Pity Party Tour: Hotel Mira and Zach Riley - Winnipeg, MB

There was nothing pitiful about the energy at The Park Theatre on October 7, 2025, as Vancouver indie rockers Hotel Mira and local, rising singer-songwriter Zach Riley rolled through Winnipeg for the Pity Party Tour. What unfolded over the course of the night was a dynamic mix of heartfelt storytelling, high-octane rock, and cathartic sing-alongs that perfectly captured the tour’s tongue-in-cheek name—equal parts melancholy and celebration.

Zach Riley. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Winnipeg’s own Zach Riley kicked off the evening with an intimate yet powerful performance that showcased both his vocal finesse and emotional range. Opening with “With You,” Riley immediately drew the crowd in with his blend of alternative rock warmth and pop sensibility. His voice carried an aching sincerity, soaring over crisp guitar tones and understated percussion.

Tracks like “Rewind” and “Hero” demonstrated Riley’s knack for crafting melodies that stick, while “Your Touch” and “Long Way To Go” introduced more vulnerability, painting portraits of love and longing with an earnest touch. His surprise cover of KALEO’s “Hot Blood” was a standout—gritty, passionate, and perfectly suited to his raspy vocal edge. He closed his set with “Kiss Me,” a heartfelt anthem that left the audience swaying and cheering, setting an emotional tone for the night ahead. When Hotel Mira took the stage, the mood shifted from introspection to exhilaration. Led by the endlessly charismatic Charlie Kerr, the band exploded into “America’s Favourite Pastime,” igniting the packed Park Theatre with their signature mix of swagger and sincerity. Kerr’s stage presence was magnetic—one moment strutting across the stage with confidence, the next reaching out to fans in moments of genuine connection.

Hotel Mira. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Their set was a masterclass in balance—a seamless blend of infectious rock bangers and emotionally charged slow burns. “Right Back Where I Was” and “Fever Pitch” radiated energy, while “Jungle” and “Runner” offered moments of tension and release, driven by tight instrumentation and Kerr’s theatrical delivery.

Midway through, the band leaned into their more reflective material with “The Eyes on You” and “Silver Lake,” both of which showcased Hotel Mira’s evolution from indie upstarts to one of Canada’s most compelling modern rock acts. The emotional apex came with “This Could Be It For Me” and “Cowboy,” as the crowd belted every word back—a testament to the deep connection their music has built with fans.

The main set closed with “Speaking Off the Record” and “Dancing With the Moonlight,” two anthemic tracks that had the entire venue moving in unison. But the night wasn’t over yet.

After a roar of applause, Hotel Mira returned for a three-song encore that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening. “Son-In-Law” brought humour and bite, “Southern Comforting” delivered heartfelt nostalgia, and by the end, the room felt transformed—an emotional release shared between band and audience alike.

The Pity Party Tour stop in Winnipeg was a night that reminded fans why live music matters. Zach Riley offered an intimate glimpse into his artistry, setting the stage with authenticity and heart, while Hotel Mira proved once again that they’re one of the most exciting live acts in Canadian music today. Their performance was equal parts electric and emotional—a perfect “pity party” where everyone left feeling a little lighter than they came in.