Events

Rise Against rises to occasion once more

Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre, Rise Against, the Chicago four-piece punk band with a social conscience, fired up its an estimated crowd of 11,000.   Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Fri May 11 2012 They could have taken the easy way out. On the final night of its marathon Endgame tour — one which initially touched down last summer at Edgefest in Downsview Park —…


Simple Plan shallow next to Marianas Trench

Entertainment / Music Previous act on Air Canada Centre bill shows headliner how it’s done.   Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Mon Feb 20 2012 The boys of Simple Plan certainly had their work cut out for them.   Headlining a four-band bill, the five-piece Montreal punk-pop band faced the unenviable task of closing for Vancouver’s Marianas Trench, who had just finished mopping up the Air Canada Centre general…


Kathleen Edwards’ new sound shines at the Phoenix

Entertainment / Music Without ex-husband and ex-bandmate, rising star fills void with passionate performance.     Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Sun Feb 12 2012 Heartbreak can be an inspiring catalyst. Since 2008’s Asking For Flowers, singer and songwriter Kathleen Edwards endured a divorce that not only provided fodder for her recently released Voyageur, but also placed her in a bit of a quandary. Whether on record or on stage, there…


Concert review: Sting at 60 can still command the audience

Concert review: Sting at 60 can still command the audience | Toronto Star Sting’s adoring middle-aged fans were willingly taken on a sonic adventure but some classic hits were left off the list   Nick Krewen  Special to the Star,  Published on Tue Nov 01 2011 The busman’s holiday is officially over. After spending the greater part of 2010 fronting a behemoth of an orchestra for his global Symphonicities tour,…


Review: Kings of Leon pull off sonic miracle

Review: Kings of Leon pull off sonic miracle | Toronto Star The Grammy-winning clan of Southern rockers take 15,000 fans in the Air Canada Centre for an intense musical ride. Nick Krewen Published on Wed Oct 12 2011   It’s all about momentum. It’s one thing to show up to a venue and play your repertoire note for note — perhaps even stretch it a little here and there with…