The Tea Party with Bif Naked
OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Fallsview Casino Resort
Niagara Falls. Ontario
July 24, 2026
There was a feeling of excitement inside the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on July 24. For many in the crowd, it had been far too long since The Tea Party played a show in Niagara. After more than six years away, the wait was worth it.
The evening began with Bif Naked, making her first appearance in the Niagara region since her July 2023 show at Warehouse Concert Hall in St. Catharines. She brought plenty of energy from the moment she walked on stage. Songs like “Moment of Weakness,” “Lucky,” and “Spaceman” had fans singing along, while “I Love Myself Today” closed her set on a high note. She didn’t need a long set to make an impression. She reminded everyone why she remains one of Canada’s most entertaining live performers.
Then it was time for The Tea Party.
For me, this was more than just another concert. It was my first time seeing the band since before the pandemic. It was also their first Niagara performance since March 30, 2019, when they played the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on the Black River Tour. Walking into the venue felt like picking up where things had left off more than six years earlier.
The band opened with “Writing’s on the Wall” and wasted no time settling in. Jeff Martin sounded as strong as ever, and his guitar work was outstanding throughout the night. Bassist Stuart Chatwood and drummer Jeff Burrows were locked in from the opening song, giving every performance the power and groove that have defined The Tea Party for more than three decades.
The setlist struck a nice balance between fan favourites and deeper cuts. “The Bazaar” and “Psychopomp” earned some of the loudest cheers of the night, while “White Water Siren,” “The Messenger,” and “The Ocean at the End” showcased the band’s signature blend of heavy rock and Middle Eastern influences. “Heaven Coming Down” and “Save Me” kept the energy building before the main set reached its end with “Temptation.”
The encore offered one final reminder of why The Tea Party remains one of Canada’s most respected live bands. They returned with the haunting “Winter Solstice,” creating a quieter, almost hypnotic moment before launching into “Sister Awake.” Midway through the song, the band seamlessly worked in passages of the Rolling Stones‘ “Paint It Black” and David Bowie’s “Heroes” before bringing “Sister Awake” back around for a powerful finish. It was the perfect way to end the night.
After six years away from Niagara, The Tea Party proved they haven’t lost a step. Their songs still carry the same power, their performances remain tight, and the chemistry between Jeff Martin, Stuart Chatwood, and Jeff Burrows is as strong as ever. Combined with Bif Naked’s energetic opening set, it was a memorable night that celebrated two of Canada’s most enduring rock acts.
All photos by Joel Naphin
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