Kasador at Horseshoe Tavern

The doors opened at Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto and music spilled out onto Queen street. In the back of the venue artists were preparing to go on stage. Sound techs were making adjustments, and fans were filling in, drinks in hand. It was a high energy kind of night at The Horseshoe, with Kasador headlining and Siobhan Bodrug and Misty Blue supporting.

Siobhan Bodrug

Bright, sunny, and packing a punch, Siobhan Bodrug came out swinging, full of an energy that commanded the stage almost as much as her voice. Siobhan played a set packed with new music, as well as favorites that had the audience buzzing. She played “Think it’s gonna rain today” a song that’s been in her discography since 2021, but gets better every time I hear it played live, has a somber tone to it and vocals that remind me of a rainy day. It’s the perfect depiction of how slow and dreary a grey overcast day can feel and how that can impact every other element of your day.

Siobhan Bodrug and her band, which features her dad, were all around vibrant and adorable. She’s crafted a sound that feels soulful and well grounded but her voice and personality shine through and add a fresh twist. As a rising singer/ songwriter from Toronto, she’s been making moves across the city with several local shows and a spot on the SummerFest lineup in Milwaukee.

Misty Blue

Sunglasses, fur coats, and feathery bangs straight out of the sixties, Misty Blue came out like a blast from the past in the best way possible. Full of attitude and charisma that exuded from them like an additional member of the band. The Toronto based band blend together a mixture of rock and folk rock that allow for covers of Fleetwood Mac or the Cranberries to find themselves at home. The band, which was originally a duo, welcomed two other members back in 2022 and they’ve never looked back.

Misty Blue is a band full of energy and a distinct haunting voice made for belting, the band moved through their set playing a mixture of original songs that brought the energy high with plenty of kicks and twirls. As their lead singer, Ally, let the plush fur coat drape off her shoulders, she kneeled on the ground, hand outstretched to the audience as she crooned through the chorus of “Mountain Times.” As their set drew to a close, the audience cheered, a spellbound look in their eyes. The band waved, and Ally smiled brightly as they made their way off stage.

Kasador

The lights dimmed once more, and Kasador came to the stage in a thunder of applause. Around me, the crowd surged as fans tried to get closer to the stage. The first strike of the guitar chords had people whooping from the back. As the drums kicked in and their lead singer, Cameron Wyatt, began singing their opening track, his smooth voice transfixing the crowd while the band focused intently on their designated instruments. The people were eager to see what this powerhouse group that had shared the stage with the likes of the Arkells, July Talk, and The Glorious Sons could do.

As they played through their set, fans got to enjoy original songs like “Lock On,” “Youth,” “Cut It,” As they flew through each song with boundless energy, bouncing across the stage and dropping to the floor, guitars wailing, the crowd gave it back to them just as hard. People were packed wall to wall, heads banging and drinks over flowing as the fans soaked it all in.

At the end of the night

When the music stopped and the encore finished, the artists of the night mingled with the remaining crowd, smiling and joking with family, friends, and fans alike. The heat from the energy generated from a night of curated music slowly began to wane, drawn out into the cold snow lined street beyond. The merch table and the bar were once again in demand as people made their way to the doors. If you happen to see a post or a sign for a show featuring Siobhan Bodrug, Misty Blue, or Kasador, make sure to be there.