Arkells Sparkle in Toronto on A Rally Cry Summer Night!
On the first Saturday night of summer, 16,000 people came to the amphitheatre by the lake to sing, dance, love, and revel in music as Arkells presented A Rally Cry Summer Night!
The Budweiser Stage, on the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto, was at capacity as the Hamilton rockers owned every moment of their set. There was a buzz that never stopped. There were special moments throughout. And there was music. A lot of music.
The night opened with Bonjay and then Judah & the Lion getting things rolling. And as the fans filtered into their seats and onto the lawn, the music began and the party started.
Bonjay came first, giving us two-piece dancehall grooves, heavy bass, and intangibles that make great artists who they are. Alanna Stuart (a former Arkette) and Ian “Pho” Swain had the hardest job, opening the stage for the night, and they embraced the challenge. We’ll be seeing them again before long. We’re sure of it.
In the middle slot, going hard from the jump, was Nashville alt-folk outfit, Judah & the Lion. All five dudes on stage were ready to jump and sweat and dance and play. And as their set went on, they each did all of those things with gusto.
With songs from their new album Pep Talks, as well as their 2016 breakout record, Folk Hop N’ Roll, they got Toronto jumping too. Pockets of fans in the seats and on the lawn could be seen singing and dancing to the songs they knew. The band and fans shared energy back and forth with each other. And tracks like Quarter-Life Crisis, Over My Head, Suit And Jacket, Don’t Mess With My Mama, and Going To Mars were a lot of fun to see on the big stage. Especially after we had the chance to see them on the small stage at The Hideout during Canadian Music Week six weeks ago.
As the set continued, the fans got more and more involved. Judah also warmed himself to the crowd by giving love to the Toronto Raptors. It’s the thing we all want to celebrate every day, still. By the time the band got to their biggest hit, Take It All Back, to end the set, they had earned the “Judah. We got your back!” that they’d been working for all night. The frontman jumped off the stage and ran through each section of the crowd as he sang and gave out high fives. The band danced and unbuttoned shirts and had a hell of a time as he did it. And the song ended with Judah Akers on the lawn among the fans. 1,200+ miles from Nashville, but home.
At 8:55 pm, while the sun sunk lower in the Toronto sky, fans flooded back to their seats and to their spots on the lawn in anticipation of what was coming next. And they made it, and it was worth it.
When the Arkells took the stage, a roar rippled through the 16,000 strong sold-out crowd at Budweiser Stage, followed by the “oh oh oh oh”s that would become the start of Hand Me Downs. Rally towels swung in hands, excitement levels went way up, and the feeling that we were all in for something special was undeniable.
HMD transitioned into Leather Jacket, and any doubt that the Bud Stage was at a 10, (with the possibility for more and something extraordinary before the night was over) were dashed. The singing, excitement, and pure energy were everything we hoped for. And it was only song #2 of the set.
After Michigan Left rounded out the first three song section of the set, the crowd was reminded/informed, that there are rules when it comes to being at an Arkells show. And I quote…
Rule #1 You gotta sing
Rule #2 You gotta dance
Rule #3 You gotta look after each other
Michigan Left also gave us our first taste of the Northern Soul Horns, followed by the entrance of the Arkettes soon after when the band got to Eyes On The Prize. The addition of these extra elements have become expected at HUGE shows from the quintet – but even when we know they’re coming, they’re special. It’s a dynamic that few bands would try, and few would get right. These guys do both.
As the show wore on, everyone got a look at Max Kerman doing Max Kerman things, leading the band, engaging the crowd, and making me feel very comfortable in my assertion that he is the #1 frontman in Canadian rock and roll.
In an interview we did with Max and Mike at WayHome in July 2016, the boys told us that they had planned to shift to more songs that didn’t have Max tied to a guitar so that he could do more roving and performing and engaging. That started with the music on Morning Report continued with Rally Cry, and includes some rearrangements of favourites from Michigan Left and Jackson Square. Guess what? It freaking worked. It was a big decision, and three years in, it’s awesome.
A Rally Cry Summer Night was billed as special. We knew it would be. And that meant special moments. When the band came to the edge of the catwalk and stripped things down a little bit for Book Club, that was special. When Max called for a crowd full of lighters and cellphone flashlights during And Then Some, it looked amazing and it was special.
