Dark clouds filled the sky above, rain continued to come down, and green grass turned brown under the feet of the people who anxiously waited for the start Shad’s set. He was the opening act for K’naan at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, Vancouver tonight.

After he completed his own sound check, Shad got right into it with a freestyle to warm up everyone including himself. Despite the rain pouring unto half of the stage, he brought the energy to pump up the crowd. The first song he got into is the most recognized track on TSOL, “Rose Garden.” Shad even performed his verse on the recently released “Rose Garden” remix with Von Pea and Donwill, while being backed up only by with the bass line.

There was one slip up during the set. With half the stage already covered with water, Shad lost his footing from under him and fell on his back. Being the true showman that he is, he kept his composure and completed the line or two before getting up to finish the song. After the song, he cracked up the crowd when he commented on how he was most likely going to feel it the next day. He also mentioned how it was weird because he didn’t feel anything at the time. “Must be the adrenaline.” He stated.

With the rain and the fall, Shad was still able to put down another stellar performance, as he engaged the crowd of all ages. Vancouver was the first stop on a cross Canada tour opening for K’naan and after, he will open for k-os across the States. Be sure to check him out in a city near you – he has yet to disappoint.

UPDATE: Photos by Nathan Fleming