Summer Vibes From Recent Concert Experiences

Although this blog primarily centers around racquet sports and sports travel, music and attending concerts are also deep passions of mine. As another summer season comes to a close, I've had amazing music experiences over the last few months, both locally and while travelling for work-related sporting events.

Here are some highlights from my summer, along with travel suggestions that might assist you in planning your next special event trip.

The Wallflowers take the stage on a perfect summer night in Michigan

The Wallflowers In Kalamazoo

When I start planning a trip, one of the initial steps is to look for any bands performing in the area or distinctive concert venues to explore. This was true on a trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a Major League Pickleball event. A quick Google search for popular music venues in the area led me to Bell's Eccentric Cafe and their impressive lineup of summer concerts, featuring a must-see band for me while on my visit — Jakob Dylan & The Wallflowers!

Nestled between the railway tracks in downtown Kalamazoo, Bell's Brewery provided the ideal setting for an outdoor summer concert. I also enjoy discovering new artists along with the headliners, and the opener, Early James, did not disappoint (Please come to Toronto and play the Horseshoe Tavern!) And with The Wallflowers, I have yet to see Bob Dylan live, but seeing his son Jakob was certainly the next best thing.

Fun tip: Create a playlist of the setlist to remember your show. I also use a favourite pic from the night as my album cover. Search Setlist.fm to help find your concert and the songs played.

Kitchener's Annual Blues Festival

The Mississippi Blues Trail: A first for Canada

The Kitchener Blues Festival is a summer tradition that gains more popularity each year. This incredible music festival traces its origins to the most remarkable blues bar I discovered during my college days, Pop The Gator. It was there that I had the chance to see a true blues legend and my greatest musical influence, Mel Brown play. Fast forward to this summer's blues fest, a special ceremony was held to unveil the Mississippi Blues Trail, honouring Mel and his incredible musical journey that led him to Kitchener-Waterloo. A ceremony I could not miss.

Naturally, after the unveiling, it was time to enjoy a weekend filled with incredible blues and a variety of other music genres, all hosted on three different stages throughout the downtown core. If I had to suggest one band to catch live whenever possible, it would definitely be The Sadies. The energy is unparalleled each time I watch them perform, and fortunately for me, The Sadies' set was perfectly timed right after the ceremony for Mel.

Added bonus on my visit was rediscovering downtown Kitchener's amazing (and huge) weekend farmers' market. Something I stumbled upon, arriving to town early that morning.

Honouring Mel Brown to kick off another Blues Fest in Kitchener, Ontario

Summer In The City

Undoubtedly, the show I anticipated the most this summer was Oasis. Being familiar with the layout of concert venues in downtown Toronto, I appreciate the effort to host major events at the newly constructed Rogers Stadium. However, its northern and somewhat isolated location did raise some concerns. Experiencing Oasis live, along with all the excitement, was incredible — a perfect evening until an unexpected downpour tested my patience with this temporary concert area setup.

My journey to Rogers Stadium was smooth, as I arrived early and planned for a long day; however, I did not anticipate the rain that caught us all by surprise, resulting in a very long walk back to the subway station. Be sure to over-plan for the weather and prepare for A LOT of walking if taking in a concert at this pop-up venue.

Summer wouldn't be complete without attending a concert at Toronto's major end-of-season fair, The Ex (also known as The CNE). I usually catch Blue Rodeo at Budweiser Stage, but this year I bought tickets to see a new favourite artist I've been eager to see live — Charley Crockett, who was on his The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour with Leon Bridges. It was a fantastic combination on a perfect late summer evening, capped off by exploring the CNE at night and trying some adventurous foods after the show, before taking the train back home.

The Crooner & The Cowboy Tour at the CNE in Toronto

Mission accomplished on both attending bucket list-type concerts, along with exploring local areas to support annual festivals. Instead of just quickly attending the shows as I used to, I've started turning these trips into weekend getaways. This change has made for a more enjoyable and relaxing mini-vacation experience. It also allows me to have new experiences that I would miss if I only went to the concerts. I'm already planning more concert trips as I organize the rest of my year. Rock on! 🤘🏻