ORANGE AND LEMONS KICKOFF BYAHENG US-CANADA TOUR IN TORONTO
The cult favorites Orange and Lemons bring their nostalgic brand of indie pop to Canada this May, with local acts Krownless Kings and Pinknip setting the stage
Toronto’s Filipino diaspora is about to experience a massive dose of early-2000s nostalgia when beloved indie outfit Orange and Lemons hits Annabel’s on May 30.
Presented by Happy box and The Eleven Angles Multimedia LLC in partnership with WAM Productions and Anthive Entertainment, the gig marks the first stop of their “Byaheng US-Canada Tour 2025” – a rare opportunity for North American fans to catch the band whose melancholic melodies and jangly guitars defined a generation of Filipino indie kids.
THE PRODIGAL SONS RETURN
For most Filipino-Canadians in Toronto, Orange and Lemons isn’t just another band – they’re time machines. The quartet that gave us earworms like “Hanggang Kailan” and “Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown)” has maintained cult status in the Filipino indie scene for over two decades despite a dramatic break-up in 2007 and subsequent reformation in 2017.
For Filipino music fans in Toronto, this stop marks a rare opportunity to experience the band’s distinctive sound in person – a significant moment considering Orange and Lemons’ status as indie pioneers who helped shape the Filipino music scene in the early 2000s.
The Toronto show will be bolstered by local talent, with Krownless Kings and Pinknip opening the night. Krownless Kings, known for their fusion of traditional Filipino music with modern rock sensibilities, make a fitting companion to O&L’s nostalgic sound. Pinknip, meanwhile, brings their own distinctive Toronto flavor to the lineup.
BEYOND NOSTALGIA: WHAT TO EXPECT
While nostalgia is undoubtedly a major selling point, the 2025 tour isn’t just about reliving glory days. Fresh off their 25th anniversary celebration in Manila last October, Orange and Lemons is riding a new creative wave. Their February 2025 cover of The Carpenters’ “Close To You” showcases a band still willing to experiment while honoring their roots.
Fans can expect a mix of nostalgic hits alongside newer material. With their recent Valentine’s Day release of “Close To You,” the band has shown they’re still actively creating and reimagining their sound while honoring their musical roots.
The current lineup—featuring Castro on vocals and guitar, brothers JM and Ace del Mundo on bass and drums respectively, and Jared Nerona on keys—has been together since 2019, allowing them to develop a tighter live sound than during their initial run.
THE FULL NORTH AMERICAN INVASION
After kicking things off in Toronto, Orange and Lemons will quickly head to New York’s La Boom venue (May 31), followed by shows at San Francisco’s Dabarkadz Bistro (June 6) and Los Angeles’ The Noypitz Bar & Grill (June 7).
The venues themselves tell a story – these aren’t massive arenas but intimate spaces where the band’s intricate arrangements and Castro’s emotive vocals can be fully appreciated. It’s a deliberate choice that echoes the band’s indie ethos.
The choice of Annabel’s for their Toronto show signals an intimate experience rather than a massive production. This approach aligns with the band’s indie sensibilities and should create the perfect atmosphere for their intricate arrangements and emotional delivery.
DON’T SLEEP ON THIS
Annabel’s intimate setup means everyone gets the front-row experience – no massive crowds, just unfiltered Orange and Lemons doing what they do best. Tickets remain available through Admit One, and considering they haven’t toured North America before, this isn’t just another gig on the calendar.
May 30 marks their only Toronto stop before moving on to New York the next day. Miss it now, regret it later.
For a band that once seemed unlikely to ever tour internationally, this North American run represents both a victory lap and a new beginning. Toronto fans will be the first to witness this new chapter unfold – one jangly guitar riff at a time.
Orange and Lemons will perform at Annabel’s (200 Prince Blvd, Toronto) on May 30, 2025, with Krownless Kings and Pinknip. Use DISCOUNT CODE ONL2ANT and get your tickets at https://admitone.com/events/orange-and-lemons-byaheng-toronto-10020393
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