The Dead South

The Dead South's "Chains & Stakes!" tour rolled into the Burton Cummings Theatre on

October 30, 2024, making an unforgettable Halloween Eve. The opener, Henry Wagon

from Australia, was a perfect fit for the night. He connected effortlessly with the

audience, warming us up with a few jokes and performing songs from his well-loved

album “The Four Seasons” (not quite the Vivaldi version) like “Summer.” His raw country

voice stood out, and you could tell he had a unique style that resonated with the crowd.

​

When The Dead South finally took the stage, coming from the neighboring province of

Saskatchewan they lit up the Wednesday night with their folk-bluegrass sound. The

crowd was already calling for them even before they started playing! They kicked things

off by thanking everyone for coming out. It was fun to see that nearly 30% of the

audience was decked out in Halloween costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Their new album, Chains & Stakes, sounded incredible live. Songs like “Yours to Keep”

and “Blood on the Mind” really lifted the audience's spirits.

​

With their blend of traditional instruments like mandolin and cello, plus a modern twist,

they created an energetic vibe. And when the banjo came in, the whole place erupted

into dance. Everyone was pushing and swaying but in the best way possible. I really felt

the energy when Danny sang, “Left arm, left leg, your eye socket's blue” (from “Yours to

Keep”). The sing-along moments were something special—everyone's harmonies

blended perfectly. This Halloween Eve concert was way better than I could have

imagined, and it was clear that everyone had a wholesome experience.