Concert Review: Chantal Kreviazuk

The setlist at Chantal Kreviazuk’s show Friday night at Centennial Hall made it seem like fans were privy to a unique live performance of soundtracks from popular films of the 90s and early 2000s. When she wooed everyone by playing popular hits like “Time,” this brought back memories of watching MuchMoreMusic before the channel’s re-branding, not to mention climactic melodramatic scenes from Dawson’s Creek.

Her career may have peaked in the 90s, but Kreviazuk’s commentary between songs was definitely timely for a concert in 2012. While introducing “Feels Like Home,” she shared that many couples gush about it being their wedding song, and then emphasized how divorces and multiple marriages have changed how people feel about it. Her anecdotes can be summarized by the themes of remarriage, rowdiness and rock stars’ lifestyles. Evidently an Apple customer, Kreviazuk also spoke about how much she loves FaceTime, especially when either she or her husband, Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace, are touring.

Early on, Kreviazuk made self-deprecating remarks about forgetting lyrics 12 times, joking that she needed a teleprompter, even though such errors weren’t noticeable. What was more frustrating, however, was how Kreviazuk repeatedly faced the orchestra rather than the paying ticketholders. Although she was understandably impressed by the orchestra’s seamless collaboration, it would have been nice to see more of her facial expressions while singing emotionally-driven lyrics, no matter how “honoured” she was to play with them. Apparently she assumed everyone was a major Orchestra London supporter, but the weak applause when she acknowledged them indicated otherwise.

Considering the Juno award-winning singer was a celebrity spokesperson for Canada Goose last winter, there were surprisingly few students at Centennial Hall. Regardless, Kreviazuk immediately connected with her middle-aged fans by talking about being a “busy lady” as a wife and mother to three boys.

The concert was outstanding overall, but Kreviazuk’s management team could have prepared her better and alleviated the nervousness she mentioned throughout the night. For instance, she didn’t know about the mezzanine’s unusual seating arrangement, which resembles a bingo hall more so than a concert venue.

Kreviazuk quipped about calling Kevin Hearn from the Barenaked Ladies to learn his reaction when they played at Centennial Hall in October. It’s always fun to find out when celebrities are friends with each other, and it certainly would have been cool if calling Hearn on speakerphone was the night’s big surprise, rather than a trombone solo.

Contrary to Kreviazuk’s comments about the wonderful audience, most showed minimal enthusiasm. One woman said she insisted on catching the concert before hopping on a red eye flight to Florida, and a man in the front row brought binoculars to get an even closer look at Kreviazuk, despite already having a clear view—but they were the exceptions.

Kreviazuk looked beautiful in an all-black outfit by Canadian designer Arthur MendonÇa and hopefully she’ll return to London again soon. Imagine if she shared the stage with Maida, whom she has written songs with, or Sarah McLachlan, a fellow Canadian artist she admires—now that would be must-see concert.

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