By Derek Martin
Opening Act: Valley Sets the Stage
Toronto’s Valley opened the night with infectious energy that immediately drew the crowd in. Their sleek indie-pop sound, punctuated by tight harmonies and glistening guitar tones, made for an effortless connection with the audience. A highlight moment came midway through their set when they broke into a vibrant cover of MGMT’s “Kids,” transforming the nostalgic anthem into a shimmering, sing-along crowd moment. Between songs, the band kept spirits high with playful Toronto Blue Jays World Series updates, drawing cheers from both sports fans and music lovers alike. It was a lighthearted, hometown touch that perfectly set the tone for what was to come.
The Beaches: A Triumphant Calgary Return
When The Beaches hit the stage, the atmosphere in the Grey Eagle Event Centre shifted from warm anticipation to full-blown eruption. This stop marked their return to Calgary, and the homecoming energy was palpable from the first note. Frontwoman Jordan Miller and guitarist Leandra Earl wasted no time locking in with the crowd, launching straight into anthemic opener “Last Girls at the Party.”
The chemistry among the four bandmates was razor-sharp—tight grooves from Eliza Enman-McDaniel on drums and Kylie Miller’s driving guitar gave each song its punch. Calgary fans responded in kind, singing nearly every lyric and raising the roof with every chorus.
The Beaches opened their set with explosive energy. “Last Girls at the Party” instantly set the tone—bold, defiant, and brimming with attitude. The audience responded in kind, filling every lyric with their voices as if the band had never left Calgary at all.
Midway through the show, the mood shifted into something more layered and introspective. “Grow Up Tomorrow” and “Fine, Let’s Get Married” offered glimpses of the band’s songwriting, showcasing how their sound has matured without losing its youthful pulse. The chemistry between the four members was undeniable—each movement, glance, and guitar riff felt instinctive and alive.
As the night reached its crescendo, “Everything Is Boring” and the now-iconic “Blame Brett” sent the room into a frenzy. The Beaches had the crowd shouting every word, hands raised, lights flashing—a full-scale communal release. The encore added a raw, emotional edge with “I Wore You Better” and “Sorry for Your Loss,” before looping back into a reprise of “Last Girls at the Party.” It was a perfect circular closer—one that tied the night together with both closure and catharsis.
Beaches’ return to Calgary wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a celebration of how far they’ve come. Confident, cohesive, and unapologetically fun, they’ve evolved into one of Canada’s most polished live acts without losing the spark that put them on the map.
Valley set the stage, The Beaches tore it down, and Calgary was left buzzing—a night of rock energy, community, and pure live connection.
Setlist
- Last Girls at the Party
- Touch Myself
- Me & Me
- Cigarette
- Grow Up Tomorrow
- Shower Beer
- Did I Say Too Much
- Fine, Let’s Get Married
- Dirty Laundry
- Can I Call You in the Morning?
- What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid
- Everything Is Boring
- Lesbian of the Year
- Edge of the Earth
- Takes One to Know One
- Blame Brett Encore:
- I Wore You Better
- Sorry for Your Loss
- Last Girls at the Party (Reprise)
