It's 1:00 a.m. and I've seen four bands and been to one photography studio party tonight. I was going to stay in tonight after a hectic few weeks but at the last minute I had a chance to cover the Tegan & Sara concert at the Malkin Bowl. In all honesty I wasn't thinking about covering the show. I knew some of their music but I wouldn't call myself a member of the fan club. Things change. I'm so glad I went.
I remember Tegan & Sara mostly from their early years in the music industry, which were also some of my early years in the business too. To see them on the stage tonight with a full band rocking it out and instantly hushing it down with a drop of the hat as well, gave me newfound admiration for the beautiful and super talented twin sisters.
As they took the stage the roar of the crowd reminded me whom everyone came out in the rain to see tonight. Just the two of them hit the stage first for a couple of songs including "Feel It In My Bones", which showcased their voices and harmonies brilliantly as their voices boomed outside amidst the trees. The band joined in filling the Tegan & Sara signature sound sometimes with a fiery punk edge or quietly with a slight tinge of alternative country. Their harmonies were lush and the band was tight.
Tegan & Sara put on a great show from start to finish. Their stage banter was hilarious and I immediately pictured them on tour with Jann Arden for a musical/comedy tour. They sounded great like they were still hitting a new stride in their career. It was like watching an artist doing that one last hometown show just before embarking on a world tour that would change the course of their career forever. Tegan & Sara's record, Sainthood, just went Gold in Canada and they were also 2010 Polaris Prize nominees.
Tonight I was seeing a mature and great sounding act, an indie band no longer. The crowd was packed full of young mothers, daughters, sisters and some couples. I witnessed a magical moment with a young girl at her first concert celebrating her birthday with her friends and a couple of parents. She was on top of the world and there was no wiping that smile off her face for days. She was a fan and now I am too.
Words by: Chico Sousa. Photos by Darko Sikman
09/27/10 >> 
