For over a decade, Brooklyn-based The National have been performing their ever-growing catalogue of sad jams and dad rock anthems to adoring crowds around the world. For the first time ever, they made a stop in Calgary, AB, playing to a sold-out crowd of eager fans at the Jubilee.

credit: Shane Rempel

credit: Shane Rempel

Supporting them was Washington-based Bartees Strange, who wasted no time winning over the hearts of devoted National fans. By the time The National took the stage, the crowd was brimming with anticipation. After having to cancel what would have been their first-ever performance in Calgary in 2020, this show felt like a homecoming for thousands of fans — and The National did not disappoint.

credit: Shane Rempel

Opening with “Don’t Swallow the Cap” from their 2013 record, Trouble Will Find Me, you could feel the fervent energy of the crowd as they sang along, engulfing Matt Berninger’s signature soul-stirring vocals. As they continued through a thoughtful mix of songs from their catalogue of hits (along with some downright charming stage banter between Berninger and the Dessner brothers), they had the entire auditorium clasped in the palm of their hands for nearly two hours. The National gave this crowd everything they’d been asking for and more, and it was well worth the wait.

Bartees Strange. credit: Shane Rempel

Bartees Strange. credit: Shane Rempel