There was a special kind of energy in the air at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre, the kind that only comes before a night of truly moving music. With Tiny Habits opening the evening with tender harmonies and Sarah McLachlan delivering a heartfelt, unforgettable performance despite battling laryngitis, the concert became a celebration of resilience, artistry, and shared emotion.
The evening began with the Boston-based folk-pop trio taking the stage, their gentle charisma and understated presence immediately captivating the audience. Despite their soft-spoken demeanor, the group’s charm shone through as they joked about being introverts who preferred cozy nights at home over loud parties, a sentiment that endeared them even more to the crowd.
Their set was filled with rich vocal harmonies that seemed to float effortlessly through the venue, each note perfectly intertwined. The trio’s songs touched on themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the fleeting beauty of summertime memories, weaving an emotional tapestry that resonated deeply with listeners. Their natural chemistry and tender delivery set the perfect tone for the night ahead which was intimate, heartfelt, and honest.
When Sarah McLachlan finally stepped into the spotlight, the room erupted with excitement. Opening with her beloved hit “Sweet Surrender,” she instantly reminded everyone why her voice remains one of the most iconic in Canadian music. Between songs, Sarah shared candidly that she had been battling a case of laryngitis and had nearly been forced to cancel the show, which was especially poignant since her last scheduled Ottawa concert had also been cancelled. Her transparency and humor in admitting she was “pumped full of antibiotics” drew laughter and admiration from the crowd, as she vowed to sing for as long as her voice would allow
Sitting at the piano, she delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Will You Remember Me,” bathed in soft purple light that matched the wistful mood of the song. Each note felt personal, her voice carrying both vulnerability and strength as the audience sang along in support. True to her word, Sarah performed as long as possible, pouring her heart into every song before reluctantly cutting the set slightly short to preserve her voice.
The night was nothing short of magic, a celebration of artistry, resilience, and connection. The combination of Tiny Habits’ ethereal harmonies and Sarah’s timeless grace created an atmosphere filled with heart, talent, and camaraderie, leaving concertgoers with an evening they would remember for years to come.
