The evening kicked off with Winnipeg’s own Ila Barker, whose ethereal blend of folk and soul set the perfect tone for the night. As a Métis and Anishinaabe singer-songwriter, Barker’s music resonates with deep emotion, drawing on her cultural roots and personal experiences. She performed a selection of songs from her 2022 album Fool Under Water, captivating the early crowd with her warm vocals and introspective lyrics. Her acoustic guitar and soft yet commanding voice created an intimate atmosphere despite the growing crowd. Tracks like “Intuition” and “Let Go” drew listeners in with their raw honesty, while “Fool Under Water” stood out as a haunting exploration of vulnerability and resilience. The crowd, though still gathering, was clearly moved by Barker’s performance, responding with enthusiastic applause and calls for more. Barker’s set provided a heartfelt and deeply personal start to the evening, offering a sense of connection that laid the foundation for the performances to come. Her music, steeped in stories of identity and belonging, set a meaningful tone for the night, making her a standout in the lineup.

Next up was Indian City, a collective that has become a staple of the Indigenous music scene in Canada. Indian City blends contemporary rock with Indigenous storytelling, creating a unique sound that celebrates the richness of First Nations culture. Their performance at the Burt Block Party was nothing short of spectacular, as they delivered a set that was as uplifting as it was thought-provoking. The band immediately had the crowd on their feet, their upbeat rhythms and powerful lyrics resonating across the block. Indian City’s music is a celebration of life, resilience, and the Indigenous experience, and their performance reflected this in every note.

As the sun began to set over downtown Winnipeg, the stage was set for the Skydiggers, a band that has been a beloved fixture of Canada’s folk-rock scene for over three decades. The Skydiggers brought a sense of nostalgia to the night, with their classic sound evoking memories of a bygone era while still feeling fresh and relevant. The band immediately struck a chord with the crowd, many of whom had clearly followed the Skydiggers’ career over the years. Their signature blend of melodic folk and rock was on full display, and lead singer Andy Maize’s vocals were as strong as ever, his distinctive voice carrying a sense of both melancholy and hope. The band’s harmonies were tight and seamless, creating a rich sound that filled the block. Throughout their set, the Skydiggers struck a perfect balance between uptempo tracks and slower, introspective songs, giving the audience plenty of moments to reflect and connect with the music.

By the time Blue Rodeo took the stage, the excitement in the air was palpable. As one of Canada’s most beloved bands, Blue Rodeo has a legacy that spans over 30 years, and their headlining performance at the Burt Block Party was the perfect way to close out the opening night. From the first chords of “5 Days in May,” the crowd was enraptured, singing along to every word as the band launched into a setlist packed with both hits and deep cuts.

Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, the band’s founding members, shared lead vocals throughout the night, their harmonies as tight as ever. Cuddy’s smooth tenor and Keelor’s gravelly voice complemented each other perfectly. The band’s signature country-rock sound was in full force, with pedal steel guitar, piano, and harmonica adding richness to their performance. One of the standout moments of the night came when the band performed “Lost Together,” a song that has become an anthem for Blue Rodeo fans. The entire audience seemed to join in on the chorus, their voices rising into the night sky in a powerful display of unity and love for the music. The energy was electric, and it was clear that this was a moment many in the audience had been waiting for all night. As the night drew to a close, Blue Rodeo ended their set with the crowd-favorite “Til I Am Myself Again,” leaving the audience on a high note. The cheers and applause that followed were a testament to the band’s enduring popularity and their ability to connect with fans across generations.

The opening night of the Burt Block Party 2024 was everything a summer music festival should be—filled with great music, a sense of community, and a celebration of local and national talent. The festival continues to be a highlight of Winnipeg’s summer calendar, and with performances like these, it’s easy to see why. As the crowds dispersed into the warm night, it was clear that the magic of live music had once again brought people together, creating memories that will last long after the final notes have faded.