Checking Out The Beaches

Have seen the odd ad for The Beaches in concert, but never really looked further. Never knew they’d been around in their current formation since 2014. Never knew they hailed from Toronto. Never knew they’d opened for the Foo Fighters and Rolling Stones. Not too shabby being in the limelight with accomplished bands. Nor is winning awards … and accolades.

Curious, my concert buddy and I decided to check them out the other night at Scotiabank Arena, a relatively huge venue, with most seats populated by enthusiastic, supportive fans. Jordan Miller (lead vocals, bass), Kylie Miller (guitar, backing vocals), Leandra Earl (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums) put on a pretty decent performance, much to the delight of the energetic crowd—of all ages and walks of life—swaying, dancing, and/or flourishing colorful concert LED wristbands.

The support for the local band (named after a popular east-end area in the city) was evidenced in the many comments by the bandmembers, who found it “surreal” and “crazy” … a long way from the days of playing a back room in Kensington Market’s Supermarket.

A “Lesbian Rocks” banner initially passed out by Talk, the opening band—in honor of the two gay bandmembers and numerous fans—made its rounds. They do indeed rock … as do The Beaches.