the headliner of the night, brought her unique brand of soulful rock to the stage for the last show of her tour. The venue was transformed into a visual spectacle with giant neon-painted hands holding mushrooms, setting the stage for an atmospheric experience. This marked the second time I’d seen Ruby live this year, the first being a show with City and Colour, but this performance, in particular, was something special. Ruby’s raspy, emotive voice filled the space, and the dark lighting only heightened the depth of her sound. There’s something about her ability to seamlessly transition between electric guitar solos and delicate acoustic playing that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Whether she was belting out a heavy riff or gently strumming her acoustic, Ruby’s range as a vocalist and musician was awe-inspiring.

The crowd at Beanfield Theatre, clearly made up of devoted fans, gave Ruby the warmest of welcomes, reflecting the impact she has had on the Canadian music scene. With each song, the energy in the room shifted, from headbanging to quiet introspection, as Ruby’s songs took the audience on an emotional journey. I couldn’t help but think that Ruby would be a perfect fit opening for a band like Ocean Alley, her sound would blend effortlessly with their vibe.

As the night drew to a close, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being able to witness two amazing Canadian artists share their craft in such an intimate setting. Both Magi Merlin and Ruby Waters demonstrated that music is not just about the sound—it’s about connecting with the audience, creating something real, and leaving a lasting impression.