When Aqua finally took over, there was an audible shift in the room. The crowd erupted—cheers, applause, whistles—enough to make it clear they were there to relive memories, dance, sing, and have a night they’d talk about. The band walked on with a kind of playful confidence: no apology for the fun, no embarrassment about the pop, just full embrace of it.

Their sound on this night was crisp. The balance between synths, guitars (yes, there was guitar work), and vocals felt thoughtfully mixed. Lead vocals were front-and-center when needed, backing vocals and harmonies enriched the texture without overdoing it. The band knew when to dial things back and when to push forward—to let a melody breathe, to let the beat drop.

One thing that stood out was how much fun Aqua seemed to be having. It’s one thing for fans to feel joy, another for the performers themselves to radiate it. The singers danced, laughed, moved around; they connected with the crowd—gestures, banter, acknowledging who they were playing for. That created a feedback loop: audience gives energy, band responds, audience gives more.

Visually, the show had its moments. Colourful lights, playful projections, costume flourishes. Nothing that felt overproduced, but enough that the stage looked alive, not static. The venue, Burton Cummings Theatre, with its more intimate feel compared to large arenas, helped—every face, every reaction in the front and middle seemed reachable.

The pacing of the set was wise. They opened with momentum, kept things climbing. There were quieter moments—slower introspection, maybe a soft vocal passage or two—that allowed for breaths, for people to catch up, to soak in what was happening. Then the energy picked back up. Towards the end, the crowd was essentially a chorus; sing-alongs, clapping, people on their feet even where seats were provided.

Winnipeg came out for this one. The demographic was varied—people who lived through the late ’90s (or remember it fondly), younger folks curious about the pop phenomenon, folks who just love a good party. The theatre felt full in spirit, even if not every seat was perfect, every section seemed into it. 

Aqua at Burton Cummings in Winnipeg was a blast. It was a show for people who wanted to feel young again, for people who love pop, for people who just want to dance. Kiesza opened with heart, with energy, with presence. Aqua delivered with showmanship, charisma, and real care. By the end of the night, the theatre was buzzing, people were smiling, singing, maybe even a little sweaty. And you walked out thinking: that was worth making plans for. Worth putting on the shoes. Worth giving up a quiet evening.

If you missed it, you missed a night that reminded you why live music matters—not just the hits, but the joy, the shared moments, the unexpected little details. If Aqua comes back through Winnipeg, and Kiesza with them, get a ticket. Bring friends. Dance. Laugh. Let the memory settle. It’ll stick with you.