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

On a humid Thursday evening in Winnipeg, local rock fans packed into the Park Theatre for the second sold-out night of The Blue Stones and The Darcys’ two-night stand. Following a fiery opening show the night before, expectations were sky-high for night two, and the bands did not disappoint. With a clever setlist shakeup and immersive performances from both acts, this evening served as a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and raw musical chemistry.

The Darcys. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Opening the night, Toronto art-rock duo The Darcys brought a glossy, synth-laced energy that leaned into '80s nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary cool. Jordan and Wes seemed right at home on the Park Theatre stage, wrapping the crowd in waves of neon grooves and dancefloor melancholy.

Starting with “Dreaming,” the band set an ethereal tone before easing into the upbeat yet self-aware anthem “I’m Starting to Think I’m Bad at Parties.” From there, the Darcys walked a tightrope between existential pop and indie rock cool, showcasing the magnetic “Talking” and “Can’t Be Absolutely Sure,” which stood out as an unexpected emotional highlight.

The middle stretch, anchored by “1986” and the pulsing “Trouble Found Me,” invited shoulder-swaying and sing-alongs from longtime fans, while deeper cuts like “Shangri-Lost” and “Running for the Hills” demonstrated the band’s stylistic versatility. They closed with “Black Diamonds,” a slow-burning number that burst into a cathartic finale, leaving the audience riled up and ready for the headliners.

The Blue Stones. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Returning to the Park Theatre stage for night two, Windsor’s The Blue Stones delivered a set packed with bluesy grit, alternative swagger, and just enough unpredictability to set this show apart from its predecessor. Right from the opening riff of “Your Master,” the duo’s chemistry was electric—guitarist/vocalist Tarek Jafar and drummer Justin Tessier played with a level of tightness and fury that only comes from years of road-tested trust.

Fan favourites like “Be My Fire,” “Don’t Feel Right,” and “Magic” were delivered with snarling confidence, but it was the addition of “Kill Box,” which the band didn't perform the previous night, that truly elevated the show. Slotted in after the grimy pulse of “Grim,” the gritty, doom-laden “Kill Box” had a noticeably darker edge, providing a brooding counterpoint to the high-energy bombast surrounding it. As a treat for those attending both nights, this addition felt like a reward, a deeper dive into their evolving sound and a gesture of appreciation to their dedicated fanbase.

Mid-set highlights included the psychedelic sway of “Happy Cry” and the hauntingly personal “Jesse James,” both of which showed the band’s knack for balancing vulnerability and groove. “Healing” and “Falling Leaves” brought atmospheric textures before the one-two punch of “Black Holes (Solid Ground)” and “Let It Ride” reignited the crowd into full-throttle rock mode.

The encore sequence of “Rolling With the Punches,” “Don’t Miss,” and the anthemic “Shakin’ Off the Rust” was cathartic, giving fans the explosive ending they came for. By the time the final notes rang out, it was clear The Blue Stones had cemented their reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting live rock acts—and this Park Theatre doubleheader might go down as one of the standout concert events of Winnipeg’s 2025 live calendar. Night two proved that lightning can strike twice, especially when two of Canada’s most compelling alternative rock duos bring their A-game. The Darcys mesmerized with shimmering retro-pop rock, while The Blue Stones brought the thunder—and a surprise setlist twist—to cap off an unforgettable two-night residency at the Park Theatre.