But the goosebumps came when the band was playing Knockin’ At The Door. The crowd was singing (as per Rule #1) and we hit a spot where the live performance called for a pause, the only thing is – the crowd didn’t pause. The volume rose, the words and were clear, and by the time we reached the repeated “Rise Up”s it felt like this collected group of 16,000 people could take on the world.
Live music magic!
After a quick break for a backdrop update, costume changes, and enough time for the crowd to catch their breath, the band was back. And it got special again.
With a gold streamer-backed stage, shiny suits on the band, new jackets on the Northern Soul Horns, and hot hot fringe on the Arkettes, we officially entered the Legendary Arkells Motown Revue!
The nine-song mini-set was unbelievable. It was the first time we’d seen the Motown Revue. And while we were quite sure it was coming, it blew away every hope and expectation and wish we had. The love and reverence for the music is clearly there. The fun that Max, Mike, Nick, Tony, and Tim have when they play it is obvious. And the spotlight moments the Northern Soul Horns and Arkettes got were the icing on the cake and the cherry on top.
Through Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Tina Turner, and more – it was amazing and awesome. It was entertainment without ego or preciousness about being a (quote-unquote) rock band, or never playing a cover, or any other bullshit reason not to take chances and have fun.
And during the Legendary Arkells Motown Revue, and in a night filled with special moments, we learned that we still had a few left.
First, and loudest and filled with unabashed joy and appreciation was the special guest guitarist on Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours). Max made the introduction, calling him Canada’s hottest guitar player right now. Telling us that everywhere he goes, his guitar is slung over his shoulder. And then, to an explosion of cheers, Nick Nurse, Head Coach of your 2019 NBA Champion Toronto Raptors took the stage, waved, pumped his fists, and strapped on a six string.
As he played along and the crowd sang along and everyone cheered (and lost their minds a little) it felt like we were still at the parade. Like we were still in the immediate hours after the championship was won. Like we had just received good news about Kawhi (we’re still waiting. also, leave Kawhi alone). And it was amazing. We love you, Coach Nurse!
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After the revue ended with a spirited rendition of Tina’s Proud Mary, we had the encore and two more special moments left.
During Relentless, a song that has been adopted as a rally cry of its own, especially by the Autism community in Ontario, Kerman grabbed a sign from the crowd, held it high and exclaimed loudly, “Fuck Doug Ford, Everybody!”. The cheer that followed felt like the united voice of 16,000. And it was spectacular.
And then, as Arkells and their fans sang the last song of the night, we had our last special moment. From the floor, two little boys were brought up on stage in homemade black jackets with Max’s signature rainbow arm fringe. The three walked to the catwalk together, were joined by five women in similar jackets, and everyone swayed and then danced.
There was a spot when the younger brother wasn’t sure though. With a lot of people out there watching, he kind of froze up a little (and we don’t blame him). But, when the Arkells frontman picked him up, holding him in his arm while singing and helping to ensure he truly enjoyed the overwhelming moment, my heart nearly burst from my chest. And when he got down and that little boy started to smile and dance the crowd reached a peak again, as the full night of music and love and a 28-song setlist came to a close in absolute unplanned perfection.
On a Saturday night in a world of possibilities, Arkells came, they filled the joint, they played and played and played some more. And in the end, they proved once again that they are the bar. They are the new standard for live Canadian rock and roll. And we can’t wait to see them again soon.
Arkells, A Rally Cry Summer Night Setlist
🌈 Hand Me Downs
🌈 Leather Jacket
🌈 Michigan Left
🌈 John Lennon
🌈 Eyes On The Prize
🌈 American Screams
🌈 People’s Champ
🌈 Private School
🌈 Only For A Moment
🌈 Book Club
🌈 And Then Some
🌈 Show Me Don’t Tell Me
🌈 On Paper
🌈 11:11
🌈 Saturday Night
🌈 Whistleblower
🌈 Knocking At The Door
Legendary Arkells Motown Revue!
🌈 Uptight (Everything’s Alright) (Stevie Wonder)
🌈 I Want You Back (The Jackson 5)
🌈 Get Ready (The Temptations)
🌈 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell)
🌈 You Can’t Hurry Love (The Supremes)
🌈 Land Of A Thousand Dances (Cannibal & the Headhunters)
🌈 (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher (Jackie Wilson)
🌈 Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours (Stevie Wonder)
🌈 Proud Mary (Tina Turner)
Encore!
🌈 Relentless
🌈 My Heart’s Always Yours
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Arkells Sparkle in Toronto on A Rally Cry Summer Night!
