The Lumineers, Chance Peña
September 8, 2025
Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON
Vibrant energy, fantastic music, and an unexpected guest appearance set the tone at Budweiser Stage on Monday night, as The Lumineers kicked off the first of two back-to-back Toronto shows on their Automatic World Tour.
Opening the evening was Texas-born Chance Peña, who has been supporting The Lumineers on several tour dates. No stranger to the spotlight, Peña first appeared on Season 9 of The Voice at just 15 years old, mentored by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and advancing to the top 24. A decade later, he has carved out a distinctive solo career, with multiple singles, EPs, and television features to his name. His soulful set, which included fan-favourite i am not who i was, showcased both his growth as an artist and his ability to captivate a large crowd.
When The Lumineers took the stage, they transported fans into a retro-inspired world. The multi-tiered set design—complete with oversized cassette tapes, vintage television screens, and bursts of static imagery—created a nostalgic backdrop for the band’s storytelling. Founding members Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites fueled the atmosphere with boundless energy: Schultz sprinted across the stage, at one point engaging in a playful game of tambourine catch with touring pianist Stelth Ulvang, while Fraites worked the keys with intensity from the center.
Ulvang, dressed in a flamboyant red suit with matching nail polish, became a spectacle of his own—climbing props, leaping from pianos, and channeling an Elton John–esque flair that thrilled the audience. Confetti rained down as the band launched into Sleep on the Floor, heightening the communal joy of the night.
In a poignant moment, Schultz paused the high-octane momentum to reflect on the recent loss of his brother, delivering a heartfelt cover of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind that hushed the crowd into silence. But the evening soon surged back to life, culminating in a surprise that sent the venue into a frenzy: country star Zach Bryan joined The Lumineers on stage for a collaborative performance of Spotless. The roar of the audience was deafening, and as the night drew to a close, many fans left wishing they had secured tickets for both shows.
With its mix of emotional depth, playful showmanship, and surprise magic, The Lumineers proved once again why they remain one of the most captivating live acts of their generation.
