Ruby Waters delivered a powerful and intimate performance at Vancouver‘s Commodore Ballroom on September 28, 2024. Known for her soulful, raspy vocals and raw emotion, Waters filled the iconic venue with energy and vulnerability, treating the audience to a memorable night.
The show kicked off with “Rabbit Hole,” setting a moody, introspective tone that gripped the crowd immediately. Waters’ ability to seamlessly shift between vulnerability and strength was on full display, and it only grew stronger as the night went on. “Flash Flood” followed, bringing a tidal wave of intensity with its bluesy, soulful riffs, while “Bucket” took on a more reflective, almost bittersweet quality.
As Waters moved through tracks like “Good Recipe” and the seductive “90 to 99,” her voice carried an earthy, almost tangible texture, allowing her to pour raw emotion into every lyric. “Blood Thinner” stood out with its chilling chorus, which washed over the audience like a haunting lullaby.
One of the concert’s standout moments was “Harder,” where the room practically vibrated with the energy she brought to the stage. The lights flickered in sync with the pulsating beat, intensifying the performance, while the crowd sang along, utterly captivated. Waters’ personality shone through when she introduced “Sour Patch,” blending her humor and edge, turning the song into a fan favorite.
The slower, more emotional tracks, like “Breathe” and “Numbers,” added emotional depth to the performance, with Waters’ vocal vulnerability pulling at the audience’s heartstrings. She gave “Droppin Out” a slightly darker twist, amping up the song’s inherent melancholia while retaining its understated charm.
Waters closed the main set with “Supernatural,” a perfect ending to the main performance, as the ethereal tune reverberated through the ballroom.
The encore brought two fan favorites. Waters returned to the stage with “Sweet Sublime,” drawing a warm, swaying reaction from the crowd as they sang along to the anthemic chorus. She then ended the night with “Quantum Physics,” a song that left the audience in awe. The ethereal, spacey vibe was a magical closer, as Waters’ final notes faded into the night.
Ruby Waters’ performance at the Commodore Ballroom was raw, unfiltered, and completely captivating. Her ability to mix folk, blues, rock, and soul into a cohesive sound makes her a force to be reckoned with in the live music scene. The combination of her deeply emotional lyrics, raspy vocals, and natural stage presence created an unforgettable atmosphere, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the last note. Waters proved that she’s not just a singer-songwriter; she’s a storyteller, weaving magic with every song.