Sarah McLachlan Shines in Winnipeg on 30th Anniversary Tour

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan successfully launched her long-awaited 30th Anniversary Tour in Winnipeg on October 22, 2023. The concert, originally scheduled for last November but postponed due to acute laryngitis, coincided with the anniversary of her landmark album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. McLachlan expressed her gratitude to the audience from the stage, stating, “Sorry it took us so long to get here.”

The timing of the concert proved fortuitous, as a documentary about the all-women music festival Lilith Fair, co-founded by McLachlan in the late 1990s, recently premiered on CBC Gem. This resurgence of interest in McLachlan’s career positioned her firmly back in the cultural spotlight.

With an attendance of approximately 6,000 at the Canada Life Centre, McLachlan delivered a set that highlighted both her past and present. The concert included tracks from her new album, her first original release in over a decade. Songs like the title track, along with the evocative “Broken”—written in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade—added contemporary relevance to the evening.

Celebration of a Classic Album

As the concert unfolded, McLachlan took the audience on a nostalgic journey through her extensive discography. The show commenced with a powerful rendition of “Possession,” followed by other hits such as “Building a Mystery” and “Sweet Surrender.” The highlight of the night was the complete performance of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, showcasing its timeless appeal.

Her voice was as strong as ever, showing no signs of the vocal issues that had plagued her previously. “I love this record so much,” she remarked, transitioning into “Angel.” The concert featured a seamless blend of her signature piano-driven ballads and more upbeat tracks, enhancing the emotional depth of the performance.

McLachlan’s stage presence was warm and inviting, complemented by her storytelling and personal anecdotes. Accompanying her were musicians Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland, who contributed to the rich sound of the evening. Doucet, a Winnipeg native, infused the concert with his guitar expertise, while McClelland’s harmonies elevated McLachlan’s vocals.

A Surprise Duet and Audience Engagement

A special surprise came when fellow singer-songwriter and Lilith Fair headliner Paula Cole joined McLachlan on stage for a duet of “I Don’t Want to Wait.” This unexpected collaboration delighted the audience and added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

The concert lasted over two hours, with McLachlan maintaining vocal control and engaging the crowd throughout. While she occasionally encouraged audience participation—most notably during a lively rendition of “Ice Cream”—she primarily led the performance, showcasing her operatic range in songs like “Fear.”

As the evening drew to a close, McLachlan performed “Gravity,” a poignant love song dedicated to her daughter, followed by the classic “Angel.” The finale, featuring backing vocals from McClelland, Doucet, and opening act Tiny Habits, created a shared moment of musical magic that left the audience in awe.

Opening the night was the American folk-pop trio Tiny Habits, who captivated the audience with their harmonious blend of original songs and fresh covers. Their performance set an intimate tone, making the arena feel like a cozy venue. Tiny Habits, still early in their career since forming in 2021, showcased their potential with stunning vocals and engaging stage presence.

McLachlan’s return to the stage in Winnipeg was not just a concert; it was a celebration of her enduring legacy in music. Her ability to connect with the audience, combined with the nostalgia of her classic hits, reaffirmed her place in the hearts of fans across generations.