Faye Webster’s sold-out stop at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto on March 3rd was a night to remember, filled with dreamy lighting and projection, captivating the audience into the alternative/indie singer-songwriter world of the Atlanta-born artist. Nearly doubling the size of the audience since the fall of 2023 in Toronto, previously playing at the 2,500 capacity venue, HISTORY, playing two sold-out nights at the QET, this was two lucky nights for 4,800 Faye Webster fans.
Opening the show was Japanese singer Mei Ehara, whose set introduced the audience to a sound that felt both soothing and effortlessly refined. Backed by a full band, Ehara delivered smooth guitar solos with an almost stoic demeanour, letting the music speak for itself. The lighting shifted from cool blue hues to warm orange tones midway through her set, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for attendees. While crowd interaction was minimal, the singer’s gratitude was evident in simple, heartfelt thank-yous between tracks. Singing in Japanese, she brought a unique perspective to the show, a booking choice from Webster that proved to be both unexpected and effective—many fans in the crowd could be heard shouting praise throughout the set.
Webster’s show opening was short, sweet and unique with an animated sequence featuring Minions from Despicable Me appearing on the t-shirt-shaped screen behind the singer, drawing cheers from the audience before she and her band took the stage. The setlist weaved through her discography with ease, her delicate vocals paired with a two-step groove that remained consistent throughout the night. Four instrumentalists, including her brother Jack Webster, provided a lush yet minimal backdrop, allowing her lyricism to shine.
From bubbles floating through the air during “Right Side of My Neck”, the atmosphere created at the QET was one to be in awe with, the lighting shifting between deep oranges, greens, blues, and magentas, enhancing the dreamy ambience created. The most unique design elements came in the form of interactive animations projected onto a T-shirt backdrop, adding a layer of visual storytelling that felt uniquely Webster. At one point, swirling projections expanded onto the venue’s ceiling, creating a mesmerizing, all-encompassing effect in addition to the live performance of Webster and her band.
Midway through the set, she took a seat at the keys for "Jonny," shifting the energy into an even more intimate space. Light flares and hazy production elements further elevated the already ethereal atmosphere. While Webster kept crowd interaction to a minimum, she did acknowledge the city with a simple "Hi, Toronto" a few songs in—a brief but appreciated moment of recognition.
With a balance of meticulous production and Webster’s signature nonchalant coolness, the night proved that her artistry extends far beyond just the music. The show was a masterclass in creating an immersive world without overcomplicating it—letting the visuals, the sound, and the unspoken energy between artist and audience do all the talking.
GALLERY
