Ruby Waters brought her raw, soulful energy to Winnipeg’s Burton Cummings Theatre on October 9, 2024, as part of her What’s The Point Tour, delivering an unforgettable night of indie rock, blues, and folk-infused storytelling. Sharing the stage with special guests Tia Wood and Slim Krusty, Waters captivated the crowd with an emotional yet empowering performance.
Slim Krusty. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Opening up the evening was the Australian-based genre-blending singer-songwriter Slim Krusty. Before even strumming the first note on his twelve-string guitar, he immediately jokingly warned the Winnipeg audience that if he weren't allowed to cuss during his set, he wouldn't have many songs in his catalogue to perform. From there on out until the end of his allotted time on stage, Slim Krusty captivated the crowd with his folk and hip-hop-tinged storytelling with overly vulgar lyrics, which were instrumental in getting his point across.
Tia Wood. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Following the Aussie singer-songwriter was Tia Wood, whose debut EP Pretty Red Bird (released on September 27, 2024) is steeped in intimate reflections on love, identity, and cultural roots. Her set, filled with warm acoustic arrangements, showcased her unique voice and effortless ability to connect with the audience. Songs like "Catch & Release," "Losing Game," or "Dirt Roads" reverberated through the theatre with a quiet intensity, drawing the audience in with their gentle melodies and poignant lyricism. Tia Wood's blend of folk, pop, and soul set a calming yet contemplative tone, making her a standout opener for the night. Ruby Waters took the stage with electrifying charisma, opening with the haunting "Rabbit Hole," immediately immersing the audience into her world of introspection and grit. From there, she ripped into the bluesy, hard-hitting "Flash Flood," turning up the energy with her raspy vocals and infectious grooves. Her setlist was a perfect mix of fan favourites and deep cuts, including tracks like the reflective "Bucket" and the rhythm-driven "90 to 99," where her powerful voice and bold lyricism shone.
A particularly poignant moment came when Waters stripped things down for a solo acoustic performance of "Almost Naked," followed by "Honey," giving the audience a glimpse into her more vulnerable side. Her raspy, unfiltered voice soared, and the raw emotion in her delivery created a stirring atmosphere, punctuated by moments of pure silence from the audience, hanging onto her every word.
Ruby Waters. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Waters' powerful stage presence was perfectly complemented by her ability to weave in her sense of humour and effortless banter between songs, giving the performance an intimate feel despite the grandeur of the venue. The audience roared with approval as she unleashed "Harder" and "Blood Thinner," two tracks that highlighted her ability to blend gritty vocals with driving instrumentation, followed by one of the crowd's favourites "Sour Patch," which had everyone singing along to its catchy hooks. After closing her initial set with the high-energy track "Supernatural", Ruby Waters returned for an encore, performing the sultry and psychedelic "Fox." The slow, simmering groove of the song was met with roaring cheers from the crowd, before she transitioned into the ethereal "Sweet Sublime," which was a perfect cool-down, full of emotional depth and shimmering melodies.
Ending the night with "Quantum Physics," Waters left the audience in awe, her performance both sonically and emotionally dense. The song’s haunting refrain, paired with her powerful delivery, left a lasting impression as she bid farewell to a euphoric Winnipeg crowd.
Ruby Waters' What’s The Point Tour stop at Burton Cummings Theatre was a mesmerizing blend of vulnerability, grit, and soulful storytelling. With special guests Tia Wood and Slim Krusty adding layers of musical diversity, the evening was a celebration of honest artistry. Waters’ ability to make a large venue feel intimate while delivering an electrifying performance is a testament to her unique talents. Whether you were swaying to the acoustic warmth of "Almost Naked" or caught up in the high-energy frenzy of "Supernatural," this was a night that solidified Ruby Waters as one of Canada’s most compelling and authentic voices in music today.