Portugal the Man
The Midway Music Hall
Edmonton, AB
By Megan Veldhuis
Edmonton, AB
The Midway Music Hall played host to an electrifying evening on November 9th, 2023, headlined by the Alaskan powerhouse, Portugal. The Man. The night kicked off with the infectious energy of Toronto’s indie rock quintet, Good Kid. From the pulsating beats of ‘From the Start’ to the anthemic chorus of ‘Mimi’s Delivery Service,’ lead vocalist Nick Frosst and guitarist Jacob Tsafatinos commanded the stage with an irresistible fervor, turning the audience into a jumping, singing sea of fans.
However, the evening held greater significance for concertgoers than merely being about the music. Before Portugal. The Man took the stage, an Indigenous o graced the spotlight, using the platform to weave a narrative of our interconnectedness with the Earth. The audience stood in awe, momentarily immobile, as her words resonated through the hall. Portugal. The Man’s decision to amplify indigenous voices is not just an on-stage gesture; it’s a philosophy reflected in the very fabric of their PTM Foundation. This foundation, dedicated to community resilience, empathy, and awareness, showcases the band’s commitment to causes ranging from environmental sustainability to human and disability rights.
Through researching more about the band, I learned about how deep the group’s empathy grows. John Gourley and Zoe Manville’s daughter was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic mutation of DHDDS. She is 1 of 6 known cases in the world. The band decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign to fundraise for her medical treatment and research about this rare condition. The link to their campaign can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-frances-get-the-treatment-she-needs?utm_campaign=p_lico+ share-sheet&utm_location=DASHBOARD&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer, and I encourage you to donate if you are able.
As Portugal. The Man took the stage, shrouded in darkness, smoke, and subtle lighting, the atmosphere transformed into a visual and auditory spectacle. The meticulous synchronization of lights with the beats, especially from their latest album, “Chris Black Changed My Life,” elevated the concert from a mere performance to a sensorial journey. The music, combined with the captivating visual elements, created an immersive experience that lingered in the minds of the audience long after the last note faded.
In essence, the Midway Music Hall wasn’t just a venue for a concert; it became a nexus of music, social consciousness, and community engagement. Portugal. The Man’s performance, coupled with their dedication to meaningful causes, turned a night of entertainment into an impactful and unforgettable event.
Portugal the Man Website | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram |
Good Kid Website | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram |
