After facing the challenges of canceled and postponed tours due to the global pandemic, Yukon-based folk-country singer-songwriter Joey O’Neil is thrilled to be back on the road this summer with a creative new venture she’s calling the “Unleashed Tour.”
This unique tour is in support of her critically acclaimed sophomore album Ever Ahead, which has already garnered praise for its heartfelt storytelling and evocative themes.
What sets this tour apart from the typical music circuit is its dog-themed approach. O’Neil has chosen to perform in dog parks across Canada, blending her love for animals with her music. This whimsical idea ties directly to the themes of Ever Ahead, which reflect O’Neil’s journey on the road with her trusty Jeep and beloved dog, Oblio. Tonight, she’ll be performing at Calgary’s Sue Higgins Park, with other notable stops including Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl on August 14.
Released independently in 2020, Ever Ahead touches on themes of sustainability, restoration, and the open road. O’Neil wrote much of the album while making her yearly trek along the Trans-Canada Highway from the Yukon to Ontario in her 1989 Jeep Wagoneer XL.
The record captures the spirit of these journeys, with songs that contemplate the value of fixing what’s broken—whether it’s vehicles, relationships, or one’s own sense of direction. O’Neil describes Ever Ahead as an “ode to the road” that reminds listeners to persevere, as each new mile brings fresh possibilities and epiphanies.
In O’Neil’s own words, Ever Ahead is essentially about two constants in her life: her beloved Jeep and her dog Oblio. So it’s fitting that she chose dog parks as the setting for her performances. “If I imagine my perfect tour for Ever Ahead, it’s without a doubt in a series of dog parks,” she says.
This decision not only aligns with the album’s themes but also offers a fresh, playful way for O’Neil to connect with her audience.
The logistics of such a tour, however, have been far from conventional. Instead of dealing with bar managers or music venues, O’Neil has been navigating bylaw offices, parks departments, and city halls.
“Every town has different rules about this sort of thing, and in some cases, I’ve needed to apply for busking licenses or special event permits,” O’Neil explains. Yet, rather than being frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles, she’s found that most officials are charmed by her unusual request.
“Well gosh! I’ve never heard of someone doing that before!” is a common response she’s encountered.
For O’Neil, the Unleashed Tour has become an adventure in itself, reflecting the essence of Ever Ahead—always moving forward, always discovering new ways to share her stories. With her unconventional tour stops and heartfelt music, she’s not only celebrating the album but also deepening the personal connection between her songs, her dog, and her fans.
As she continues to travel across the country, O’Neil is showing that live music can adapt and thrive in unexpected places, turning dog parks into concert venues and turning every performance into a celebration of creativity, adventure, and companionship.