Hundreds of fans lined up outside of The Danforth Music Hall to get the best seat possible for Justin Bieber’s evening acoustic performance on Dec. 7.
“Any shot to see Justin Bieber in person is the best for me”, said a 14-year-old fan named Cassidy, who joined the growing line up outside the Toronto venue at 10 a.m.
The Danforth Music Hall has a small capacity of 1,500, and tickets were sold out within minutes at $100 a pop.
“We couldn’t be more happy to have Justin Bieber perform in our small, intimate venue”, said Michael Sherman, general manager of the Danforth performance space.
Proceeds of the event support House of Blessings in Bieber’s hometown of Stratford, On.
Residents and business in the neighbourhood welcomed Bieber’s presence and didn’t mind the crowded sidewalks.
“I think because of his age he’s been misconstrued as a bad boy, but I think he’s got some good in him,” said Manfred Pioux, a 51-year-old resident of The Danforth.
Restaurants in the neighbourhood benefitted from the high traffic in the area. Das Gasthaus, a pub adjacent to the venue, had exclusive Bieber-themed dishes and drinks being served throughout the afternoon.
“It’s good for business. People are coming together, we have a lot of customers,” said Das Gasthaus bartender, Alex.
“The street is always frequented, but now with the music hall being packed, it’s awesome.”
Bieber, the 21-year-old pop sensation, treated his supportive crowd to a mix of material off his latest release ‘Purpose,’ with old favourites and holiday jingles.
“I think there’s something really special about these venues and these intimate moments,” Bieber said to the audience. “It just feels so good to be home.”