X Ambassadors Bring the Orion Tour to Toronto

On the hottest day of 2019, so far,  X Ambassadors came through Toronto and turned up the heat.

The Danforth Music hall was close to sold out, and the New York band were very at home. Lead vocalist Sam Harris told the crowd that they had played Toronto more than any other place. He said that Torontonians were in from the jump when they were just a baby band, and they remember that.

Opening up the night and getting things started was Your Smith. In 2018 Caroline Smith changed her name to Your Smith, and she joked that she was ours, stating, “I’m not my Smith, I’m Your Smith.”. Born in Minnesota but currently calling L.A. home, the singer appeared on stage alone. She sang, she played guitar and keys, and she danced. She was inspiring.

The stage was dark and moody. The music was poppy and upbeat. Her song lyrics are original and honest. And when she broke into a cover of Wilson Phillips, Hold On, the crowd loved it. Her voice is something special.

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At 9:15, in a darkly lit theatre, X Ambassadors took the stage. The crowd lost their minds. X Ambassadors’ fans are wonderful. They’re a beautiful mix of human beings who emanate positivity.

X Ambassadors tore through their set, song after song delivering precisely what we needed. Sam talked between songs, telling stories which felt like we were friends, catching up.

There were moments that stood out, Casey Harris’ solo, Sam and Adam Levin drumming together, a guitar solo that made me think about how much I love live music for solos, bare-chested, sweaty sax playing, and dancing that screamed of joy.

As we were getting close to the end, Sam said this – “This next song is about celebrating our difference and what’s unique. And you should never ever be afraid to be who you are. Be proud of who you are.” The cheers were deafening. And then they played Renegades.

“All hail the underdogs
All hail the new kids
All hail the outlaws
Spielberg’s and Kubrick’s
It’s our time to make a move
It’s our time to make amends
It’s our time to break the rules
Let’s begin”

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From the first beat of the first song to the last moment when the band left the stage, the audience was fully engaged. This was some of that live music magic that we talk about. I can hardly wait until they come back again.

X Ambassadors Toronto Orion Setlist

✖️HEY CHILD
✖️Jungle
✖️BOOM
✖️QUICKSAND
✖️Loveless
✖️Don’t Stay
✖️Ahead of Myself
✖️CONFIDENCE
✖️RULE
✖️Low Life
✖️HISTORY
✖️HOLD YOU DOWN
✖️Gorgeous
✖️Unsteady
✖️Renegades

Encore

✖️I DON’T KNOW HOW TO PRAY
✖️Joyful

Author profile

Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger