Maggie Rogers and Ryan Beatty Deliver Intimate and Inspired Performances at Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum
Photo: Steve St. Jean
Maggie Rogers brought her unforgettable blend of folky pop-rock to Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum on Tuesday, October 22nd, captivating Toronto fans with a performance that balanced intimacy and energy. Currently, on the second leg of her Don't Forget Me tour, Rogers has become known for her music and activism, partnering with Planned Parenthood, HeadCount, and Greenpeace to raise awareness for social causes throughout the tour.
Before Rogers took the stage, California's Ryan Beatty, whose minimalist and intimate style has earned him a loyal following, opened the night—seated on a tree stump with an axe at his feet and headphones on, Beatty's seasonal and understated aesthetic set warm autumn vibes in the coliseum. His show was intentionally minimalist, relying on faint stage lighting and shadows that cast his band in silhouette. This wasn't a performance filled with big visuals or effects—it was about lyricism, ambiance, and inviting the audience into his world. Songs like "Cinnamon Bread" and "Ribbons" had a soft power that felt intensely intimate.
As the crowd buzzed in anticipation, nostalgic drenched visuals from Rogers' music videos and performances played, drawing superfans into a dreamy euphoria before she hit the stage. She opened with a bang, jumping into the high-energy "That's Where I Am" as she danced and sang in a dazzling bejewelled robe. Shortly after, she shed her bejewelled attire, revealing a simple black dress, giving the fans subtle cues of her stripped-down performance to come.
One early highlight was when her guitarist kicked off a slowed-down, smooth rendition of "Say It," leading to a jazzier, more intimate version. This set the tone for the night's transition from high-energy anthems to more introspective moments. The crowd was all-in when she played "Love You For A Long Time," with a playful kiss cam on the big screen that turned the arena into a full-on celebration of love.
Later in the set, Rogers brought out a special guest saxophonist, Hailey Niswanger, for "On & On & On," encouraging everyone to let loose and dance while reminding the audience to enjoy the moment without pressure. A turning point in the show came when Rogers sat at a piano on the catwalk, lit incense, and sipped tea while playing the keys softly. She shared an intimate story about a perfect dinner in Toronto the night before with a friend. Her casual storytelling, which included chatting about crushes and her love for the city, added an extra layer of connection between her and the fans.
She even gave a shout-out to a fan named Malik, wearing a Maggie Medusa shirt based on an illustration a friend had drawn in college, thanking him for being there from the beginning—a sweet moment that made the crowd passionately cheer, signifying they've all been fans from the start.
For me, the night's highlight (outside of her cover of "Killing Me Softly With His Song") was a stripped-down version of "Alaska." The song started with just Maggie, an acoustic guitar, and pedal steel accompaniment, showing its raw power outside of its original production. The full band came in for a climactic finish. That performance summed up the night—personal, heartfelt, and an intimate reflection of Rogers' musical chops.
Maggie Rogers' show at Coca-Cola Coliseum blended music, stories, and connections. From her casual chats with the audience to her powerful anthems, she turned a big venue into an intimate space. Toronto won't be forgetting this night anytime soon.
Check out our concert photos below to relive Ryan Beatty and Maggie Rogers's sets at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
CONCERT PHOTOS
MAGGIE ROGERS
RYAN BEATTY
MAGGIE ROGERS SETLIST:
That's Where I Am
Drunk
So Sick of Dreaming
The Kill
Want Want
Say It
Love You for a Long Time
On & On & On
In the Living Room
Dog Years
Killing Me Softly With His Song
If Now Was Then
I Still Do
All the Same
Alaska
Anywhere With You
Fallingwater
Light On
Encore:
Don't Forget Me
Photography by: Steve St. Jean
