Toque Takes Crowd Back In Time Celebrating Canadian Music

Concert Review
TOQUE
Thursday April 23, 2026
Avalon Theatre
Fallsview Casino Resort
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Thursday evening the Avalon Theatre inside Fallsview Casino Resort came alive with Toque. That was Toque the band not the caps worn by the dim-witted, beer swilling McKenzie Brothers. Toque paid homage to many Canadien artists with a pleasure packed 105-minute set which featured some golden songs from the 70’s and 80’s done right.

The band on this night featured vocalist/guitarist Todd Kerns, drummer Brent Fitz, guitarist Cory Churko and bassist Zach Throne. Normally Shane Gaalaas would be behind the drum kit but had a prior comittment. No problem as the band called on Zach Throne to take over bass and had Fitz move behind the kit for the night.

Fitz and Kerns are currently out on the road with Triumph for their Triumph Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded tour. This show was a precursor to Triumph’s hometown Toronto show and nearby Hamilton. Kerns put on quite a performance vocally singing each tune with precision.

The highlights of the show were stellar versions of Rush’s “Tom Sawyer”, Aldo Nova’s “Fantasy” and Saga’s “On The Loose”. Nothing though for me stood out more than Sheriff’s smash “When I’m With You”. Kerns nailed the song vocally and the band sounded absolutely brilliant. One other standout was the opening song of the night “Never Enough (For You)” the band’s first original song.

The show was the band’s first in Niagara Falls as they generally play more in the western part of Canada. Of course the band had to play something by the legendary band from Niagara Falls, Honeymoon Suite as they tore into “New Girl Now” much to the delight of the crowd.

As the show ended the members came to the front of the stage and led the crowd to singing “Oh Canada”, a fitting end to the show and showing love for their country. Hopefully this show marks the beginning of Toque playing Niagara Falls on a more regular basis. Judging by the enthusiastic response from the crowd I am sure they will be back for more.