Year in Review: The Best Concerts of 2016

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Morgan Hotston 
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Artist: Arcade Fire
Venue: Wayhome Festival
City: Oro-Medonte
Date: July 23

Arcade Fire is great. Arcade Fire live is even better. Arcade Fire closing out the second night of Wayhome Music Festival as fireworks light up the sky above is almost hard to beat.

There’s something so special about festivals, and Wayhome has adopted a very similar vibe as Bonnaroo. The field erupted with dance, balloons and such positive vibes that it was really hard to wipe the smile of of my face.

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Artist: Wild Child
Venue: TURF
City: Toronto
Date: September 18

Wild Child has been on my radar for years now, and I finally checked them off my list this summer. They brought everyone to life on a Sunday afternoon, and were one of the most fun, upbeat bands I have seen in a while. They riddle, they rhyme, they belt out the melodies, and know how to keep a riff in your head for days.

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Artist: Jack Garratt
Venue: The Garrison
City: Toronto 
Date: March 3

This was one of those moments where I knew that the artist standing in front of me would never play a venue this small in the city again.

Jack Garratt really does it all, and has huge things in store for his future. The entire venue was in total awe, and everyone left radiating Jack’s energy.

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Artist: Marlon Williams
Venue: The Dakota Tavern
City: Toronto 
Date: February 6

Marlon Williams popped up on my radar while scouring Youtube for new music, where I first discovered his KEXP session. The next week I was blown away by his vocal control, witty New Zealand humour, and unique twist on country and folk classics in the stunning and intimate Dakota Tavern.

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Artist: Oh Wonder
Venue: The Danforth Music Hall
City: Toronto 
Date: January 23

Oh Wonder just blew up this year. This show was their first ever Canadian show, and you could feel that excitement and energy in the air. The Danforth was sold out, and they belted out hit after hit so smoothly as the crowd responded by grooving the night away.