But before the setlist-less night began, Ben Lamar Gay took to the stage wearing vibrant clothing that reflected his vibrant sound. The multi-instrumentalist jazz, folk musician, known for his original, soulful compositions, showed his artistry through drumbeats, horn blares, and the ring of bells. He seemed to make magic happen on stage.

As the crowd settled back into their seats after a brief intermission, Big Thief emerged, waving to the audience with big smiles on their faces. Adrienne Lenker, the lead singer, appeared first on stage, followed by Buck Meek, the lead guitarist who had also made a recent Toronto appearance as a solo artist earlier this year. As per the “no setlist”, it was anyone’s guess what the band would start with. Lucky for us, it was the first notes of “Orange” that kicked off the night.

The band continued on with songs like “Rock and Sing” and “Born For Loving You”. Lenker’s vocals wrapped around the venue, as she sang out the sweet melodies of “Certainty”. The bands alternative folk sound adorned the hall as they played songs from a mix of their albums like Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, Masterpiece, and U.F.O.F. Lenker switched her guitar throughout the night, drawing praise from the audience for the backstage help. As Lenker and Meek wailed away during a wicked performance of “Not”, the audience was immersed in the rock sounds that reverberated around the venue.

Throughout the show, audience members cheered and applauded, but for the most part remained seated. During one song, a single audience member went against the grain, rocking out with the band, hair flying in their face as they jumped and nodded along to the tunes. Meridian Hall, often used for traditional theatre and performing arts, seemed to necessitate formality. But it was clear, the audience was itching to dance, and it was only a matter of time before they had to break free of the classic theatre bonds.

It was during “Vampire Empire” that the audience could no longer contain their excitement. The crowd seemed to literally jump out of their seats, singing along as Lenker called out “I’m empty till she fills, alive until she kills, in her vampire empire I am, faaaalllllling.” The crowd had become one with the band.

As audience members went to take their seats again (traditional theatre “rules”), Lenker stopped everyone mid squat, stating, “you’re going to want to keep standing for this one.” When Lenker speaks, you listen. And obviously, she was right. “Spud Infinity” rounded out their set as the audience clapped and sang along, evidently happy to be standing. As the band exited the stage, theatre rules had gone with them and the audience roared for an encore remaining on their feet.

The band returned for three more songs. As Lenker sang her own song “Donut Seam”, she took breaks between lines, giggling and speaking to the audience who giggled with her. The band ended off the night playing two songs from their most recent album Double Infinity. The band played “Los Angeles” and “Incomprehensible”, both receiving major applause, before ending the night with a double peace sign from Lenker as they walked toward the curtain.

Words and photos by Lia Pulumbarit

Order tickets for Big Thief HERE