Old Dominion’s How Good Is That Tour rolled into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa on Friday night, delivering a sold‑out show that blended heartfelt storytelling, chart‑topping hits, and a level of fan interaction that made this stop feel truly one‑of‑a‑kind. With rising Canadian artist Sacha and songwriting powerhouse Phil Vassar opening the night, the crowd was treated to a multi‑layered celebration of country music before Old Dominion even stepped on stage.
🎤 Sacha — A Rising Star with a Hometown Welcome
The evening kicked off with Sacha, the Montreal‑born singer‑songwriter whose star has been steadily rising across Canada and beyond. Her set may have been short, but it was packed with energy, charm, and the kind of vocal confidence that instantly wins over a room.
For Sacha, performing in Ottawa felt like the next best thing to a hometown show, and the audience embraced her with that same spirit. She closed her set with the emotional breakthrough track “Hey Mom, I Made It,” a song that has become her signature moment. The performance was raw and heartfelt — and the crowd responded with a full standing ovation. It was one of those rare opening‑act moments where you could feel the room collectively rooting for her future.
🎹 Phil Vassar — The Hitmaker Who Proved Everyone Wrong
Next up was Phil Vassar, the internationally renowned songwriter whose fingerprints are all over modern country music. Vassar took the stage with his piano, his band, and a catalogue of hits that stretches back decades — and the crowd was ready for every one of them.
His set was a reminder of just how many iconic songs he’s written, not only for himself but for some of the biggest names in the genre. Fans lit up as he performed “Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright” (recorded by Jo Dee Messina) and “For a Little While” (recorded by Tim McGraw). But the cheers were just as loud for his own hits, including “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Carlene,” “Six‑Pack Summer,” “In Real Love,” and “I’ll Take That as a Yes (The Hot Tub Song).”
Not bad for a piano man who was once told he’d never have a career in country music. On this night, he proved — yet again — how wrong that prediction was.
⭐ Old Dominion — A Masterclass in Connection, Craft, and Crowd Energy
Shortly after 9 p.m., Old Dominion hit the stage to a roar from the sold‑out crowd. From the opening notes of “Coming Home,” it was clear why they’ve become one of country music’s most beloved live acts. Their blend of tight musicianship, effortless harmonies, and easygoing charm created a warm, electric atmosphere that never dipped for a moment.
🎉 A Stage Built for Fans
One of the most unique elements of this tour is the “fan couch” — a literal couch set up on stage where selected fans get to watch parts of the show from the best seat in the house. It’s a simple idea, but it adds a layer of intimacy and unpredictability that fans adore.
During “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” the band invited the first pair of fans to take their place on the couch… only for them to decline the offer. The moment drew laughter from both the band and the audience, setting the tone for a night full of spontaneity, and setting up the Ottawa show to be one like no other.
🎶 The All‑Request Section — A Brilliant Twist
Midway through the show, Old Dominion launched into an all‑request segment, taking song suggestions directly from the audience. It’s a bold move for a major touring act — and a brilliant one. No two shows on this tour will ever be the same, and Ottawa’s requests added a personal stamp to the night.
The band delivered “A Million Things” and “New York at Night” by request, showcasing their deep catalogue and their willingness to let fans steer the ship.
🎵 Old Dominion Setlist — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
Main Set:
- Coming Home
- No Hard Feelings
- Break Up With Him
- Talk Country
- How Good Is That
- No Such Thing as a Broken Heart (fan couch moment)
- Making Good Time
- Nowhere Fast
- Make It Sweet
- Save It for a Rainy Day (Kenny Chesney cover)
- My Heart Is a Bar
- Stars in the City
- A Million Things (by request)
- New York at Night (by request)
- Written in the Sand
- Snapback
- Hotel Key
- One Man Band
- Memory Lane
- Song for Another Time
Encore:
- Shoe Shopping (by request)
- I Was on a Boat That Day
⭐ A Night That Delivered Everything Fans Could Want
From Sacha’s heartfelt opener to Phil Vassar’s hit‑packed set to Old Dominion’s dynamic, fan‑focused performance, the How Good Is That Tour stop at Hard Rock Ottawa was a night that celebrated every corner of country music — past, present, and future.
The sold‑out crowd got a show full of surprises, sing‑alongs, and emotional moments, all wrapped in the easygoing charm that has made Old Dominion one of the most reliable and beloved live acts touring today. If this tour is coming anywhere near you, don’t hesitate — it’s a night worth experiencing.
The tour continues on May 1 in Winnipeg, for tickets visit tour.weareolddominion.com/
