By: Maura Burke
Photo of Tate McRae during her set on the Are We Flying Yet tour in Toronto, Ontario. September 12th 2023. Photo taken by Maura Burke
On September 12th, 2023 I saw two of my favorite artists perform in Toronto, Ontario. The two artists I saw live were opener Charlieonnafriday and headliner Tate McRae; both of these artists embarked on the Are We Flying Tour this month. Tate McRae is a 20-year-old singer and songwriter, and she has gained her fame by posting videos of her singing original songs online. She had a breakthrough single in 2020 called You Broke Me First. This is her second-ever tour. Last summer, McRae released her debut album called I Used to Think I Could Fly. This tour is promoting the album before she drops her sophomore album. The tour consists of 25 shows in the US/Canada. News on any more shows has yet to be announced.
Maura Burke and Tate McRae at History Venue in Toronto, Ontario. September 12th 2023. Photo taken by Maura Burke
Before the concert, I had the opportunity to meet Mcrae. I bought the most expensive VIP package. From this meet-greet experience, I quickly saw that she is someone who greatly cares about her fans. Each person with a VIP package had an intimate experience with her. She took at least a few minutes to speak with each person she met. The experience was not rushed. I had a great experience with her, and she is someone who I would definitely meet again!
Charlieonnafriday performing at History Venue in Toronto, Ontario on September 12th, 2023. Photo taken by Maura Burke
Opener Charlie Malone Finch commonly known as Charlieonnafriday performed a few songs on his setlist. This included his hit song “Enough”. Within the past two years, he has gained fame by releasing original songs, plus posting on social media. He gained much attention by releasing his debut album called “ONNAFRIDAY” with his record label Island Records. I personally thought his performance was very good; he is a talented artist and songwriter who is just at the start of his career!
Tate McRae performing “you broke me first” at History venue in Toronto, Ontario. Photo taken by Maura Burke
McRae’s setlist was very excellent. She was very great at engaging with her fans and audience. She performed many songs from her debut album, plus earlier songs she had released. Throughout the concert, she was very intimate and interactive with fans. Most artists you see perform today are not. It was very cool to see her not only interact with me but with my friends and the people around me.
Having front row seats, I was able to take great footage of the concert via photo and video. It was such a great experience to be able to see two of my favorite artists perform up close. I would most definitely see both of these artists again!