Panamania is the month long event that has taken over downtown TO for Pan Am. Free concerts have music lovers flocking to Nathan Philips Square for a glimpse of some highly anticipated artists. The big names include Mariana’s Trench, Serena Ryder, Dragonette and the band I was excited to see, Death From Above 1979.

Playing before the finale of DFA was the very pleasing BADBADNOTGOOD.

(Photo courtesy of Devin Ouellette Photography)

After hearing them I’m ashamed to say, at first I had no idea who they were.–Beginning in Toronto, Matthew Tavares (keys), Chester Hansen (bass), and Alexander Sowinski (drums) came together over their love of hip hop and created something special. They’ve worked with Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean and earlier this year released an album with Ghostface Killah.

The jazz trio touches on some different genres and creates a space and sound with the versatility to please almost any musical pallet. Their set held no lyrics yet, held the crowds attention until the end. Their rich harmonies and perfected rhythm are in a class of their own. They had no issue amping up the crowd and even stealing a bit of focus.

Death From Above, you sweet, sweet men, you sure know how not to disappoint. Cheering “DFA” long before the show began fans waiting impatiently for the duo, Sebastien Grainger (vocals, drums) and Jesse F. Keeler (guitar) to take the stage.

With a long set to leave an impression, the two tore up the stage with songs from both of their albums, You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine (2004), though focused laid heavily on latest release, The Physical World (2014).  In short, they came, played their hits and left the crowd fully satisfied. 

(Photo courtesy of Devin Ouellette Photography)