Ryan Beatty Charms Toronto with an Intimately Raw Performance at The Danforth Music Hall
Photo: Steve St. Jean
On a misty evening in Toronto's Greek Town, fans eagerly lined up outside The Danforth Music Hall to see American singer-songwriter Ryan Beatty perform, supporting his latest album, Calico, as part of his North American tour. With anticipation buzzing in the air and no opening act to divert attention, the stage was set for an evening of pure music bliss.
When the lights dimmed, cheers erupted, and Beatty's piano player came out first to serenade us with a short but sweet Neil Young rendition, followed by the rest of the band members taking their positions. A hush fell over the crowd as Ryan, donning headphones, seated himself at the center of the stage, surrounded by his ensemble of talented musicians. From the outset, Beatty's performance exuded a raw authenticity rarely seen in today's music scene. With no reliance on intense lighting, visuals or backing tracks, every note resonated with a palpable energy, captivating the audience from the first track, fan favourite "Ribbons" off 2023's Calico. The beginning of the show continued strong, with fans getting a taste of more new songs, such as "Cinnamon Bread," "Andromeda," and "Bright Red."
But Ryan didn't settle for only his newest tracks; he dove deep into his discography as he performed a soulful rendition of "Haircut" from his acclaimed album Boy in Jeans, which immediately had the crowd singing along in unison. His connection with the audience was undeniable, as evidenced by his acknowledgment of their familiarity with his earlier works before launching into "Cupid," another banger from his 2018 LP.
Throughout the evening, Beatty seamlessly weaved between hits from Calico, Dreaming of David, and Boy in Jeans as he showcased the depth of his artistry. Standout moments include the emotionally charged performance of "Bruises off the Peach," where Ryan's passion ignited the crowd into another and even more emotional sing-along, fostering a strong sense of unity among the audience.
As the night drew to a close, Beatty demonstrated his versatility with a captivating cover of Dolly Parton's "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," followed by the poignant "Little Faith" to end the night. The stripped-back nature of the performance allowed Ryan's musical prowess and passionate vocals to shine, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Ryan Beatty's Toronto concert was a testament to the power of minimalism and doing more with less as he showcased live music in its purest form. Focusing on genuine connection and musical expression, he delivered an unforgettable experience.
For anyone who missed this show, check out all our concert photos from Ryan Beatty's Toronto show below:
CONCERT PHOTOS
RYAN BEATTY
THE SETLIST
Ribbons
Cinnamon Bread
Andromeda
Bright Red
Haircut
Cupid
Powerslide
Backseat
Bruises Off the Peach
Casino
Hunter
Multiple Endings
White Teeth
Encore:
Do I Ever Cross Your Mind (Dolly Parton cover)
Little Faith
Relive Ryan Beatty’s set with the playlist below:
Photography by: Steve St. Jean