Winnipeg welcomed Canadian hip-hop and alternative artist SonReal back to the city with open arms on February 8, 2025, as he brought his All Things Aside Tour to the city's Park Theatre. With an intimate yet electric atmosphere, the night proved to be an emotional and high-energy ride for fans eager to experience SonReal’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and anthemic bangers. Opening the show was East Coast singer-songwriter sunsetto, who set the perfect tone for the night with his dreamy alt-R&B and pop vibes.
sunsetto. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Kicking off the night, sunsetto captivated the crowd with a selection of songs such as "DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND," "PLANS," and "BIG MACHINE," from his recently released debut album THE MOON, THE SUN AND THE BIG MACHINE. His smooth vocals and atmospheric beats enveloped the venue, creating a hypnotic experience. A standout moment came when he performed a cover of "Sunflower"Â by Post Malone and Swae Lee, which had the audience singing along to every word. His ability to weave emotional depth into catchy melodies made for a strong introduction to the evening, leaving concertgoers primed for the main event.
From the moment SonReal took the stage with the "All Things Aside Intro," the crowd erupted in cheers, and the momentum never wavered. His infectious energy radiated through the following hits "Everywhere I Go"Â and "Take 5," setting the stage for a dynamic performance.
SonReal’s versatility as an artist shone through as he effortlessly transitioned from high-energy tracks like "Parachute" and "No Warm Up" to deeply personal acoustic songs such as "1000 Highways" and "My Friend." A major highlight of the night was the medley mash-up of "For The Town," "Repo Man," and "Go Play," a nostalgic journey through some of his fan-favourite tracks that had longtime listeners in a frenzy.
SonReal. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The Winnipeg audience was treated to two unreleased songs—"Night Cap" and "Dumb," the latter featuring Indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids. The crowd responded with utter excitement, signalling that these tracks could become future anthems in SonReal’s catalogue in the near future.
The set reached emotional peaks with "Fearless"Â and "Healing," songs that resonated deeply with the audience. By the time he launched into "Can I Get A Witness," the entire venue was on their feet, singing at the top of their lungs.
After an overwhelming demand for an encore, SonReal returned to the stage to deliver a medley of "Dive Bar"Â and "Preach," ensuring the night ended on a euphoric high. The blend of introspective lyricism and crowd-pleasing choruses left fans wanting more, proving once again why SonReal remains one of Canada's most captivating live performers.
SonReal’s return to Winnipeg was nothing short of triumphant. From introspective ballads to infectious anthems, his set was a masterclass in connecting with an audience through raw emotion and boundless energy. Paired with sunsetto’s atmospheric opening set, the night was a reminder of why live music holds such a special place in our hearts. If the All Things Aside Tour is any indication of what’s to come, SonReal’s journey is far from over—it’s only getting started.