Photos by Daniela Tantalo
Former Disney Channel stars embark on a major sponsored North American Tour; Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas Co-Headline the Honda Civics’ “Future Now Tour”, playing 42 shows across the continental US and Canada including a stop at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. Earlier dates including, Charlotte, North Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina were cancelled due to both artists protesting against each cities anti-LGBT legation. Lovato, a long time LGBT rights activist, expressed her feelings on wanting her concert attendees to feel safe and unapologetic of whom they were at her concert. Similarly, Jonas had also posted a statement via his Instagram regarding the situation. Supporting act, Mike Posner, a long time charting artist, opens for both singer-songwriters during their gig in Toronto. A night filled with teenage sweat and posivibes.
Opener, Mike Posner, hailed to stage to perform his sophomore album, At Night, Alone (2016). Posner, who is known for his raspy, airy vocals with underling jazzy qualities, remained true to his original sound while grasping to the new wave of pop sounds that consist of ambient and heavy R&B sonics. While his set was short, the young and now proudly sober artist made the most of his night, this included covering Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” and playing his famous single “Cooler than Me” of his debut album 31 Minutes to Takeoff (2010). “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” a track which was first featured on his second EP, The Truth (2015) was now remixed by SeeB and made its second appearance as the second track of his newest record. While performing the song, the Michigan native stripped the song to its original repertoire of acoustic guitar and light and faint mellow electric guitar. Towards the conclusion of his set, Posner gave a moving speech where he expressed in feelings about being sober as well staying true to one’s self; Smiling at fans while rocking back and forth with his acoustic guitar as he closed with a lighter note.
As young fans anticipated the arrival of teen heartthrobs, Nick Jonas was first to take stage. “Levels”, a track off his third studio album, Last Year was Complicated (2016), unveiled through an echoing of wailing and screaming by young teenage girls. Jonas’s latest album triumphs as his most successful album, commercially, thus far in his career; the album peaked higher than his eponymous album, Nick Jonas (2014). With featured artists like Tove Lo and Big Sean, Nick has made his name sufficient in Pop Billboard Charts. Through the night, he sang a mixture of covers and originals. Sage Gemini’s “Good Thing” was well rendition and Jonas’s vocals suited the song to the T. Although Nick ended his set a little earlier than expected, he did not fail to make more appearances throughout the night, including singing a cult classic for Jonas Brother fans, “A Little Bit Longer” off the Jonas Brothers second album with the same title. The retired Jonas Brother closed his set with his pop cult song of 2014, “Jealous.”
When Demi Lovato took stage, an abundance of teenage girls surrounding the pits squealed and jumped, some wiping away tears as the young 23 year old took the Air Canada Centre stage by storm. Entering with “Confident” a positive affirmation song geared to her younger fans, Demi begins the night with her powerful vocals and killer ensemble. Confident (2015), Lovato’s fifth studio album made its way on to the charts at a amazing rate, debuting at number 2 on Billboard’s 200; A record about love, loss and courage. Although she did not play any cover songs that night as her predecessors did, she took everyone on a nogalistic journey while performing old favourites like “Warrior” and “Nightingale” which she presented through a medley style collective. Nick Jonas emerged to stage as he accompanied Lovato as she sang “Stone Cold” a powerful ballad with old school R&B styled vocals and a rich belting chorus- bridge. This song left many either cheering, crying or screaming as Lovato paused for a moment in the song. The unity during the moment of pause was inimitable; a chilling moment in the entire venue. Unfortunately, there were no encore songs but luckily enough for fans attending, Nick Jonas made another surprising entrance back onto the stage to perform his song “Closer” with guest vocals by Demi. An insanely great rendition to the original piece as Demi harmonized during the final chorus with Jonas and created a dream- esque atmosphere. “Cool for the Summer” was the final song of the night and fans couldn’t have asked for a better song to end with, as the young Disney affiliate walked around stage in a erotic manner but kept a high level of energy.
The Future Now Tour was definitely a night to attend and one for the books. With a memorable line-up on the bill and wonderful stage performances and setup, this tour is pivotal to check out, especially for those who want to reminisce on their teenage years. Don’t forget to pay $10,000 for VIPs Tickets!
