Canadian Connections
A lesson learnt from a trip to Toronto
I feel like I was a bit too quick out of the blocks at the start of the year in arranging a trip to Toronto. It had been over two years since my last flight abroad - my dream visit to Nashville - and I was determined to go away again, in part because I felt my social anxiety had prevented me from doing anything at all in 2025. With the US now out as an option, given the stories around ICE and the Trump administration’s policies on immigration, some had suggested Canada as an alternative. And having looked into it, I settled on a long weekend city break, taking the plunge on a good deal with Thomas Cook one dark and dreary January night. Initially proud of myself, I did think in hindsight that I committed too soon, for in the couple of weeks after both Tenille Townes and Lily Fitts announced tour dates that would have worked really well in organising a Canadian adventure. As it was, it didn’t turn out too bad in the end from a musical perspective.
The What Could Have Been
Tenille Townes had already announced part of her ‘Living Room’ tour at the end of 2025. Having initially looked into it, I wasn’t convinced enough that any of the places mentioned would be viable for me to get to, so I reluctantly laid down such plans. A week after booking Toronto though, she released further dates, including two with an orchestra in Calgary. Having seen KT Tunstall do something similar last year, I thought what an opportunity this would have been. Given Tenille is one of my favourite artists too, there was an extra punch of regret that I’d not waited until something like this came along to organise a holiday around.
At the same time, Lily Fitts also announced a tour of North America, with one of the dates being in the place I was now going to visit. The only issue being that she would be there a whole week later than me. Thus compounding the situation and, in turn, beating myself up about being too eager to book a holiday that could have formed around these two events. If only I’d waited just a few days more, my approach would have been very different. And in the months that followed, my contemplative and overthinking self went over what could have been. Usually I’m annoyed at my inaction, but in this instance, it was a rare act of decisiveness that was my mental undoing.
The What Actually Was
For all I got annoyed with myself at the time, there is always a silver lining of grace that reminds me to make the best of what is, rather than dwelling on the past. Given that I wouldn’t be able to see Lily Fitts at The Drake, the venue still presented me with an opportunity to experience a gig there. Looking through the listings of what would be on during my time in Toronto, I came across Al Olender. Described as a singer-songwriter, it promised “a night of heartfelt storytelling and quiet reflection”. My kind of show, I thought, so I booked a ticket. And when I finally arrived, after a tram ride down the insanely long Queens Street West, I knew I’d made the right decision. From the intimacy of the space to the artists on stage, it felt comfortable and homely. There were only a handful of us in the crowd but, gathered around Olender at the front of the stage, it was like being part of an exclusive club. One of those communal experiences that make concerts such as this so special and fondly remembered. To chat to her afterward and purchase her album was a bonus.
Since my return to the UK “everything looks greener”, to quote from Olender’s ‘Spring Fever. I’ve listened to ‘The Worrier’ with a joyful simplicity. Fallen in love with her narrative lyricism, so sharp and alive with emotion. I could say similar about Lily Fitts, whose new single ‘Mess of Me’ expresses such beautiful vulnerability. Has that same honesty that makes Tenille Townes’ new album ‘The Acrobat’ so tender and awe-inspiring. You can imagine my excitement at seeing both women release UK legs of their respective tours in the Autumn. A sigh of relief that my trip to Toronto worked out after all, with a train ride or two to Manchester to look forward to later in the year. And who knows, maybe Al Olender will venture this side of the pond soon too.
It’s strange how things work out, but they do. It just takes time to trust that they will.
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Proud of you for going on another grand adventure!! Glad you had a good time! :)