Jesse & Joy

On August 19th, the Danforth Music Hall filled with excitement as Jesse & Joy brought their 2025 El Despecho tour to Toronto. The Huerta siblings, coming all the way from Mexico, stepped onto the stage with nothing more than two guitars and their voices - and that was more than enough. From the very first notes, the crowd, made up largely of the city’s Hispanic community, sang along with every word, turning the concert into a warm, collective celebration. 

Outside, the rain was falling steadily - the kind of weather that felt made for despecho. It added to the intimacy of the evening, as if the city itself was leaning into the mood of heartbreak, nostalgia, and comfort. 

It wasn’t Jesse & Joy's first time here. The duo last played the Danforth back in 2023 with their Clichés tour, but this time around, the atmosphere felt even more personal. Stripped down to an acoustic set, their harmonies blended beautifully with their voices in the room, creating moments that felt almost like a giant family sing-along. 

For anyone unfamiliar with their story, Jesse & Joy grew up in Mexico City as the children of a pastor. Music was always close by - Joy started singing in church while Jesse experimented with instruments and production. By their teenage years, they were writing songs together, and in 2005 they released their first single, “Espacio Sideral”. It quickly became a hit, paving the way for their debut album,  Esta Es Mi Vida, in 2006. That record earned them the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist in 2007. Their international breakthrough came a few years later with ¿Con Quién Se Queda el Perro? (2011), which included the mega-hit “Corre” and brought home multiple Latin Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. 

Toronto fans welcome them back with open arms, and the duo responded with a setlist that balanced nostalgia and joy.  They kicked things off with “Espacio Sideral” and “Tanto” before leaning into the songs that best capture the spirit of despecho. In Spanish,  despecho is a word that mixes heartbreak with a touch of spite or lingering resentment - the kind of love songs that make you cry, laugh, and heal all at once. And if anyone knows how to turn a heartache into music, it’s Jesse & Joy. 

Joy even poked fun at the idea that they must have terrible luck in love, given how many of their songs are rooted in heartbreak. But later in the night, the siblings opened up about their spouses, offering glimpses into the real relationships that fuel their songwriting. It reminded everyone that their music isn't just about sadness - it’s about resilience, connection, and the stories that shape us. 

One of the most touching examples of their songwriting process is “Llorar” ( “To Cry”), which actually began with Jesse’s daughter Hanna. As the story goes, she kept repeating the word llorar in a simple, innocent melody, sparking the idea for what would later become one of their most powerful ballads. Crafted alongside Joy and songwriter Mario Domm, the song grew into the anthem fans know today.

We can’t leave out how warm these siblings are. The way they spoke to the crowd was gentle and playful, with just the right amount of humour. Joy laughed about falling to put on her fake eyelashes, while Jesse teased about his own failed attempt at hair extensions. Their stage presence felt cozy, almost like being invited into their living room. Joy’s constant cup of tea added to the vibe - the steam rising from the mug on the table behind her only deepened that sense of intimacy. With the rain outside and the warmth inside, it felt like Toronto’s Hispanic community had been invited in for a heartfelt sing-along. 

Fans kept shouting their love throughout the night, and Jesse & Joy never missed a chance to shout their love right back. At one point, a stuffed animal even flew across the crowd and landed at Joy’s feet, adding to the warmth and spontaneity of the evening. 

As the setlist neared its end, anticipation built for one of their most beloved ballads, “Dueles” (“You Hurt” / “You Ache”), a fan favourite with over 734 million streams on Spotify. For most of the concert, Jesse & Joy set their guitars, singing with ease. But when “Dueles” began, they stood up, and the crowd roared the lyrics so passionately it felt like the heartbreak itself was spilling out into the streets outside the Danforth. 

To close the night, they lifted the mood with the upbeat “3 A.M.” - a cheerful, energetic send-off that left everyone smiling and satisfied. As fans stepped out into the rainy Toronto night, there was no doubt they had just experienced something more than a concert. Jesse & Joy had given them an acoustic evening full of heart, humor, and despecho. 

Words and photos: Laura Agudelo