Green with his own words.
Photo credit: NowMedia
Though Green has paid a visit to the Okanagan twice within the last few years, his return was one that was not only looked forward to but much needed. His words reminded us that even if at times we may feel empty and alone, we never really are because City and Colour will always be there for comfort.
Photo credit: NowMedia
The first opening act of the night was Vancouver native, Ben Rogers.
Photo credit: NowMedia
The country-infused Americana songwriter impressed Prospera with his sultry vocals and gracious attitude during his short time on stage, creating new fans and proving how he earned his spot on the C&C tour.
Photo credit: NowMedia
A huge selling point for the show, was without a doubt the addition of British R&B singer, Jacob Banks. Having gained incredible success following the release of his debut LP Village in 2018, Banks has become a staple on many soul-lovers playlists.
Photo credit: NowMedia
This was my first experience with Banks, aside from just hearing the aforementioned Village shortly after this show was announced, and I was completely gobsmacked by his talent.
Photo credit: NowMedia
From the moment he stepped on stage until his final bow, Banks had the audience transfixed with his broad and raspy vocal range, cutting lyrics and hip-hop inspired sound.
One look at him and you could tell he was giving Kelowna his heart and soul during the performance, and his adoring fans gave theirs right back.
Photo credit: NowMedia
A show for the masses, these three powerhouse groups delivered performances for any and every music lover, at a calibre that will be hard to match for upcoming guests slated for Prospera Place.
Photo credit: NowMedia
