JULIAN LOPEZ w/ JAD & VICTORIA STAFF

JULIAN LOPEZ w/ JAD & VICTORIA STAFF

Singer-songwriter Julian Lopez takes centre stage at the Dakota, joined by Toronto local Victoria Staff and the undefinable JAD.

By The Dakota Tavern

Date and time

Starts on Saturday, August 3 · 10pm EDT

Location

The Dakota Tavern

249 Ossington Avenue Toronto, ON M6J 3A1 Canada

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

*PLEASE READ GUIDELINES BEFORE PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS*

Masks recommended.

This event is General Admission.

Social distancing is no longer in effect.

No refunds.

19+


Introducing the much-anticipated stop in Julian Lopez's debut tour, taking Toronto by storm on Saturday, August 3rd. Join us for a night of electrifying performances as Julian takes centre stage, showcasing his soul-stirring blend of indie rock melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Opening the evening is Toronto local Victoria Staff, whose captivating vocals and emotive songwriting set the stage ablaze. Co-headlining is the dynamic talent of JAD, promising an unforgettable fusion of sounds that will leave you craving more. With these special guests adding to the lineup, this promises to be a night of music magic that you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets now for an experience that will resonate long after the final chord fades away.


Artist bios:

JULIAN LOPEZ

Julian Lopez emerges as a vibrant force in the indie music scene, finding his artistic home in the eclectic cityscape of Montreal. As a singer-songwriter, he navigates the realms of alternative rock with an innate sense of authenticity and vulnerability.

Drawing from the wellspring of his own life, Lopez weaves narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. His lyrics are not just words but windows into his soul, reflecting the highs and lows of his journey with raw honesty. Each song becomes a testament to the power of storytelling, as Lopez invites listeners to walk alongside him through the landscapes of his experiences.

In an era saturated with manufactured personas and artificiality, Lopez stands out for his commitment to staying true to himself. His music serves as a beacon of sincerity, a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness but rather a source of strength and connection. With each strum of his guitar and every note sung, he forges a bond with his audience, forging a sense of intimacy that transcends the boundaries of the stage.

As his star continues to rise, Julian Lopez remains steadfast in his mission to create music that not only moves but also resonates with the depths of the human experience. With life as his muse and his heart as his compass, he invites listeners into a world where authenticity reigns supreme, and the power of music knows no bounds.

Social media: @thejulian_lopez on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. @julianlopezmusicofficial on Facebook


VICTORIA STAFF

Born and raised in Toronto, Victoria Staff was always an “anxious child”. The string that connected much of her young life was using music to communicate with family, friends, teachers, and even therapists. Over time, this coping mechanism developed into a passion for music that would lead to her career as an indie-pop artist. Staff continues to use the written word to communicate with her audience the complex themes of love, loss, and her struggle with mental health. Her debut project Records & Honesty was released in 2023, under the guidance of Canadian music producer Dan Hosh. The EP is a vulnerable self-portrait of Staff’s life, including her history working through sexual assault. The heavy undertones of her music are offset by her comedic personality on stage, on social media, and amongst her peers.

Social Media: @victoria_staff on Instagram and TikTok. @victoriastaff21 on Facebook. @victoriastaff on YouTube


JAD

JAD evades definition accidentally, intentionally. A young life spent caught between identities, JAD's music seems to follow suit -- not lost, per se, as it is unwavering in its right to exist in multitudes and in-betweens. Born in Canada to Lebanese immigrants, the implications of identity, both public and private, have been the unravelling and re-synthesis of this artist.

Having released an album, Still Life, in 2017, with songs such as “These Days” and “Knuckle Sandwich” catching the attention of an animator at CalArts, JAD provided the music to an animated short that played at the 2018 CalArts Producers Show in Santa Clarita, CA — quickly proving JAD’s music to be borderless. Followed by two singles recorded at the late Elliott Smith’s New Monkey Studio, JAD has taken a DIY approach with a bedroom setup, allowing him more room to experiment and develop while laying the foundation for a prolific future. JAD recorded, produced, mixed, and independently released “Don’t Let the Sun Set on Me” in April 2022, to high praise and a spot on Exclaim!’s Spotify playlist “The Eh-list!” amongst incredible Canadian talent, both emerging and veteran.

Deeply introspective and empathetic in his attempt to understand, JAD interrogates the semantics of love and connection in an age of apathy and influence. By way of stark vulnerability, he expresses intricate and nuanced emotional circumstances with prescience and lucidity. In the spirit of his influences, JAD intends to remain undefinable and unconfined in the exploration of his world; elusive in his attempt to understand.

Social Media: @jadmusic on Instagram, @jadhmusic on Facebook, @jad_music on TikTok

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