Photos courtesy of A Click in Time Photography
Sunday night in Vienna was nothing short of magical as I returned to the Filene Center at Wolf Trap for another unforgettable evening of live music. This time, the spotlight belonged to one of my all-time favorite artists, Sarah McLachlan, whose Better Broken Tour captivated a nearly sold-out audience with a breathtaking blend of beloved classics and stunning new material. Every song felt deeply personal, reminding fans why her music has resonated across generations.
Opening the evening was fellow Canadian Allison Russell, whose soulful voice, magnetic stage presence, and heartfelt storytelling immediately won over the crowd. Her performance was both powerful and uplifting, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.
Together, these two extraordinary artists delivered more than just a concert—they created a moving celebration of resilience, hope, and the healing power of music. During Independence Day weekend, the Better Broken Tour offered an unforgettable reminder that sometimes the songs that embrace our brokenness are the very ones that help heal our souls.
As the third stop on the Better Broken Tour, I had a feeling the evening would be something special—and Allison Russell made sure it got off to a spectacular start. Taking the stage promptly at 7:30 p.m. alongside her band, Rainbow Coalition, the acclaimed singer-songwriter immediately captivated the Wolf Trap audience during a memorable seven-song opening set.
Russell opened with the title track from her acclaimed 2023 album, The Returner. From the very first note, her remarkable vocals commanded the Filene Center, effortlessly blending gospel, jazz, and folk influences into a performance that was uniquely her own. She also showcased her impressive clarinet skills, adding another rich layer to the song’s soulful arrangement.
She followed with Eve Was Black, also from The Returner, trading her clarinet for a banjo as the song shifted into a stirring country-rock groove. The track’s powerful narrative confronting racism and the historical mistreatment of Black women was delivered with conviction and heart. Backed by the rich bass lines of Ganessa James, dynamic percussion from Caoi de Barra, and expressive guitar work of Caoimhe Hopkinson, the performance was both musically engaging and emotionally resonant.
Between songs, Russell spoke about her upcoming album, In the Hour of Chaos, set for release on July 10th, giving the audience an exciting preview of what’s to come. New songs including Chaos Theory and one of the evening’s highlights, Black Lavender, offered an enticing glimpse into her next musical chapter and were warmly received by the crowd.
One of the set’s most touching moments came during Cold April, when bassist Ganessa James stepped into the spotlight to deliver lead vocals with grace and confidence before Russell returned to finish the song. Their harmonies blended beautifully, creating one of the evening’s most memorable performances. Russell also displayed her warm personality throughout the number, playfully fanning herself before turning to cool off her bandmates—a small but genuine gesture that reflected the camaraderie on stage. The song was made even more poignant by the inclusion of Russell’s daughter in the recorded choir vocals, adding another layer of intimacy to an already heartfelt performance.
Russell also introduced Really Real, a blues-infused new song featuring guest vocals from Norah Jones on the studio recording. Live, the song stood confidently on its own, offering another compelling preview of In the Hour of Chaos. Its emotional depth and irresistible groove earned one of the night’s biggest ovations, with many audience members rising to their feet in appreciation.
Closing her roughly 45-minute set with the uplifting 2023 favorite Rag Child, Russell left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Seeing Allison Russell and Rainbow Coalition perform live for the first time was an absolute joy. Their musicianship, authenticity, and infectious energy transformed an opening set into a headline-worthy performance. If they return to the DMV, they’ll certainly have one more devoted fan waiting in the audience. I know I’ll be looking forward to experiencing their remarkable artistry again.
After an intermission, fan favorite Sarah McLachlan took the stage to thunderous applause, opening her set with the title track from her latest album, Better Broken. She then invited the audience to journey “way, way back to the beginning,” performing “Vox,” the first single she ever released from her 1988 debut album. With a smile, she admitted, “I haven’t played this in about 30 years,” making the performance an especially memorable moment for longtime fans.
She followed with “The Path of Thorns (Terms)” from 2006 before reflecting on how, over the years, “patterns start to emerge” in the many relationship songs she’s written. That sentiment led naturally into “Reminds Me,” another standout from Better Broken, which she described as a meditation on “the love and joy that comes with rediscovering” what it feels like to fall in love again.
McLachlan continued with the beloved “Fallen” before introducing one of her signature songs, “Adia.” Sharing the deeply personal story behind the track, she confessed, “I didn’t use to talk about it.” She explained that she had “crossed a line” by falling in love with her best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Although the revelation caused a temporary rift in their friendship, time ultimately healed those wounds. The two women eventually reconciled, stood by each other’s side for the births of their children, and remain close friends today—long after the men at the center of the story have faded into the past.
McLachlan kept the momentum going with the dark, almost gothic “Building a Mystery,” a song inspired by a trip to New Orleans. She followed it with “World on Fire,” explaining that it’s “all about gratitude and understanding that we all have gifts to offer the world.”
Before performing “One in a Long Line,” McLachlan described it as “the closest thing I have to a pissed-off protest song.” She explained that the track was inspired by the rollback of women’s reproductive rights in recent years, giving the performance an added sense of urgency and conviction.
Returning to some of her biggest hits, she treated the audience to “Sweet Surrender” before introducing “The Last to Go.” While she described it as “a breakup song about a relationship I stayed in too long,” she also revealed that it reflects on her mother and the sacrifices she made by setting aside her own dreams to support her husband and raise their three children. The heartfelt introduction gave the song an even greater emotional resonance.
The mood lightened with the playful “Ice Cream,” but McLachlan quickly shifted gears with “This Is the End,” an apocalyptic tale inspired by a Gregory Peck film. She closed her main set with the title track from Fumbling Toward Ecstasy, leaving the audience eager for more.
Returning to the stage alone for the encore, McLachlan delivered a beautifully intimate performance of “Gravity” before launching into her timeless ballad “Angel.” While “Angel” remains one of her most beloved songs, I can’t help but become emotional every time I hear it after its years of association with the ASPCA’s animal rescue campaigns. It’s impossible not to think of the countless animals those commercials helped bring into the public’s heart. She brought the evening to a powerful close with “Fear,” ending an unforgettable performance on a soaring note.
The Better Broken Tour was a pure joy to experience and the perfect way to cap off the post-Independence Day holiday weekend. Both Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell did the Filene Center proud, delivering unforgettable performances filled with stunning vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and an infectious energy that illuminated the Northern Virginia night. From Russell’s soulful, uplifting set to McLachlan’s masterful blend of timeless classics and new material, the evening was a celebration of music, storytelling, and genuine artistry.
If the Better Broken Tour is coming to a city near you, don’t miss it. This is more than just a concert—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the final encore. A must-see tour.
For information or to purchase tickets for a city near you, go to Events | SarahMcLachlan.com
FINAL GRADE: A++
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