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BEIRUT IN CONCERT:
Beirut combines orchestral pop with world music to create intriguingly complex songs that are also infectiously catchy. Bandleader Zach Condon helms everything from vocals to flugelhorn to bring a uniquely diverse sonic palette into each sugary-sweet pop confection. In concert he surrounds himself with top-notch musicians, who infuse the band's indie rock sounds with eclectic folk instrumentation. By incorporating so many different influences, Beirut makes their concerts feel like a globe-trotting adventure for ticket buyers, who can’t help but sing along to familiar favorites like “Elephant Gun” and “East Harlem”.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Zach Condon was born in Albuquerque, NM in 1986 and raised predominantly in neighboring Santa Fe. Though his experience in jazz band taught him how to play trumpet and helped him gain an appreciation for complex musical expression, Condon dropped out of high school at 17. The budding prodigy was exposed to the diverse musical traditions of Europe on a soul-searching trip abroad, and he immediately began incorporating a wide range of international styles into his home recordings. Adopting the moniker Beirut, he released a collection of demos as his first full-length album Gulag Orkestar in 2006. The record became a surprise hit following the viral success of the music video “Elephant Gun”, leading Condon to put together a live band for an impromptu tour. The lineup stuck, and the group’s 2011 album The Rip Tide converted an entirely new segment of fans when the single “East Harlem” was featured on Pitchfork’s Best New Tracks. After a period of intense personal issues, Condon thrilled fans in 2015 with the announcement of Beirut’s fifth album No No No. As they continue to tour the world, Beirut seems destined to absorb the musical influences of every place they visit, incorporating each new sound into their signature chamber pop masterpieces.
The Orpheum is a beautiful venue to see such a polished, unique band! It was our second time seeing Beirut and they never disappoint! We remarked how Iucky we have been to see them in relatively small venues as they surely will sell out large arenas soon!
I think they picked the Orpheum specifically for their ability to handle horns. Two trumpets, a trombone and a fantastic tuba were used by Beirut throughout the night and the acoustics were superb. Beirut were amazing!
These guys kicked some serious ass! Hipsters, maybe. But tell them that and get whacked out with a Tuba or Accordian~ Great act to see perform live, such talent!!
Amazing show, great musicians and overall great atmosphere!
I was really looking forward to this event however the sound quality was so poor that we could not enjoy it. Overall the sound was muddy, with lyrics unintelligible but worst of all was the piercing quality of the trumpets. I was in a considerable amount of pain by the second song and had to retreat to coat check to purchase ear plugs. Things were less painful after that but without the overall din the singers awful voice become apparent. He hit the notes, sometimes. Made me think the noise was on purpose.
Absolutely amazing! Great songs! Awesome sound! Hope to see them again soon:)
so amazinggggggggggggggg, blew me away, it was better than i even expected. i love beirut!
Beirut's show did not disappoint in the least. I only wished that the opening band could have matched their talent. The band was full of energy, good to the crowd and seemed like they really enjoyed themselves. Music was lively and great to dance to :) I expected a good show and received a spectacular performance that exceeded my expectations and heightened my respect for every member of the band. I sincerely hope Beirut visits Winnipeg again, you'll always be welcome.
I was so excited to see Beirut, and I was not disappointed. Amazing music, even better live. And Zach Condon is a total dreamboat. A captivating show. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because they didn't do my favorite Beirut song...(A Candle's Fire). Can't wait to see them again.
Both the warm-up band (Little Scream) and the main band Beirut were really awesome. The reason this concert only received 3 stars from me is because the sound was terrible. The audience could not make out one word spoken to them by either band, as well as any of the lyrics because the sound system muffled everything. I don't know if it is because the Burton has such a lousy sound system or there were other factors. The only other thing with the venue is the lack of air conditioning. It must have been 35 degrees (celsius) in there!! Other than that it was great!!
I really enjoyed the opening band. Their music was really nice to listen to, but almost everyone in the audience was talking. So that made it a bit harder to enjoy their performance. Because the building had absolutely no air conditioning, it was extremely hot. I was sweating a lot and I was dressed in a tank top. When Beirut came on stage it was very exciting and they played amazingly. Yet again, because it was so hot it was harder to enjoy everything.
They put their hearts on it, they played it and encore, and encore and encore :D
I had seen Beirut in 2009 when they last came to Toronto at the Phoenix. That venue was a lot smaller than the Sound Academy, so I had then a lot more intimate experience with the band. This time, the Sound Academy was packed and it was impossible to get too close to the stage. Sound is not bad, and it is great that they have big screens around to show a close u of the stage. Despite that difference in venue, Beirut felt the same. They obviously love what they do and really reminded me why I liked them so much, as they would engage the public do some small talk in between songs. They played pieces from their 3 albums which most people in the public knew and were singing to. The stage decor was simple but very much along the lines of their CD covers. Zack is as charismatic as ever, even though he keeps that boyish look on stage. That concert was just a great moment.
Awesome show. Too bad Beirut only played several songs. I'd rather the opener were shorter and the main guys had more floor time. Beirut is such a treat; following shows must be lengthier.
I love the Sound Academy and Beirut were epic. I loved this concert.
Absolutely the best show I have ever been to in my life, it was beautiful. The entire band was so talented it took your breathe away, one of the best performances one could hope to see live. I would highly recommend that if you ever have the chance to go - make sure that you do. It'll probably be one of the best concerts of your life.
Great show! Fantastic performance! Loved every song, found new ones too! That's my favorite experience, finding the gems I looked past...
VERY excited to see my favorite band on a very memorable birthday. Beirut was absolutely fantastic....as was Basia!!! Come back soon!
I love Beirut, it was a dream come true to see them live. They were amazing, they had all their instruments up there that create that wonderful feel-good european sounding vibe. And their new album is just as awesome as the others. It's the kind of music I want playing in the background when I'm finally rowing my boat through the canals of Venice. Ahhh one day.
It was breathtaking! An unforgettable experience. The opening act was fun and cute. Beirut was everything I expected and more.
