Metro North American Tour: The Blue Stones and The Darcys - Winnipeg Night One

On May 28, 2025, The Park Theatre in Winnipeg played host to a powerhouse night of Canadian rock as The Blue Stones kicked off a two-night stand with support from The Darcys. The intimate venue buzzed with anticipation as fans packed in tight, ready to be treated to a dynamic mix of alt-rock grit, synth-driven pop, and soulful blues.

The Darcys. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Opening the night was Toronto duo The Darcys, who’ve evolved far beyond their earlier art-rock roots into a glossy yet emotionally potent synth-pop outfit. Their setlist showcased this metamorphosis perfectly, opening with the shimmering "Dreaming" before diving into the darkly infectious "I'm Starting to Think I'm Bad at Parties," which had the crowd grooving despite its self-deprecating lyrics.

Mid-set highlights included the brooding "1986," a melancholic anthem brimming with retro textures, and "Shangri-Lost," which saw the band layering shimmering synths over pulsing beats with effortless cool.

Closing out with the urgent "Black Diamonds," The Darcys left the stage having turned casual listeners into captivated fans. Their blend of glitz and introspection made them the perfect foil for what came next.

The Blue Stones. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

The moment The Blue Stones took the stage, the energy in the room shifted. The Windsor-based duo—Tarek Jafar and Justin Tessier—proved once again that two people can sound like a full-throttle storm. They opened with the slinky groove of “Your Master,” immediately casting a spell with Jafar’s velvety vocals and fiery guitar work.

The night’s setlist was a tightrope walk between hard-hitting blues rock and more expansive, emotionally resonant tracks. Songs like “Come Apart” and “Don’t Feel Right” flexed their raw power, while “Be My Fire” and “Magic” showcased their ability to craft swaggering, radio-ready hooks without sacrificing soul.

A special shoutout goes to “Happy Cry” and “Jesse James”—both of which saw Jafar navigating between sultry falsettos and snarling riffs, while Tessier’s drumming added a thunderous backbone that had the crowd moving in waves. “Grim” and “Healing” brought a darker intensity, but it was “Falling Leaves” that provided one of the night's most soaring, melodic highs.

Fan-favourite “Black Holes (Solid Ground)” was a volcanic eruption of sound, leading into a blistering encore stretch that included “Let It Ride,” “Rolling With the Punches,” and the soul-baring “Don’t Miss.” The final song, “Shakin’ Off the Rust,” was pure catharsis—anthemic and defiant, a perfect closer that left the room vibrating with energy.

Night one of two at The Park Theatre was a reminder of just how strong Canada’s rock scene continues to be. The Darcys offered mood and movement, while The Blue Stones delivered a knockout performance brimming with power, passion, and precision. For those lucky enough to return for night two, there’s no doubt it’ll be just as electric, if not more.