Serena Ryder Belts out the Hits at Vancouver Vogue
written by Scotty Evil
Fans from 8 to 80 packed The Vogue Theatre in Vancouver on a cold Tuesday night to hear award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Serena Ryder, belt out a slew of hits for the beginning of the 2018 leg of her current tour.
But first the full house was treated to an understated yet emotional performance from Burnaby native Luca Fogale.
He expressed and apologized for his nervousness on stage (I don’t think anyone else noticed) saying, “I just got in on a red-eye from Japan” in between some serious vocal chops. One woman yelled out “Your last name should be SIMON!”
“You mean as in reference to Paul Simon? He’s my absolute favourite!”
And one could hear the connection in his style and delivery. His music is soulful folk, performed under dim lights with a single guitar and then later a keyboard. He also expressed that being up on stage was his favourite place to be and clearly appreciated the love he got back from the audience.
A short pause, and Serena Ryder strutted out, silhouetted in blue light as the heavy beat to “Stompa” kicked off her set. The pedal was to the metal and she didn’t let up for most of the following show.
I’m not sure if it was the rest she got over the holidays, but her delivery was on fire. She spared no range in her vocals and danced the full range of the stage. She made a point of noticing some young girls who had made signs in the front row; “Well that’s one request of yours down, let’s see if we can get to the other ones”
One of the big highlights was her acoustic set, the second song being a cover of “Sisters of Mercy” by Leonard Cohen.
“What can I say about him. He’s fucking magical.”
She then got the audience up clapping their hands and singing along to “Baby Come Back” and “Got Your Number” before leaving them wanting more. The band returned after a short pause for the encore where she wrapped up with “Electric Love”.
The fans, sharing that love, bundled up with smiles on their faces and then stompa-ed out into a pre-Valentine’s snow flurry.
5/5
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written by Scotty Evil / photos by Red Lenses Photography