Best of Bands as Bands 2025: Lotai as Chappell Roan, Hera as Sabrina Carpenter, and Ritchot Textiles as The Killers

Real Love’s Best of Bands as Bands series has always thrived on creativity, community, and a shared love of pop culture, and the December 20, 2025 edition at Winnipeg’s Park Theatre was a perfect year-end celebration of all three. Turning the stage into a playful, high-energy tribute night, the show featured Ritchot Textiles channelling The Killers, Hera stepping into the glossy pop world of Sabrina Carpenter, and Lotai delivering a full-throttle homage to Chappell Roan. The result was a packed, sold-out room, a singing-along crowd, and a reminder of just how fun live music can be when bands let themselves fully lean into the bit.

Ritchot Textiles - Performing as The Killers. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Opening the night, Ritchot Textiles took on the monumental task of performing as The Killers—and rose to the occasion with confidence and reverence. From the opening pulse of “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” it was clear the band understood the drama and swagger that defines The Killers’ massive catalogue. The singalong momentum never let up through crowd favourites like “Read My Mind,” “Smile Like You Mean It,” and “Somebody Told Me,” with the audience eagerly matching every lyric. Deeper cuts such as “Andy, You’re a Star” and “For Reasons Unknown” added texture to the set, while the emotional release of “All These Things That I’ve Done” turned the floor into a unified choir. Of course, the one-two punch of “When You Were Young” and “Mr. Brightside” closed the set in explosive fashion, instantly transforming the Park Theatre into a full-blown indie-rock karaoke bar.

Hera - Performing as Sabrina Carpenter. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Hera followed with a shimmering, playful tribute to Sabrina Carpenter, leaning into both her pop polish and tongue-in-cheek confidence. Hera’s performance captured the spirit of Carpenter’s recent eras effortlessly. Songs like “Please Please Please,” “House Tour,” and “Taste” brought a flirtatious bounce to the room, while “Tears” and “Manchild” showcased emotional range beneath the glossy surface. A highlight came with “Nonsense,” which cleverly transitioned halfway through into “A Nonsense Christmas,” earning cheers and laughter from the crowd and perfectly fitting the festive timing of the show. It was a fun, charismatic set that balanced pop theatrics with genuine connection.

Lotai - Performing as Chappell Roan. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Closing out the night, Lotai as Chappell Roan was nothing short of electric. From the opening notes of “Good Luck, Babe!” through to the euphoric finale of “Pink Pony Club,” Lotai fully embodied the bold, unapologetic energy that has made Chappell Roan such a cultural force. The crowd danced and shouted along to “Hot To Go” and “Red Wine Supernova,” while more intimate moments like “Casual,” “Picture You,” and “The Subway” added emotional depth. Tracks like “My Kink Is Karma,” “Feminimomenon,” and “Naked In Manhattan” turned the Park Theatre into a joyful, queer-pop celebration, with Lotai commanding the stage through sheer presence and passion. By the time “Pink Pony Club” hit, the room felt less like a concert and more like a collective release.

Real Love’s Best of Bands as Bands show once again proved why the series has become such a staple in Winnipeg’s live music scene. By blending homage with personality, December 20’s lineup delivered a night that was equal parts nostalgia, celebration, and pure fun—an ideal way to close out the year at the Park Theatre, surrounded by loud choruses, bright lights, and a community that clearly loves showing up for moments like this.