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Ocie Elliott in Winnipeg

The Burton Cummings Theatre, with its vintage charm and acoustically rich atmosphere, hosted a night of soul-soothing indie-folk on October 2. Ocie Elliott, the Canadian duo known for their tender harmonies and acoustic serenity, headlined the evening, supported by Chris Staples, an artist whose minimalist approach to songwriting leaves a lasting impression. The night was one to remember for its intimacy, emotional depth, and connection between artist and audience, offering a peaceful refuge in the midst of autumn’s hustle.

Chris Staples

As the lights dimmed and Chris Staples took the stage, the audience was immediately pulled into a space of quiet introspection. The Florida-born singer-songwriter, known for his poignant lyrics and stripped-down arrangements, opened with a warmth that perfectly suited the vibe of the night. Armed only with his acoustic guitar, Staples’ sound was simple yet profound, setting a gentle tone for the evening. Staples has a knack for creating music that feels both personal and universal. His songs, drawn from albums like Holy Moly and Golden Age, delve into themes of loss, love, and the search for meaning in life’s quieter moments. “Dark Side of the Moon,” one of the standout tracks of his set, captured the room’s attention with its haunting melodies and vulnerable lyrics. Staples’ raspy voice, full of sincerity, filled the theater as if each word was a shared secret.

 

Despite the lack of elaborate instrumentation, Staples had the audience captivated. His between-song banter added to the charm—humble, self-deprecating, and funny, he brought moments of levity to an otherwise contemplative set. Songs like “Relatively Permanent” and “Grand Coulee Band” showed off his storytelling skills, evoking imagery of small towns, long roads, and memories that linger like echoes. Staples also played newer material, which, while maintaining his trademark introspection, felt more polished and expansive. His songwriting has matured over the years, but it hasn’t lost its emotional honesty. The final song, “Time Is a Wheel,” ended his set on a reflective note, as the audience sat in quiet appreciation. There was a palpable sense of calm in the air, a rare feeling that lingered long after he left the stage.

Ocie Elliott

Ocie Elliott—comprised of Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy—took the stage after a short intermission, their presence immediately enveloping the audience with warmth. Known for their ethereal harmonies and introspective lyrics, the duo brought their signature blend of indie-folk with an ease that felt almost effortless. From the first note, it was clear that this was going to be a deeply intimate performance.

 

Their set beautifully showcases the duo’s ability to weave delicate guitar picking with harmonized vocals. Middleton and Lundy’s voices blend so seamlessly that it’s often hard to distinguish one from the other—a testament to their synchronicity both as musicians and as a couple. The song’s gentle rhythm and comforting lyrics immediately drew the audience in, creating an atmosphere of stillness in the theatre. Ocie Elliott’s music often feels like a conversation between two souls, and their live performance amplifies that sensation. As they moved through songs like “Slow Tide” and “Hold My Name,” there was a sense that the duo was not merely performing for the audience but inviting them into their world. The simplicity of their setup—two guitars, a keyboard, and their voices—only enhanced the raw beauty of the music. The lack of any grand spectacle allowed their talent and emotional connection to shine.

 

The setlist for the evening spanned across Ocie Elliott’s discography, from fan favorites to tracks off their most recent album, A Place. “Be Around” was a standout moment, a song that combines delicate acoustic fingerpicking with lyrics that speak to the themes of connection and longing. The subtle dynamics in the arrangement allowed for emotional crescendos, moving the audience in waves. As the duo performed “Forest Floor,” there was a tangible shift in the room—a shared collective experience of tranquility. The song’s imagery, invoking nature and solitude, felt particularly resonant in the calm environment of the Burton Cummings Theatre. Their music has always had a close relationship with nature, and it was as if the audience was transported to a quiet forest clearing, surrounded by trees and starlight.

 

One of the most endearing aspects of Ocie Elliott’s performance is their rapport with the audience. Between songs, Middleton and Lundy engaged in lighthearted banter, sharing stories about life on the road, the inspiration behind their songs, and even a few playful anecdotes from their personal lives. This down-to-earth interaction made the audience feel like they were part of an intimate gathering rather than a formal concert. As the set progressed, Ocie Elliott continued to bring the audience through emotional highs and lows. Songs like “Run to You” and “Sing, Siren” showcased the duo’s ability to evoke both melancholy and hope, often within the same song. Their music taps into universal emotions—love, loss, longing—but does so in a way that feels fresh and authentic. The emotional depth of their performance was undeniable, and the quiet intensity of each song was met with rapt silence from the audience.

 

Ocie Elliott’s performance at the Burton Cummings Theatre was more than just a concert—it was a shared experience of serenity, connection, and emotional depth. The duo’s ability to create such an intimate atmosphere in a large venue is a testament to their musical chemistry and the universal appeal of their songs. From Chris Staples’ introspective opening set to Ocie Elliott’s harmonious and heartfelt performance, the night was a beautiful reminder of the power of simplicity and sincerity in music. For those who attended, it was a night that lingered long after the final note—a quiet, contemplative evening that will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of Winnipeg’s live music calendar in 2024.

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