Blue Rodeo

I think most would forgive you for being suspicious of the phrase “Canadian country band”. Never mind the fact that both Neil Young and Joni Mitchell come from the land of maple syrup, hockey and being incredibly polite, It’s just not anything that makes an awful lot of sense to those out of the loop. Like a French reggae band, it just sounds like a weird notion. Welp, turns out there’s a vast and thriving French reggae scene and Toronto’s very own Blue Rodeo are one of the best and most successful country bands of the last thirty years. Life is far weirder than our preconceptions could ever prepare us for it seems. However, rarely has there ever been a more apt time to get into Blue Rodeo, at a time when Mumford and Sons are one of the world’s biggest bands and the likes of The Lumineers or Bon Iver aren’t that far behind them. Their live show especially puts them on a level playing field as all of those bands, since Blue Rodeo have been doing the whole “playing bluegrass instruments like rock band” thing since before Marcus Mumford was born. That kind of chemistry can only come from hard work and a lot of experience, something that the founding members of Blue Rodeo Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor (both on vocals and guitar) and Bazil Donovan (bass) have in spades. It’s the kind of performance that anyone can watch and know that they are witnessing the masters of what they do hard at work, a level that it’s difficult to reach and even more difficult to stay at. However Blue Rodeo continues to up themselves night after night after night, and you should see it for yourself as soon as possible!

Amazing show! Great set list and as always a very tight performance, they are incredible musicians! It was nice to hear some stories behind the songs before actually starting playing them. Greg Keelor inspired as always and seemed to have a lot of fun during the show. Collin... what a guitar player! And Glen Milchem is probably one of the best active drummers in the world.
The venue is perfect for Blue Rodeo, comparable to the Massey Hall (if not better).
Another magic night with one of the best bands in the Canadian music history!

WOW....what a treat.
I found Blue Rodeo 23 years ago by chance while strolling through shops up in Santa Barbara. Saw the name of the band, bought the "cassette" (LOL) and fell in love with their music (5 Days in May).

Last night was a special evening for me..

McCabe's Guitar Shop was additionally a special treat as I had never experienced it before. What a wonderfully intimate way to experience a concert. I drove from San Diego for this and was beyond happy. Worth every dime.

Another great show, although I preferred last week's at The BMC in Barrie. The NAC is a beautiful venue, but a hockey rink is a better place to rock out.

There was a different guy filling in on pedal steel tonight and while he had some good licks, there was just something missing. Not much variation (if any) on the set list. Ottawa audiences, get off of your hands, make some noise, dance in the aisles.

My wife and I hve seen Blue Rodeo 20 to 25 times. First show was at a small theatre in North Tonawanda NY, maybe 1988 to 1990. James Grey played the Wurlitzer organ, rising from the orchestra pit to "Lost Together". We never miss a show within 60 miles of us, sometimes further. Best thing EVER out of Canada, including Tim Horton's coffee. Hope for a Western New York show this year.

Show was awesome! These guys sound great live and provide a great show. Definitely recommend seeing if have the opportunity. The venue was the outdoor amphitheater at the PNE and sounded great although the seating is a little uncomfortable, recommend bringing cishionnor something to sit on.

It was great to see my hometown boys here in LA. It was an great place to see and hear the band perform in such an intimate setting. They haven't changed in the 25 plus years that I've been seeing them. What a great night.

Stoked that I FINALLY got to see Blue Rodeo! They performed so well, the singing was great as well as the audience interaction. Although there were some awkward moments - for the last night of the tour though it was great.

First time at a Blue Rodeo concert. It was fantastic, the opening show, the weather, the atmosphere, and of course the set list and how the band sounded. For sure, my first BR show, but not the last one!

Best venue anywhere for Blue Rodeo, love them and had a great time. Drove 4 hours just for them, worth every minute of driving! Have done it in previous years and will do it again next year.