Stephen Stanley Commands the Stage at Adelaide Hall in Toronto

In the dim glow of Adelaide Hall, an intimate venue tucked into the heart of Toronto, a night of raw talent, emotional storytelling, and ear-blasting sound unfolded. Fans gathered not just for the headliner, Stephen Stanley, but to witness a stacked lineup that perfectly captured the spirit of a grassroots show: a celebration of artistry, vulnerability, and connection through live music.

The night opened with Toronto-based singer-songwriter Nate Daviau, who set the tone with an acoustic set that felt like a warm hug. He kicked things off with Clementine before previewing a brand-new track, The Opener which is out on May 9th, a love letter to the concert scene and the artists that push hard for the culture to survive. With niche references only true concert junkies would fully appreciate, Daviau’s performance was sweet, self-aware, and effortlessly charming. A must-follow for anyone nostalgic about openers and $20 tickets.

Up next were Jake & Shelby, the TikTok-famous duo whose on-stage chemistry radiates just as much as it does on screen. Their harmonies blended like honey, and every note felt like a soft exhale. Sweet, grounded, and undeniably talented, they left the crowd swooning for their single Loophole, also out May 9th. The duo were the perfect segue into what would become a far louder second half of the night.

When Stephen Stanley finally emerged accompanied by his powerhouse drummer and an air of anticipation, the atmosphere instantly shifted. It was his first-ever headlining show in Canada, and you could feel the weight of that moment. Before taking the stage, his father, both his pastor and his bus driver, had prayed over him which was a touching gesture that grounded the night in love and faith. Stanley later gave his dad a heartfelt shoutout, adding another layer of tenderness to an already emotional evening.

Stanley’s performance was nothing short of electric. From I’ll Carry You to in my blood and The Edge, each track exploded with energy, passion, and musical precision. His vocals soared live — raw and unfiltered — and his connection with the crowd was undeniable. Even in the louder moments, there was clarity and control. His drummer and guitar solos were insane, showcasing not just technical skill, but emotional weight. At one point, he even did a trust fall — and the crowd caught him with the same energy he gave us all night.

A standout was i still have you, a gentle ode to his daughter that reminded everyone of the heart behind his songs. No frills, no ego, just Stephen and his guitar.

Stephen Stanley doesn’t just perform; he commands the stage. And if Adelaide Hall was the launchpad, there’s no doubt he’s on a trajectory that’ll take him far beyond the dimly lit Adelaide Hall, a rite of passage for headliners in Toronto.