It was truly a wonderful feeling walking into the glamorous Hollywood Theatre for Joshua Radin, with the iconic neon sign glowing and the crowd excitedly lined up behind red velvet rope. Walking into the Hollywood Theatre feels like walking into a time capsule; brand new renovations were completed in 2020 to maintain the timeless style of this theatre, and restoring it to the original 1935 style. Covid protocols were in full effect, having to show proof of vaccination, and keeping masks on at all times except for drinking.
Tow’rs opened for Joshua Radin, a sweet little folk band from Arizona consisting of husband and wife Kyle and Gretta Miller. They were definitely the best opening band for this crowd; their cozy folk-rock vibes fit the Kitsilano audience perfectly, and their family values shined through and were greatly appreciated. Kyle and Gretta chatted about their two kids back home, laughing and telling stories about their son wanting to join the tour and entertain the crowd. They also took a song request from a fan who DM’ed them through their cat’s Instagram page… yes, that is correct. They laughed about it, and dedicated their song Girl in Calico to this cat. Drummer and brother Kory Miller joined them on this tour, and together the three of them told stories with their songs, and Vancouver listened to every word. If they didn’t tell you they were from Arizona, you would think that Tow’rs were good ol’ West Coasters, fitting in with such friends of Rocktographers like Current Swell or Carmanah.
Joshua Radin came out pretty quickly after Tow’rs, and the crowd truly went wild. The theatre felt like it was filled with old friends, who seemed to know Joshua as if they have all hung out for years. After his first song, he raised a glass and toasted to the audience, celebrating his first tour back after 2 years. Joshua started the show off with just himself and his guitar, and his stunning and raw voice. The audience held onto every word, and were silent through every song, waiting until the end to cheer and holler. Joshua smiled and loved that, saying “how attentive we are” and how he loves doing shows in Canada, especially Vancouver. Coming from LA, he chatted about how much he loves visiting Vancouver, and getting to walk the seawall. He told us that he grew up in Ohio, and how “It’s like Canada! We’re nice and honest!” We definitely loved Joshua, and treated him like one of our own. Radin definitely felt the love, and decided to treat us to a brand new song that he was writing, and asked if it would be alright if he could test it out on us. Obviously we cheered and yelled “YES!” and enjoyed every moment of his new song, titled You Said.
After his first few songs, he invited friends and fellow musicians Ali Moss and Danny Black to join him for the rest of the set. With Danny on piano and Ali on vocals, the three of them filled the Hollywood with a rich and full sound that we drank in, with every inch of the Hollywood filled with people, right up to the balcony. Radin loved talking to the audience, and was open and honest about his songs, telling us stories as if we’ve known him forever. He played a new song, Goodbye, telling us about his fear of letting people in, constantly putting up walls, and wanting to write an intimate song because it is something lacking in his life. Although his songs are moody and soulful, he always kept the mood light, and always kept us involved. “Canadians love audience participation!” he yelled, as he got us to stomp, snap and clap along to his song Underwater.
Radin also admitted that “he didn’t make a setlist, so yell out your requests!” which prompted someone to yell “the silly stalker song!” Radin burst out laughing, saying “that song is so silly, oh my god…” before jumping in to Vegetable Car.
Another great audience request came from a girl who DM’ed him (clearly the new way to get your song requests), explaining that she was on a third date with a guy that she met in grade school. Radin loved this, and definitely messed with her a bit, teasing her that “you know what the third date means!” He played a beautiful acoustic version of Here, Right Now, when another audience member yelled “this was my wedding song!”
Honestly, this show was such a breath of fresh air, and clearly it was something both we and the band needed. For one of their last songs, the three of them came down off the stage and onto the dance floor and played an acoustic unplugged song, walking into the audience and around the theatre, which of course we all loved. Our hearts were full of love and good music, and it feels so good to see small venues thrive again, and inviting musicians back to our city.
