Sully’s Boxing Gym – Photo by Sans Osul
The new live music series It’s Ok* transformed Toronto’s oldest boxing gym into an intimate concert experience. The event hosted artists Valee, Just John x Dom Dias and Sydanie, having them step into the same boxing ring that the legendary Muhammed Ali trained in years ago. Hosting the event at the historic Sully’s Boxing Gym set the stage for It’s Ok*’s debut event to be a one of a kind live music experience.
Sydanie with the Dirty-B-sides – Photo by Sans Osul
Walking through the rows of boxing gym lockers into the sold out show to catch the first performance of the night by Toronto based Sydanie playing songs off her 2018 mixtape 999. Her catchy beats and slick flow got the crowd warmed up as she was accompanied by the live instrumentals of The Dirty B-Sides. The band took over the entire stage with their various members playing everything from trumpets, flutes and guitars to cover iconic hip hop songs.
Just John – Photo by Sans Osul
Dom Dias (left) & Just John (right) – Photo by Sans Osul
Next we see the Toronto duo Just John x Dom Dias step into the ring. Producer Dom Dias blasts some punk infused hip-hop beats as Just John bounces around the stage bringing the energy to a new level. Playing tracks like Mirror and Soundboi off their 2018 release Don 2, as well as giving the crowd a sneak peak at some unreleased tracks to be released this year.
Partway through the set Just John brings Toronto rapper DillanPonders on stage as they go back to back on a few tracks together.
If this energetic performance is any indication, 2019 is setting up to be a very exciting year for Just John x Dom Dias following the duo’s recent song releases and signing with Warner Brothers Music.
Valee – Photo by Sans Osul
With the crowd buzzing with energy from the energetic set the Chicago born headliner Valee makes his way to the stage. The recently GOOD Music signed artist plays popular tracks Womp Womp with a more relaxed stage presence throughout the show. The rapper flies through his discography in the short set to finish off the night.
Photo by Sans Osul
Despite the slightly lackluster ending to the night by the headliner, the night featured some high energy performances from some exhilarating local artists. The new live music series It’s Ok* sets the foundation for an exciting chapter in the live music scene in Toronto. With the steady decline of music venues across the city it’s promising to see event organizers come up with creative venues like the one we saw at Sully’s Boxing Gym for It’s Ok* Episode 1.