There is a pretty new way to go and experience live music. I spoke with the organizer named Rebekah and this is what she had to say about her conceptual Portable Concert Party.
I went to Centennial College for music and my friends, and I wanted to put on a show. We had all of Toronto to find a venue for our show, but I thought it would be more fun if we did it somewhere cool. For me the difference is that it is more of a party than just a show. Sometimes it is difficult to get people to see a band they don’t know, but it is a lot easier to get people to come to a party.
Veiled Garden started last year with two shows, but they weren’t called Veiled Garden, they were called the backyard concerts. This was the seed to what is happening now.
I work for a place on College Street and the owner said, “Why don’t you do one here? So, we did one on the patio in May, and this one is the second one.
Not only does this party have music, but there is an artist that could draw your portrait at this event. Mt guitar player also designed the place with Paper Mache Mushrooms and other interesting garden items. We put together a wishing well for people to write their wishes. I even had friends build me a bar so we could serve people and have a merch table at the same time. You can buy the artists merch while you are at this party.
We are planning to do another one on October 23rd for a Halloween party. We are hoping to have it at Tapestry in Kensington Market.
Blast- So I would call this idea a portable house party.
Hannah Vig
The opening act this evening was Hannah Vig. She is a folk artist that wants to spread her folksy goodness throughout the city. These are young artists that are working on their foundation of their sounds, and you could feel some moment where they are beginning to shine.
Hannah admits that growing up sucks and so she wrote a song called “Affection”. That got me intrigued. She went on to do a Lizzy cover song that seemed to fit well with this crowd.
. She also sent out a very important message to say I love you to your dear people in your life. This song was called-“Spit it out”.
Her last song called “The Orchard” is about aging and figuring out that you should spend as much time seeking happiness. Yes, this is a message from a very young person. Older people are you hearing this, don’t forget these lessons.
Alexia
Alexia is a young folk artist that recently moved to Toronto. She let us know from the beginning this was going to be an acoustic set. Her songs are much fuller with a band performing them. Soon in the set, she did a cover of Haley from Paramore. This song was “Kill Me”. It went over very well.
She did admit she was a little nervous playing brand new songs that she literally just wrote. Personally, I think it was because it was her “Dis” song for someone who did not treat her right. I guess she did not want to come across as someone who is negative. In my opinion it is those songs that usually resonate with the audience the most.
Alexia also let us into her personal life as a nomad. In the 19 years she has been on this planet, she has moved about 16 times. She relayed that song well with, “Mixing memories”.
She let us go with a cover song that she is obsessed with. This song is called, “Annabelle”.
That Boy Dancing
The third band played a form of light Rock and Roll with soul coming from the lead singer- Joshel.
When the band decided to do a song about mental health and anxiety, I couldn’t help but think what is happening to our young people. When I was growing up, I didn’t hear many of those songs. It seems every band has plenty of those songs.
The next moment the bass player named Sylvie stepped up to the mic and sang a magical song called- “Potion maker”. Then a little later she gave the bass over to and this band created a different dynamic. I was truly enjoying their diversity in songwriting and creating their own sounds. They are expanding their palette very early in their career.
Near the end, it turns out the guitar player added one of his songs to the roster. It is called “The Mummy Song”, and its quirkiness will grab you.
They finished off with Blondie’s- “Call Me”.
This is a band to watch for. They seem to explore the space. Give them a cowbell and watch them go someplace cool.
Redhed
Redhed was a nice surprise. They started with just the singer and an acoustic guitar. Once that moment was over, they asked if they were ready for some volume. I can tell you who was not ready…the next-door neighbor. Even though we couldn’t see him he decided to swear through the bush to turn it F*(%!^G down or he will be calling the police. Don’t say that to a bunch of kids in a backyard. You are going to lose this argument. After plenty of chuckles, they did turn it down to be polite and the show went on.
This band even brought their own smoke show. So, with a light show and smoke, his band kept kicking it to get the crowd and keeping them satisfied.
The band’s front woman is Tris and she is out to kiss some ass! When she gets wound up and she lets go, she becomes a little powerhouse. Her high energy and enthusiasm bring this band to a level that says, watch out for us, our time is drawing near. They look hungry to go to the next level.
Don’t get caught up with just the singer, even the drummer took off his shirt because he was getting hotter as he was drumming. Of course it was during their song about sex.
If you are a band or artist that would like to participate in the Veiled Garden experience, you can submit your name to Veiled Garden on Instagram with a connection to your work.
Here are some Instagram pages for you to explore:
www.instagram.com/alexiadavidescu_/
www.instagram.com/thatboydancing/
www.instagram.com/veiledgarden.to/
Moments from Veiled Garden-
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