The Park Theatre in Winnipeg was buzzing with anticipation on Sunday, August 25, 2024, as the Way Up West Tour made its highly anticipated stop in the city. Featuring the genre-bending sounds of Frances Forever and K. Flay, the show was a night of infectious energy, unrelenting vulnerability, and sheer artistry that left the Winnipeg audience in complete awe.
Opening the night was indie-pop sensation Frances Forever, who quickly won over the audience with their quirky yet intimate stage presence. The set began with the dreamy “Stuck,” immediately pulling the audience into Frances’ world of introspective lyricism and breezy melodies. Each song felt like an emotional journey, with “Mr. Man” and “Too Soft” striking delicate balances between vulnerability and self-assurance.
Frances Forever. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The moment that truly ignited the crowd came with “Monica,” a fan favorite, with its bouncy beat and catchy chorus, setting the stage alight. Their playful single “Baby Bangs” had concertgoers grooving around the venue, while the darker, more introspective tones of “Paranoia Party” introduced an element of intensity to the set.
By the time they played “Space Girl,” the song that first shot Frances Forever to viral fame, the entire room was swaying and singing along and a few people doing the viral TikTok with Frances. It was a fitting closer to their set, filled with cosmic energy and indie charm, giving Winnipeg a taste of Frances’ unique sound that blends whimsical pop with deep emotion.
If Frances Forever set the mood, K. Flay shattered the ceiling with an explosive headlining performance, and her first in the city. Opening with the adrenaline-pumping “Are You Serious?,” K. Flay wasted no time in getting the crowd on their feet. The sonic fusion of alt-rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements created a high-energy, rebellious atmosphere that kept the audience completely captivated.
K. Flay. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Tracks like “Raw Raw” and “Can't Sleep” displayed her knack for blending raw emotion with cutting-edge production. The punk-tinged “Black Wave” saw the crowd erupt as K. Flay moved around the stage, her fierce vocal delivery cutting through the thundering beats. The intimacy returned briefly with “Four Letter Words,” a candid anthem about heartbreak that resonated deeply with fans.
Mid-set, K. Flay brought in tracks like “Carsick” and “Irish Goodbye,” maintaining the momentum with a mix of tongue-in-cheek lyrics and angsty energy. “Giver” and “Bad Vibes” were crowd favourites, with everyone screaming along to the anthemic choruses. K. Flay’s blend of vulnerability and swagger peaked during her mashup of “Blood In The Cut” and Green Day’s “Brain Stew,” which added a nostalgic twist while showcasing her creativity as a live performer. Fans were particularly enthralled by the high-octane performances of “Weirdo” and “This Baby Don't Cry,” where her rebellious spirit and infectious energy had the whole venue jumping.
As the night wore on, K. Flay treated the audience to “TGIF” and “Zen,” -a collaborative song with X Ambassadors and Grandson- both of which were upbeat and almost cathartic, blending melodic choruses with aggressive verses. Wrapping up with the electric “High Enough” and closing on an emotional note with “Perfectly Alone,” K. Flay delivered a fully rounded performance that hit every emotional chord. The Way Up West Tour stop at the Park Theatre was nothing short of electrifying. Frances Forever’s set brought a warm, ethereal start to the evening, while K. Flay delivered an unforgettable headlining performance, blurring the lines between genres and captivating the audience with her fearless authenticity. For Winnipeg fans, this was a night to remember—a celebration of vulnerability, empowerment, and pure musical talent.