Glen Hansard – Don’t Settle

There are performers who play songs, and then there is Glen Hansard, who seems to physically wring them out of his soul. Whether he’s belting out a crescendo that rattles the rafters or whispering a lyric so softly you’re afraid to breathe, Hansard’s live shows are legendary for their intensity. On April 3rd, the Dublin-born troubadour brings his 'Don’t Settle' tour to The Great Hall, and frankly, it’s the kind of show that reminds you why you fell in love with live music in the first place.

From The Frames to the Silver Screen To understand the gravity of a Hansard performance, you have to look at the trajectory of his career. He cut his teeth in the 90s with The Frames, a band that became a cornerstone of the Irish indie scene, known for their frantic, emotional live energy. But it was his pivot to the screen in the 2007 film *Once*—and the subsequent Oscar-winning anthem 'Falling Slowly' with Markéta Irglová—that catapulted him into the global consciousness.

Yet, Hansard never let the fame polish away his grit. His recent work, including the introspective *All That Was East Is West of Me Now*, proves he’s still obsessed with the craft of songwriting. He doesn't just perform; he builds a narrative arc throughout the night. Expect a setlist that weaves through the cathartic folk-rock of his early days, the delicate acoustic ballads that made him a household name, and the newer, more experimental textures he’s been exploring lately. He is a master of the 'dynamic shift'—the ability to take a room from a pin-drop silence to a roaring, communal singalong in the span of a single chorus.

Why The Great Hall Matters Choosing The Great Hall for this tour is a stroke of genius. Located in the heart of West Queen West, this venue is a piece of Toronto history. Built in 1889, the building has served as everything from a community hub to a police station, and its Main Hall—with its high ceilings, ornate Victorian architecture, and warm, wooden acoustics—is arguably the best room in the city for a songwriter of Hansard’s calibre.

Unlike the cavernous arenas he could easily fill, The Great Hall keeps the connection between artist and audience tight. You aren't watching a screen; you’re watching the sweat on his brow and the way he attacks his guitar strings. It’s an intimate, almost sacred space that demands the kind of vulnerability Hansard is famous for.

Making a Night of It West Queen West is arguably Toronto’s most vibrant strip for a pre-show bite. If you’re looking to soak up the neighbourhood vibe, head to *Union* just down the street for some incredible farm-to-table Canadian comfort food, or grab a drink at *The Drake Hotel* nearby to people-watch before the doors open. The area is dense with character, so give yourself an hour or two to wander the independent boutiques and galleries that make this stretch of Queen West so iconic.

Good to Know - **Arrive Early:** The Great Hall is a general admission venue for many shows, and the sightlines are best if you can snag a spot near the front or along the balcony railing. - **Accessibility:** While the venue is historic, they have made significant strides in accessibility. If you have specific needs, reach out to the venue staff in advance; they are generally very accommodating. - **The Vibe:** Hansard’s fans are a devoted, respectful bunch. Expect a crowd that actually listens to the music rather than talking over it—it’s a refreshing change of pace for a Toronto concert. - **Getting There:** Parking on Queen West is notoriously difficult. Do yourself a favour and take the 501 Queen streetcar, or hop off the subway at Osgoode or Bathurst and enjoy the walk through the neighbourhood.