Hanson @ Theatre Corona

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the Hanson concert besides the fact that 8 year old me was really excited and present me was slightly amused by the situation. The concert happened at Theatre Corona, a beautiful venue in St. Henri, which was worth going to the show for alone (seriously, it’s beautiful). I met up with a friend before the show who is a major Hanson fan; I would soon begin to realize that loving Hanson is a serious business. There were people from all walks of life at this show, from young girls to middle aged couples

The show opened with Carly Rae Jepsen, who belted out some catchy pop tunes, two of which I recognized from playing on the radio 4 years ago. She was good for her genre – I’m always impressed when stereotypical pop singers sound exactly like their records live (call it Britney Spears syndrome if you will). The mood in the crowd seemed to be one of polite disinterest. People swayed along but were really just waiting for it to be over. Once she left the stage, the mood instantly picked up in the room and people jostled to get the best view possible of their favourite brother.

Hanson was actually really good. They are extremely impressive harmonizers and solid musicians. They played a solid set of pseudo country/rock pop and the vibe in the crowd was one of pure pleasure. As one fan put it, "despite being known for their 1997 hit, it's impossible to leave a Hanson show without realizing they are so much more than "Mmmbop." They always put so much heart into their performances that it's hard not to be completely engaged in their stage presence.”

I would have to agree. They did play "Mmmbop," but they played it in the middle of their set – a way of acknowledging why they are famous without catering the show entirely to their past.

I then spent the hour after the show waiting for Hanson to come out of their bus for photos with around 60 other people. One group began to sing while the girls in front of me (who were up from Albany for the concert) rolled their eyes, saying, “Ugh they’re totally 1997 fans." This is probably the one group of fans who dislike people that listened to the band from the beginning. Instead, in the Hanson world, you’re a true fan if you listen to the new stuff. I definitely kept a low profile after that.

-Beansie hosts Let Them Eat Cake every Friday from 12-1pm