Forever Isn't Long Enough Tour: Max McNown and The Jack Wharff Band - Winnipeg, MB

There was a special kind of warmth filling the Burton Cummings Theatre on October 9th, 2025, when Max McNown brought his Forever Isn’t Long Enough Tour to Winnipeg. Despite the cool fall evening outside, the atmosphere inside was buzzing with an energy that felt both deeply personal and widely communal—the kind of show that reminds you music’s greatest gift is connection. Supported by The Jack Wharff Band, McNown delivered a night that beautifully bridged storytelling, introspection, and heartland soul.

The Jack Wharff Band. All photos by Samuel Stevens.

Kicking off the evening, The Jack Wharff Band set the tone with a mix of Southern rock grit and country charm. Their set began with a track that was simply titled “Intro” on the setlist, which built anticipation before sliding into “Burnin’ It Down,” a bluesy number packed with swagger. “Ole Virginia” and “Picture Perfect” showcased Wharff’s strong vocal presence and the band’s tight musicianship, while “Moonshire Man” and “Messed Up Kid” balanced rowdy energy with earnest storytelling.

A surprise moment came when the group covered Pink Floyd’s “Time,” transforming the progressive rock classic into a soulful jam laced with slide guitar and warm harmonies—a reinterpretation that earned loud applause. The band closed out their set with the track, “Washed.” Without ease, the band left the crowd energized and ready for the main act. From the moment Max McNown stepped onto the stage and strummed the opening chords of the tour's namesake, “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” it was clear he wasn’t just performing songs—he was sharing pieces of himself with the Winnipeg audience. The Oregon-born singer-songwriter’s blend of folk, Americana, and roots rock resonated deeply with the Winnipeg audience, who hung on every lyric as if hearing their own memories sung back to them.

“Hotel Bible” and “Turned into Missing You” followed, both drenched in vivid imagery and the kind of emotional weight McNown has built his name on. Between songs, he spoke humbly and often with immense gratitude, mentioning how surreal it felt to be performing in such a historic theatre so far from home and how grateful he is to be able to sing these songs in front of audiences around the globe.

Max McNown. All photos by Samuel Stevens.

Songs like “Azalea Place,” “Wherever I’m Going,” and “Freezing in November” struck a quiet nerve—the room falling nearly silent as his warm, slightly raspy voice carried through the rafters. The momentum built with “Night Diving” and “The Way I Wanna,” both of which saw the crowd swaying and singing along softly.

One of the night’s highlights came when McNown performed “Marley,” seamlessly weaving in a tender snippet of Bob Marley’s hit song “Three Little Birds” that turned into a joyful, communal sing-along, a moment that perfectly captured his spirit as both a performer and a unifier. From there, he powered through fan favourites “Dead Set,” “Fishing Line,” and “Same Questions,” showcasing the full range of his artistry—from introspective to anthemic.

“Love Me Back” and “Hindsight and Photographs” closed the main set in spectacular fashion, with the audience giving him a standing ovation that lasted until he reappeared for the encore.

Returning to the stage, McNown began “A Lot More Free,” a reflective number that felt almost like a conversation between old friends. Immediately after, he thanked the audience once again for coming and taking time out of their certainly busy lives to come see him perform for a couple of hours, before launching into the heartfelt finale, “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” which glowed with hope and vulnerability—the perfect closing statement for an artist whose music thrives on honesty.

The Winnipeg stop of the Forever Isn’t Long Enough Tour was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Max McNown’s set balanced powerful narratives with subtle moments of introspection, while The Jack Wharff Band set the stage with authentic southern energy. The show’s pacing, intimacy, and communal feel made it one of those nights that linger long after the lights dimmed.