It was Free!
For those of you who love to complain about how high tickets prices are these days, including myself, I simply look for free or cheap shows to explore.
Yes, there are plenty of shows around town that won’t cost you an arm or a leg or your mortgage.
I try to list some of these on my events calendar, so go check that out constantly.
There are plenty of free or PWYC shows to keep you busy not your wallet. This is one of the best ways to explore the music scene and see what is out there. I will tell you right now, there is plenty out there and you just need a guide to push you in the right direction. That is the purpose of Blast Toronto. Here is the story of a free show that I attended at the Horseshoe Tavern on a Tuesday night.
Hayden Ryann
The Horseshow was hosting a free show and had 3 young acts out to get more exposure. For a Wednesday night I was surprised to see the room pretty filled. I am soon to understand why we had a healthy crowd. One of the reasons was Hayden Ryann.
She is a Country songstress with some pop sensibility. Her music is sweet, and innocent and she keeps her style and flavour simple. She just needs to sing quality songs to fit her lovely vocals.
When it came to these artists covering popular song, I was surprised by their interpretations. For example, Hayden did Tom Petty meets Stevie Nicks with her version of “Stop dragging my heart around”. Her version came with a sense of melancholy with subtle tone of uncaring angry tones. She then slipped in Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, just to round out her Stevie Nicks Moment. Don’t forget to wear a long skirt and spin around on the stage next time.
I really did enjoy her version of “Jolene”. Her vocals were strong and clean.
This is Hayden Ryann:
Manu Fiscina
Up next, came a young singer who grew up in Brazil and now makes Canada her home. She is really working hard at getting a shot at the spotlight. Like a lot of young women, Manu is looking to be a rising Pop princess in the industry. Her attitude is fun-filled, and I haven’t noticed anything diva about her emotional state.
She immediately brought the crowd forward to get this party really rolling. The dance floor is now set; I am preparing my movements for some good photos and videos. The floor is filled with other excited family, friends and parents jostling for the right angle and position to capture this performance in the legendary club.
She played her own original songs that really have some good hooks. The place was really warming up for the evening. She went and covered Alanis Morissette’s “You Outta Know”. Her vocals really suit this song really well, but she just seems too happy to perform such a visceral song. Maybe she should suck on a lemon before singing this song. It may help with some of the bitterness of the lyrics.
Her enthusiastic story telling is a good part of her show. She gave us a part of her past and how excited she is that her sister is in Canada, and she dedicated a song to her.
What can I say about this future diva? Right now, she can infect us with her pop sounds, and you will not have to take any antibiotics. The doctor recommends that you dance and don’t call him in the morning.
This is Manu:
Nathan Bugiardini
Nathan Bugiardini took to the stage, and the crowded dance floor took on more weight as people were gathering even closer to the stage. This was an excited crowd for this artist who hails from Burlington. Remember the Spoons? Yes, they also came from Burlington.
He started strong with a high energy groove. He then went and kept the energy coasting with a song that had a Tom Petty spirit to it.
As Nathan was beginning to get a little funky, he began to get into what I call Saran Wrap. Basically, it is a white guy rapping. For me this combination usually fails for me personally.
As he ran through some more fine original tunes, that kept his fans dancing around, he slowed things down perfectly with his version of Coldplay’s “Yellow”. This began a cool sing along.
Before I forget, the most charming part of the evening was when the band was being introduced and they got to the Bass player, Joe. The place erupted with their outpouring of love for this guy. His embarrassing laugh said it all. He was not prepared for this much love at once.
They finished their set with Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova”.
It seemed that the crowd was not done yet and needed one more song. They came back on with pure ecstasy and yelled out, Ok one more, you greedy bastards!
This is Nathan Bugiardini:
There you have it. A FREE night of terrific music from 3 young artists that are ready to take on 2026 with that crazy young energy we love so much. So, Toronto, go out and Discover Your Music!!!
Here are these artists Instagram page so you can know when they are playing next.
www.instagram.com/haydenryannmusic/
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