INDIE-POP BAND FUN IN TORONTO FOR "SOME NIGHTS"

Fun in Toronto - April 2012

Enjoying the massive success of their breakthrough Single We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monáe), New York Indie-Pop Band Fun played a sold-out Show at the Kool Haus tonight after having to upgrade from original Venue, The Mod Club.

Having been in Toronto for the past two days, the Boys - Nate Ruess (Lead Vocalist), Jack Antonoff (Guitar) and Andrew Dost (Keyboards, Percussion, Drums) - were busy at work promoting their latest Disc Some Nights, doing appearances at KISS 92.5 and The Edge - being one of the few active Bands which have enough crossover appeal to hit both Top 40 and Alternative Rock audiences.  In fact, the Fun has the distinction of having first Alternative Rock Single to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart since Coldplay's Viva la Vida in 2008.  The Track also has achieved three-times Platinum sales in the U.S., Double-Platinum in Australia and also Platinum here in Canada.

Following their Show tonight, I caught-up with the Boys at believe it or not, Tim Hortons, where they each enjoyed some post-performance Sandwiches and for the road, they ordered several Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls and Muffins.  Ruess was interested most in the latter's Fruit Explosion variety and was sweet enough to offer me and a couple Fans some Treats too!  Careful to avoid Caffeine, he opted for Sprite instead of a Coca Cola.  He tells me that the Canadian Chain is actually popular in New York and that Antonoff actually lives beside a Tim Hortons.  I don't believe that just happened.

The Boys are headed back to their Hometown of New York City next, enjoying a day off from their busy Tour schedule.

In case none of this is ringing a bell still, watch their Video for We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monáe) below.  39 million Viewers can't be wrong!

BRUNO MARS IN TORONTO FOR MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Bruno Mars in Toronto - June 2011

One of the biggest names in Pop Music right now undeniably is Bruno Mars and the talented Singer/Songwriter made a second visit to Toronto this evening, this time to perform at Sunday's MuchMusic Video Awards. Click here to read about his last visit last November.

With his Entourage occupying two Vans - requiring two Bodyguards - Mars greeted some Fans from the front seat of his Vehicle.  His Handler made it clear to Fans, "No Photos!", quickly blocking Cameras from snapping Photos of him.  The Singer did however sign one Autograph per Fan, looking fatigued as he had just wrapped-up his sold-out Hooligans in Wondaland Tour with Janelle Monáe last night in Las Vegas.  

Mars does have a bit a of a reputation as being difficult with Fans, mostly due to his Handlers, although he did put-in that extra bit of effort tonight for them which is somewhat commendable.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JANELLE MONÁE PEFORMS AT 2011 CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK

Janelle Monáe at the 2011 Indies

Atlanta's Janelle Monáe after much Blog buzz is finally reaping the recognition that she deserves and Toronto clearly has fallen for her. The Future-obsessed Singer/Songwriter only recently received a much-needed profile boost with a performance on the Grammys alongside Bruno Mars and B.o.B., for many a highlight of the evening.

Monáe had the distinction of being this evening's headlining act at the eleventh annual Independent Music Awards (The Indies), capping off Canadian Music Week festivities at the historic Royal York Hotel. Slotted in at 11:00 PM, anticipation reached a feverish pitch with guests Tweeting their excitement for the Bad Boy Entertainment Artist and she did not disappoint, delivering an hour-long set which had her crowd-surfing as far as 50 ft into the audience by the end of it all.

Following her performance, Monáe peered from her Dressing Room (The Toronto Room), taking pictures with a few lucky Fans and signing Autographs. "I can only do one per person" she told us, before she shut the door quickly, wishing everyone a good night. She was scheduled to appear at The Revival for an After-party later in the evening.  Of course, I got a Photo with her!  How could I resist?