Mark your calendars for October 16, 2025. Niagara Falls is about to get a massive dose of musical inspiration as BADBADNOTGOOD, Toronto’s very own masters of genre-fluid sound, take over the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. For anyone who’s followed their journey, this is more than just a concert—it’s a chance to witness their spirit in a city that has quietly played a role in their story, all just steps away from the buzzing energy of Clifton Hill.
From Bedroom Jams to Studio Sessions with Legends
It all started with a spark of curiosity. Back in 2010, a handful of jazz-infused hip-hop covers from some Toronto music students unexpectedly caught fire online. That initial viral moment quickly proved they were onto something special, transforming them from a campus project into sought-after collaborators. Suddenly, they were in the studio with Wu-Tang’s Ghostface Killah, crafting the entire backbone of Sour Soul (2015). A call from Snoop Dogg for a “Lavender” remix soon followed, paving the way for a who’s-who of modern music, including Kendrick Lamar, Kaytranada, and Kali Uchis.
Today, the core trio—Alex Sowinski on drums, Chester Hansen on bass, and the multi-instrumentalist Leland Whitty—has honed their spontaneous energy into one of the most compelling instrumental acts you’ll hear. They still thrive on the thrill of the unknown, but their sound now carries the weight and wisdom of over a decade on the road.
Disappearance at Clifton Hill: Film Score
For Niagara locals, BADBADNOTGOOD’s arrival feels like a homecoming of sorts. In 2020, Sowinski and Whitty dove into the world of film, composing the haunting, atmospheric score for the Niagara-set thriller, Disappearance at Clifton Hill. The film’s mysterious plot is woven into the very fabric of the city’s iconic entertainment strip, and the band’s score masterfully captures that tension.
It was a creative left-turn that left a permanent mark. Trading their signature laid-back grooves for a darker, cinematic sound, they discovered a new talent for narrative. Whitty’s saxophone, often a source of melody, became an instrument of suspense. That foray into storytelling directly shaped the ambitious, arc-driven approach of their recent music.
The Sound of Now: Unveiling ‘Mid Spiral’
After a whirlwind of collaborations, the band hunkered down in early 2024 at Valentine Studios in LA. The result was Mid Spiral: Chaos, Order, Growth—a powerful three-part suite released in May 2024 that stands as their sixth studio album. This is the sound of a band at its peak: expansive yet focused, chaotic yet beautifully controlled.
Fans will still find the freewheeling improvisation that first drew them in, but now it’s channeled with a newfound purpose and clarity.
Catching the Vibe at the OLG Stage
The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino is the perfect venue for a band like this. With its pristine acoustics and surprisingly intimate feel for a 5,000-seat room, it lets every nuanced detail of their performance shine through.
For the October 16th show, expect a journey. They’ll likely weave fresh tracks from Mid Spiral with classics from their deep catalog, creating a setlist that’s both a retrospective and a statement of where they are right now. Each performance is a unique, living thing with them.
And for those making a trip of it, the concert is a perfect excuse to dive into the neon-drenched spectacle of Clifton Hill. It’s more than just a nearby attraction; for BADBADNOTGOOD, it’s a place that forever altered their artistic path, making this homecoming show all the more significant.
Need to Know
- When: Thursday, October 16, 2025. Show at 8:00 p.m.
- Where: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, ON
- Tickets: Grab them through Fallsview Casino or major ticket outlets.
- Make a Night of It: The venue is a short walk from Clifton Hill, Queen Victoria Park, and the nightly Falls Illumination.
