The TLA went dark and the massive upstage scaffold began to glow. Silhouettes of ukuleles and other instruments hanging throughout came into focus. Soon, bathed in shadows, five figures resembling druids walked to center stage while a heavy rhythm played. Circling a kettle drum they paused for dramatic effect, then three faceless figures launched into a huge synchronized beat while the other two stood on a platform playing a fanfare on trumpets. The capacity crowd went wild and the stage was set for a great evening.

This Canadian group, beloved in their home country, is now making a big name for themselves this side of the border. They did it the old fashioned way: Hard work and perseverance. They respected their local fans and built their base organically without the help of a major label. That momentum was recognized and in 2012 they were signed by Columbia Records.

The show took off with guitars, ukuleles, banjos, drums, horns, keyboards and even a tuba. Each performer plays multiple instruments and there is just a slight amount of electronica added as spice, but never dominating.

Lead performers Gianni Luminati, Sarah Blackwood and Ryan Marshall line the front of the stage with mic stands as close to the edge near the crowd as possible. The remaining two regular members (Mike Taylor on drums and Joel Cassady on keyboards / horns) along with additional touring musicians are scattered on platforms behind. There is no lead singer. Luminati may take one song with other songs taken by Marshall or Blackwood. The other members solo on instruments throughout.

Blackwood (married to Luminati) is seven months pregnant, lending a unique look to a pop/rock band and adding a bit of humor to the lyrics of one song about starting a family.

The set list was hit laden with virtually their entire REVO album played to a loving crowd. The virtuosity of each member in singing harmonies and playing was most notable, regardless which song was being played. The show was about 90 minutes, but flew by with the constant onslaught of high energy pop, occasional smoke cannons and even glitter covered cymbals kicked up to add a little extra showmanship. This is truly a group effort with the spotlight equally shared.

The main set ended with a toast to the fans. This is one band who understands that it really is all about the fans. For that reason alone, Walk Off The Earth will likely have a long happy career.

The finale, crowd pleaser “Red Hands” started with more drama. Just as the set began with heavy synchronized percussion, drummers began a steady syncopated beat on large smoke emitting drums on each end of the stage. The entire band came onto the stage and the entire house joined in singing.

This was one of the finest performances I have seen at the TLA. Larger houses are surely in this band’s future.