By: Jay Broderick
THE BAND
The 502s are a 6-piece ensemble from Canadian Snow-Bird Heaven, Florida. The band was formed in 2015, the brainchild of lead vocalist and banjo plucking Ed Isola. In 2016, Ed and his mates performed with Mumford & Sons at the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, something nearly unheard of for a band that was so young and had not even released any recorded tracks. The rest, as they say, is history.
Since then, the band has been on the rise, having released their first EP The 502s, in 2016 and 2 full lengths. Because We Had To was the band's 1st full length in 2018, and they most recently released Could It Get Better Than This in 2021.
Ed - Lead Vocals, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar
Matt - Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals
Jake - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Joe - Saxophone, Trumpet, Vocals
Nick - Bass, Vocals
Sean - Drums, Percussion
THE TOUR
On January 23rd, 2023, The 502s set out on the road in Atlanta, GA for a 23 date tour that they joyously call the "Fresh Squeezed Happiness" Tour. Originally slated to conclude in their home state on March 3 in Okeechobee, FL, the break is short lived, as the band sees a handful of events through the summer months playing various festivals and as a supporting act for O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) on June 9th and 10th.
Of the 23 dates, The 502s play their lone Canadian show on February 20 at the Axis Club in Toronto, Ontario. With just under 2 weeks until showtime, the Toronto gig is already sold out at a venue with a capacity of approximately 650 people. With this dedicated following, and their upbeat music, the Floridians are bound to bring their warmth to a cold Canadian February evening.
Unfortunately, for you Torontonians, you have missed out on this go around, but for our US visitors, be sure to check out this folk, bluegrass, orchestral celebration... assuming of course you're in one of the cities remaining on the tour.
Keep an eye out for the show review and photos, right here!!
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