Edmonton’s live music scene came alive last night as Northern Lights, a Juno-nominated indie band, kicked off their highly anticipated national tour at the historic Winspear Centre. The sold-out concert marked the group’s first live performance in over two years, blending nostalgic fan favourites with tracks from their latest album, Wavelengths. Fans braved the summer evening heat to line up around the block, eager to witness the band’s return to the stage.
Opening with their breakout hit Aurora Skies, the band set an electric tone that carried throughout the two-hour set. Frontwoman Chloe Hart captivated the audience with her dynamic vocals and effortless stage presence, while guitarist Marc Duval delivered intricate riffs that drew roars of approval. Between songs, the band shared stories from their recent recording sessions in Vancouver, giving fans a glimpse into their creative process.
The setlist balanced upbeat, danceable tracks with intimate acoustic moments. Midway through the show, Hart performed a stripped-down version of Under the City Lights, accompanied only by Duval on acoustic guitar. The quiet intensity of the performance had the entire venue in hushed silence before erupting into thunderous applause.
In keeping with their commitment to environmental causes, Northern Lights partnered with a local nonprofit to offset the carbon footprint of their tour. Merch tables featured sustainably sourced apparel, and concertgoers were encouraged to use public transit or carpool to the venue. “We want our shows to feel good in every way,” Hart told the audience.
The Edmonton date also featured collaborations with local talent. Rising folk artist Jamie Sinclair joined the band for a duet on Long Way Home, adding a rich layer of harmonies to the track. For many fans, these unexpected pairings were a highlight of the night.
Critics praised the concert as both musically tight and emotionally resonant. “They’ve managed to evolve their sound without losing the heart that drew fans in the first place,” wrote one reviewer in the Edmonton Journal. Social media was flooded with clips from the performance, many tagged with #NorthernLightsTour, which trended locally through the night.
As the final chords of Wavelengths rang out, the band promised they would return to Edmonton before the end of the tour. Judging by the audience’s standing ovation and chants for an encore, the city will be ready to welcome them back with open arms.