By Joshua Murray and 📸 Trish Cassling
On the first Saturday night of summer, 16,000 people came to the amphitheatre by the lake to sing, dance, love, and revel in music as Arkells presented A Rally Cry Summer Night!
The Budweiser Stage, on the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto, was at capacity as the Hamilton rockers owned every moment of their set. There was a buzz that never stopped. There were special moments throughout. And there was music. A lot of music.
The night opened with Bonjay and then Judah & the Lion getting things rolling. And as the fans filtered into their seats and onto the lawn, the music began and the party started.
Bonjay came first, giving us two-piece dancehall grooves, heavy bass, and intangibles that make great artists who they are. Alanna Stuart (a former Arkette) and Ian “Pho” Swain had the hardest job, opening the stage for the night, and they embraced the challenge. We’ll be seeing them again before long. We’re sure of it.
In the middle slot, going hard from the jump, was Nashville alt-folk outfit, Judah & the Lion. All five dudes on stage were ready to jump and sweat and dance and play. And as their set went on, they each did all of those things with gusto.
With songs from their new album Pep Talks, as well as their 2016 breakout record, Folk Hop N’ Roll, they got Toronto jumping too. Pockets of fans in the seats and on the lawn could be seen singing and dancing to the songs they knew. The band and fans shared energy back and forth with each other. And tracks like Quarter-Life Crisis, Over My Head, Suit And Jacket, Don’t Mess With My Mama, and Going To Mars were a lot of fun to see on the big stage. Especially after we had the chance to see them on the small stage at The Hideout during Canadian Music Week six weeks ago.
As the set continued, the fans got more and more involved. Judah also warmed himself to the crowd by giving love to the Toronto Raptors. It’s the thing we all want to celebrate every day, still. By the time the band got to their biggest hit, Take It All Back, to end the set, they had earned the “Judah. We got your back!” that they’d been working for all night. The frontman jumped off the stage and ran through each section of the crowd as he sang and gave out high fives. The band danced and unbuttoned shirts and had a hell of a time as he did it. And the song ended with Judah Akers on the lawn among the fans. 1,200+ miles from Nashville, but home.
At 8:55 pm, while the sun sunk lower in the Toronto sky, fans flooded back to their seats and to their spots on the lawn in anticipation of what was coming next. And they made it, and it was worth it.
When the Arkells took the stage, a roar rippled through the 16,000 strong sold-out crowd at Budweiser Stage, followed by the “oh oh oh oh”s that would become the start of Hand Me Downs. Rally towels swung in hands, excitement levels went way up, and the feeling that we were all in for something special was undeniable.
HMD transitioned into Leather Jacket, and any doubt that the Bud Stage was at a 10, (with the possibility for more and something extraordinary before the night was over) were dashed. The singing, excitement, and pure energy were everything we hoped for. And it was only song #2 of the set.
After Michigan Left rounded out the first three song section of the set, the crowd was reminded/informed, that there are rules when it comes to being at an Arkells show. And I quote…
Rule #1 You gotta sing
Rule #2 You gotta dance
Rule #3 You gotta look after each other
Michigan Left also gave us our first taste of the Northern Soul Horns, followed by the entrance of the Arkettes soon after when the band got to Eyes On The Prize. The addition of these extra elements have become expected at HUGE shows from the quintet – but even when we know they’re coming, they’re special. It’s a dynamic that few bands would try, and few would get right. These guys do both.
As the show wore on, everyone got a look at Max Kerman doing Max Kerman things, leading the band, engaging the crowd, and making me feel very comfortable in my assertion that he is the #1 frontman in Canadian rock and roll.
In an interview we did with Max and Mike at WayHome in July 2016, the boys told us that they had planned to shift to more songs that didn’t have Max tied to a guitar so that he could do more roving and performing and engaging. That started with the music on Morning Report continued with Rally Cry, and includes some rearrangements of favourites from Michigan Left and Jackson Square. Guess what? It freaking worked. It was a big decision, and three years in, it’s awesome.
A Rally Cry Summer Night was billed as special. We knew it would be. And that meant special moments. When the band came to the edge of the catwalk and stripped things down a little bit for Book Club, that was special. When Max called for a crowd full of lighters and cellphone flashlights during And Then Some, it looked amazing and it was special.
But the goosebumps came when the band was playing Knockin’ At The Door. The crowd was singing (as per Rule #1) and we hit a spot where the live performance called for a pause, the only thing is – the crowd didn’t pause. The volume rose, the words and were clear, and by the time we reached the repeated “Rise Up”s it felt like this collected group of 16,000 people could take on the world.
