Photos/Review by Brad Goldstein – On a warm summer evening in Toronto, the scenic Budweiser Stage was the perfect setting for a legendary lineup of blues artists. Nestled by the waterfront, this open-air venue buzzed with anticipation as fans of all ages gathered to celebrate the rich tradition of blues music, eager to witness theperformances of icons who have shaped the genre.
The inaugural S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is Slash’s blues tour that celebrates blues and rock ‘n’ roll music, accompanying the release of his latest blues album Orgy of the Damned. The festival has a bill of legendary artists, but also looks to promote meaningful causes, promoting peace, equality, diversity,inclusion, and tolerance in our communities. With that said Slash has partnered with various charities, committing a dollar from each ticket sale to help drive awareness and make an impactful change through these charitable organizations. The anagram S.E.R.P.E.N.T. stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality, and Tolerance.
Budweiser Stage, with its stunning views of the Toronto skyline and its relaxed outdoor atmosphere, provided an ideal backdrop for the evening. As I took my seat and looked out at the crowd, the vibrantenergy was infectious. The warm summer air was filled with excitement as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show.
Kicking off the night was ZZ Ward, a rising star whose blend of blues, rock, and soul has captivated audiences around the world. Ward commanded attention from the moment she stepped onto the stage. Ward’s powerful, soulful voice filled the air, showcasing her impressive vocal range and infectious energy.Her ability to seamlessly blend blues with contemporary elements set a dynamic tone for the evening. Each note resonated with authenticity, and her charismatic stage presence drew the audience in from the start.
Following ZZ Ward was the incredibly talented Keb’ Mo’, whose unique blend of Delta blues, folk, and rockhas won him multiple Grammy Awards and a devoted fan base. As he took the stage, dressed in hissignature hat and casual attire, there was a real sense of excitement in the air. His presence was so welcoming, sharing playful smiles as he turned his head to engage with those in attendance. Keb’ Mo’ opened with “Somebody Hurt You,” instantly captivating the audience with his smooth vocals and infectious guitar riffs. His style is distinctive, blending traditional blues with contemporary sounds. Throughout his set, Keb’ Mo’ showcased his impressive fingerpicking guitar skills, effortlessly transitioning between upbeat numbers and soulful ballads. His ability to connect with the audience was evident, creating an intimate and engaging atmosphere. As he closed his set with “I Remember You,” Keb’ Mo’ left the crowd amazed with his resonating performance.
The supporting acts truly made this beautiful evening in Toronto a celebration of Blues.
As the final act of the night, Slash, the iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist, took the stage as part of his S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival Tour, featuring a stellar blues band of friends. The atmosphere shifted into high gear as the legendary guitarist, complete with his trademark top hat and long curly hair, strummed the first chords. Opening with “Parchman Farm Blues”, Slash showcased not only his exceptional guitar skills butalso his unique ability to reinterpret songs with a bluesy edge that felt fresh and deeply rooted in tradition. Booker T and Fleetwood Mac covers would soon follow in “Born Under a Bad Sign” and “Oh Well.” Continuing the momentum, Slash and his band delivered a stirring cover of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by The Temptations, which is also featured on Slash’s new album, Orgy of the Damned.
The lush, bluesy arrangement transformed the classic into a powerful anthem that had the audience swaying and singing along, celebrating the song’s themes of legacy and family. The chemistry between the band memberswas electrifying. Throughout the evening, vocals were split between keyboardist Teddy ‘Zig Zag’Andreadis and guitarist Tash Neal, who both brought an infectious energy that had the crowd entranced. Teddy at one point announced that “its time to get a little psychedelic on your ass” and then leads into the upbeat awesomeness of “The Pusher”, a Hoyt Axton classic. The heavy riffing and soulful vocals energized the crowd, setting the tone for an unforgettable performance. We were immersed in chill blues combined with breakout solos from Slash. Slash’s solos were nothing short of legendary, weaving intricatemelodies and heartfelt riffs that kept the audience engaged and on their feet. As the night reached its crescendo, the band closed with a high-energy performance of “Shake Your Money Maker.”
In a world that often feels disconnected, this evening at Budweiser Stage served as a powerful reminder of the universality of music and its ability to bring people together. With a lineup like this, it was more thanjust a concert—it was a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and the spirit of the blues.
I highly recommend catching this tour when it reaches your city.
It is worth noting that I have seen Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and GNR live in concert. As well, I havehad the pleasure of seeing the incredible blues talent Christone “Kingfish” Ingram who is on the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival roster at select cities.
ZZ WARD
Keb’ Mo’
