Tim Hicks brought his Going Somewhere Tour to Ottawa’s Bronson Centre on June 14 for a night that felt equal parts polished concert and laid-back party. With a strong supporting act and a band clearly enjoying every minute on stage, the show delivered the kind of high-energy country experience fans came for.
A Strong Start: The Martin Boys
Kicking things off were The Martin Boys, a young duo that’s quickly building momentum after their run as finalists on Canada’s Got Talent. Backed by a tight four-piece setup, Macauley and Micah Martin made an immediate impression with their enthusiasm and easy connection to the crowd. Their harmonies stacked cleanly over a modern country-rock sound, giving their songs a distinct edge. Rather than simply running through their set, they actively pulled the audience in—teaching fans the chorus to “Miracle Cure” so that the room could sing it back at them. Tracks like “Beauty Queen Bandit” and “College Man,” featured on their debut EP Burn the Boats, highlighted both their songwriting and their potential. If the Ottawa crowd’s reaction was any indication, they won’t stay under the radar for long.
Tim Hicks Hits the Ground Running
By the time Tim Hicks and his band took the stage, the audience was primed for a full-throttle night. Hicks, joined by guitarists Chris Saunders and Andrew McTaggart, drummer Rob Wells, bassist Mark Inksetter, and multi-instrumentalist Geoff Hlibka, wasted no time setting the tone. Opening with “No Truck Song,” followed by “Dodge Out of Hell” and “Going Somewhere,” the band launched straight into a lively, crowd-pleasing groove that carried through much of the set.
One of the standout aspects of the performance was how relaxed and genuinely fun the band’s dynamic felt. Between songs, there was plenty of playful interaction—onstage and even spilling into the photo pit, where the guitarists hammed it up for cameras. That sense of spontaneity quickly spread into the crowd, turning the evening into a shared experience rather than just a performance.
New Tracks and Fan Favourites
The setlist struck a strong balance between newer material and crowd favourites. “The Pilot” drew an especially warm reception, with many fans already singing along, showing just how invested the audience was.
Songs like “Hell Raisin’ Good Time,” “Whiskey Does,” and “Stompin’ Ground” kept the momentum high, giving the crowd plenty of reasons to stay on their feet. Hicks’ ability to move seamlessly between high-energy anthems and more laid-back tracks kept the pacing engaging throughout the night.
A Moment to Reflect
Midway through the set, Hicks slowed things down with “I’m Not Ready,” a tribute to the late bassist Doug Elash. The shift in tone brought a more emotional moment to the evening, as the crowd lit up the venue with their phones in a show of support and appreciation.
It was a reminder that, beyond the party atmosphere, Hicks’ music still carries personal meaning—for both the artist and his fans.
Closing on a High Note
After powering through the latter half of the set with songs like “Loud” and “Thunder,” Hicks closed the night with an encore featuring “Stronger Beer” and “What a Song Should Do.” It was the perfect sendoff—high-energy, singalong-ready, and exactly what the crowd had hoped for.
Final Thoughts
Tim Hicks’ stop in Ottawa was everything a country show should be: energetic, engaging, and full of personality. Paired with a standout opening performance from The Martin Boys, the night offered both a glimpse at the future of Canadian country and a reminder of why Hicks remains one of its most reliable live performers.