Live music magic!
After a quick break for a backdrop update, costume changes, and enough time for the crowd to catch their breath, the band was back. And it got special again.
With a gold streamer-backed stage, shiny suits on the band, new jackets on the Northern Soul Horns, and hot hot fringe on the Arkettes, we officially entered the Legendary Arkells Motown Revue!
The nine-song mini-set was unbelievable. It was the first time we’d seen the Motown Revue. And while we were quite sure it was coming, it blew away every hope and expectation and wish we had. The love and reverence for the music is clearly there. The fun that Max, Mike, Nick, Tony, and Tim have when they play it is obvious. And the spotlight moments the Northern Soul Horns and Arkettes got were the icing on the cake and the cherry on top.
Through Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Tina Turner, and more – it was amazing and awesome. It was entertainment without ego or preciousness about being a (quote-unquote) rock band, or never playing a cover, or any other bullshit reason not to take chances and have fun.
And during the Legendary Arkells Motown Revue, and in a night filled with special moments, we learned that we still had a few left.
First, and loudest and filled with unabashed joy and appreciation was the special guest guitarist on Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours). Max made the introduction, calling him Canada’s hottest guitar player right now. Telling us that everywhere he goes, his guitar is slung over his shoulder. And then, to an explosion of cheers, Nick Nurse, Head Coach of your 2019 NBA Champion Toronto Raptors took the stage, waved, pumped his fists, and strapped on a six string.
As he played along and the crowd sang along and everyone cheered (and lost their minds a little) it felt like we were still at the parade. Like we were still in the immediate hours after the championship was won. Like we had just received good news about Kawhi (we’re still waiting. also, leave Kawhi alone). And it was amazing. We love you, Coach Nurse!
View this post on Instagram
After the revue ended with a spirited rendition of Tina’s Proud Mary, we had the encore and two more special moments left.
During Relentless, a song that has been adopted as a rally cry of its own, especially by the Autism community in Ontario, Kerman grabbed a sign from the crowd, held it high and exclaimed loudly, “Fuck Doug Ford, Everybody!”. The cheer that followed felt like the united voice of 16,000. And it was spectacular.
And then, as Arkells and their fans sang the last song of the night, we had our last special moment. From the floor, two little boys were brought up on stage in homemade black jackets with Max’s signature rainbow arm fringe. The three walked to the catwalk together, were joined by five women in similar jackets, and everyone swayed and then danced.
There was a spot when the younger brother wasn’t sure though. With a lot of people out there watching, he kind of froze up a little (and we don’t blame him). But, when the Arkells frontman picked him up, holding him in his arm while singing and helping to ensure he truly enjoyed the overwhelming moment, my heart nearly burst from my chest. And when he got down and that little boy started to smile and dance the crowd reached a peak again, as the full night of music and love and a 28-song setlist came to a close in absolute unplanned perfection.
On a Saturday night in a world of possibilities, Arkells came, they filled the joint, they played and played and played some more. And in the end, they proved once again that they are the bar. They are the new standard for live Canadian rock and roll. And we can’t wait to see them again soon.
Arkells, A Rally Cry Summer Night Setlist
🌈 Hand Me Downs
🌈 Leather Jacket
🌈 Michigan Left
🌈 John Lennon
🌈 Eyes On The Prize
🌈 American Screams
🌈 People’s Champ
🌈 Private School
🌈 Only For A Moment
🌈 Book Club
🌈 And Then Some
🌈 Show Me Don’t Tell Me
🌈 On Paper
🌈 11:11
🌈 Saturday Night
🌈 Whistleblower
🌈 Knocking At The Door
Legendary Arkells Motown Revue!
🌈 Uptight (Everything’s Alright) (Stevie Wonder)
🌈 I Want You Back (The Jackson 5)
🌈 Get Ready (The Temptations)
🌈 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell)
🌈 You Can’t Hurry Love (The Supremes)
🌈 Land Of A Thousand Dances (Cannibal & the Headhunters)
🌈 (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher (Jackie Wilson)
🌈 Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours (Stevie Wonder)
🌈 Proud Mary (Tina Turner)
Encore!
🌈 Relentless
🌈 My Heart’s Always Yours
Author profile
creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.
Author profile
Writer/Photographer/Editor
Toronto Music Blogger
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