Into Dust Tour: The Strumbellas and The Honest Heart Collective - Winnipeg, MB

The Strumbellas returned to Winnipeg on November 26, 2025, bringing their Into Dust Tour to the storied Burton Cummings Theatre—a venue whose warmth and intimacy perfectly matched the band’s signature blend of anthemic indie folk and emotional candour. Paired with an exceptional opening set from Thunder Bay’s The Honest Heart Collective, the night became a heartfelt celebration of community, catharsis, and connection.

The Honest Heart Collective. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

The Honest Heart Collective set the tone with a performance that felt both earnest and electrifying. Opening with “11/17,” the band immediately showcased the rugged sincerity that has earned them a passionate following. Their set moved like a road map of self-reflection: the steadfast reassurance of “I’ve Got You,” the introspective grit of “I Heard You’re Worried About Me,” and the urgent drive of “Outrun.”

Two brand-new songs—“’96 Sunfire” and “Namesake”—offered a thrilling glimpse at where the band may be headed next. “’96 Sunfire” burst with nostalgic energy, while “Namesake” leaned into a more expansive, emotionally heavy direction that resonated strongly with the audience.

The band closed with a moving, blue-collar take on Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City,” a fitting tribute that showcased their ability to honour their influences while making the moment wholly their own. By the end of their set, the crowd was fully warmed—both in volume and spirit.

With the stage bathed in moody blues and warm ambers, The Strumbellas stepped out to a roar of recognition. They opened with “Hanging Out In My Head,” a fitting introduction to an evening steeped in introspection and release. It didn’t take long for the band’s signature energy to fill the theatre—six musicians moving as one, swapping smiles, harmonies, and instruments with the ease of a well-loved family.

From there, the band moved through a sweeping set that bridged their past and present: “Salvation” and “Hold Me” brought early sing-alongs, while “Maybe It’s Me” and “Sailing” carried the emotional weight of their newest material, showcasing maturity without sacrificing melody.

“Shovels & Dirt” and “Greatest Enemy” ignited the crowd, their stomp-and-clap rhythms shaking the old theatre floors. Meanwhile, fan favourites like “Diane,” “Steal My Soul,” and “Come Back Around” kept the energy pulsing between reflective and triumphant.

The Strumbellas. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

The middle stretch of the set—“I’ll Wait,” “Great Unknown,” and “Young & Wild”—felt almost cinematic, the band layering strings, percussion, and soaring group vocals into a sound that seemed to bloom outward into every corner of the venue.

But it was the final run that cemented the night as something truly special. “Running Out of Time,” “The Hired Band,” “My Home Is You,” and “Hard Lines” formed an emotional arc that had the audience swaying, singing, and at moments even wiping away tears. The Strumbellas have always been masters of blending vulnerability with hope, and this sequence captured that balance beautifully.

As the lights dipped and the crowd erupted, the band closed with two undeniable anthems: “We Don’t Know”—a massive, choir-like moment of unity—and “Spirits,” which transformed the Burton Cummings Theatre into a full-throated celebration. The chorus rang out with hundreds of voices merging into one: a reminder of why this band continues to mean so much to so many.

The Strumbellas’ Into Dust Tour stop in Winnipeg was more than just a concert—it was a gathering of hearts. Their ability to turn vulnerability into strength, melancholy into movement, and personal stories into communal experiences remains unmatched.

Paired with The Honest Heart Collective’s compelling and authentic opener, the entire night felt like a welcome embrace—warm, honest, and deeply human. It was a reminder of the healing power of music, and why nights like this stay with us long after the lights come up.