We Are Story Tellers
Role Model In Vancouver was one for the books,a night to remember as Maine’s Tucker Pillsbury took to the iconic Commodore Ballroom. The “No Place Like” tour was a complete and utter success as Pillsbury completely sold-out the venue. The tour celebrated his latest project, Kansas Anymore, released in 2024. Before the doors even opened, the excitement was impossible to ignore. Fans had wrapped around blocks, creating lines so long I wondered if there was another event happening nearby. It definitely wasn’t the case. The crowd consisted of mainly young women, were buzzed with anticipation so electric it pulsed like static. As doors opened at 7 PM, eager fans were laser-focused on claiming their spots near the stage. When I finally stepped inside, the venue was already swarming, the floor was packed edge to edge. By 7:30, floor access was nearly impossible unless you were okay with standing in the back. Come 8, it was officially a full house. Every corner of the Commodore overflowed with fans. Some holding handmade signs, others decked out in western-inspired outfits that perfectly matched the vibe of the tour. As the lights dimmed, a hush fell over the crowd so sudden and complete you could’ve heard a pin drop. That silence didn’t last more than a second though, because once the room caught its breath, it exploded into a sea of screams. The show finally began, and with it Debbii Dawson was ready to kick it off.
I walked into the venue not knowing a single Debbii Dawson song — and left absolutely floored. The Minnesota-born singer-songwriter didn’t just perform; she enchanted. With a sound that felt one part Dolly Parton and another ABBA, Debbii delivered a set that was as genre-bending as it was magnetic. Her voice — pure, powerful, and playfully nostalgic — cut through the noise and captured the room in a heartbeat. Vancouver wasn’t just listening. It was moving. Debbii first caught the world’s attention on America’s Got Talent, auditioning with a dreamy rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”. A performance that earned her a glowing nod from Howie Mandel himself, who told her, “You’ve got star quality.” After seeing her live, I couldn’t agree more. She didn’t just have star quality — she owned the stage like she’s been doing it her whole life.
Since her AGT debut, she’s signed with RCA and crafted a catalogue full of irresistible tracks. During the set, songs like “The Great Magician,” “Walla Walla,” “You Killed The Music,” and “Turn The TV Off” had the crowd swaying, cheering, and singing along by the second chorus. Each track had its own flavor, yet somehow felt stitched together by Debbii’s unmistakable sound. Then came the moment: Debbii picked up a keytar, stepped into the spotlight, and unleashed a solo that set the crowd ablaze. It was iconic. I can confidently say Dawson’s performance was one of, if not THE most unexpected and refreshing live sets I’ve had the pleasure to witness. If this is what she can do now, I can only imagine what the future holds. And when she inevitably starts filling arenas? I’ll be the first in line.
As Debbii’s set closed, a stunned silence swept through Vancouver. Jaws slacked, eyes wide, and hearts were full. It was clear Tucker had chosen the perfect opener. The only question however, how would he follow? Role Model In Vancouver didn’t just follow, he soared. From Inviting a fan onstage during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” to effortlessly disarming the crowd with his signature dreamy charm. Tucker Pillsbury turned the ballroom into a space of chaos and catharsis. His 18-track thrill ride was electric — a blur of sweat, smiles, and unfiltered joy. Fans screamed lyrics into the air, danced without inhibition, and lived entirely in the moment. Like Debbii, I came in unfamiliar, but left converted by the performance.
Throughout the night, Tucker playfully introduced himself as different artists — once as Maroon 5, later as Tate McRae — a recurring inside joke his fans clearly cherished. One subtle but memorable touch was the name Harry Styles scribbled under the base of his mic stand, only revealed when he held the stand behind his shoulder. It was a wink to those paying attention — a layer of personality embedded in the performance. Celebrating the release of Kansas Anymore, Tucker performed the album in full. The set was punctuated by a bold, unexpected cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else” — a thunderous surprise that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Like every choice made for this tour, it felt intentional, seamless, and deeply personal. From the opening lines of “Writing’s on the Wall” to the emotionally charged closer “Deeply Still In Love,” Tucker radiated a kind of energy that felt almost otherworldly. Untouchable. Magnetic. Every second of Role Model in Vancouver felt like a shared dream. One where everyone in the room was invited to lose themselves — and maybe even find something new.
I’d Like to thank Role Model In Vancouver and his team for allowing me the opportunity to witness the incredible performances on display. If you like to find out more on the artist or try to catch the remaining dates of the tour, visit here: https://www.heyrolemodel.com/
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