Everywhere We Go Tour: Wild Rivers and Anna Graves - Winnipeg, MB

It was a night of poetic lyricism, captivating harmonies, and heartfelt performances as the Everywhere We Go North American Tour rolled into Winnipeg at the storied Burton Cummings Theatre—a venue the band revealed they wanted to headline for some time. Marking Wild Rivers’ sixth visit to the city and Anna Graves’ triumphant return since her local debut, the Burton Cummings Theatre transformed into a glowing haven for indie folk lovers on Saturday evening.

Anna Graves. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Opening the night was Los Angeles singer-songwriter Anna Graves, who instantly captivated the crowd with her signature blend of rich vocals and raw emotionality. Returning to Winnipeg for only the second time, Graves brought a confident intimacy that felt like a warm conversation with an old friend.

Launching into the night with “Obsessed,” she set a passionate tone, balancing haunting melodies with a subtle power in her delivery. “When the Love Is Gone” and “Fly” soared with an atmospheric elegance, while “Made to Love Someone” offered a soul-baring moment that silenced the venue in awe.

But it was her rootsy, reflective songs like “Trail Horse” and the wistful “Minnesota On My Mind” that felt like love letters to the open road and lost moments of home. She closed with “Bluebird,” a fitting finale that fluttered delicately between hope and heartbreak. Graves continues to cement her place as a rising force in the folk-pop/alt-country scene, and Winnipeg was clearly ready to welcome her back again. By the time Toronto-born Wild Rivers took the stage, the theatre was buzzing with anticipation. The band, now six performances deep in Winnipeg, was greeted like hometown heroes. Opening with the energetic “Never Better,” they quickly reminded fans why their bond with this city runs so deep.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through the band’s expansive discography, from the nostalgia-tinged “Bedrock” and fan-favourite “Wandering Child” to the emotionally rich “Amsterdam” and the reflective “Speak Too Soon.” Newer tracks like “Anyways, I Love You” and “Backfire” showcased the band’s continued evolution, blending their folk-pop core with genre-fluid ambition.

Wild Rivers. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

A special moment arrived mid-set, or as the band dubbed, "Part two," when the band unplugged for a stunning acoustic rendition of “Neon Stars,” casting a serene hush over the crowd. The intimacy deepened as the band honoured fan requests in lieu of a fan vote on Instagram, with stripped-down versions of “Howling” and “Long Time,” the theatre lit only by stage lights and phone flashlights—a breathtaking reminder of the communal magic live music can conjure.

The show’s emotional peak came with “Still the One” and the slow-burning ache of “Heart Attack,” leading perfectly into the encore. Returning with “Freezing” and their breakout hit “Thinking 'Bout Love,” Wild Rivers left the audience swaying, singing, and entirely satisfied.

The Everywhere We Go tour stop in Winnipeg wasn’t just a concert—it was a testament to the emotional power of honest songwriting and the rare beauty of artist-audience connection. Whether it was Anna Graves’ intimate vulnerability or Wild Rivers’ polished yet poignant performance, the night felt like a conversation between hearts. For both acts, Winnipeg was more than just a stop on the map—it was a musical homecoming.