Kathleen Edwards Connects with Minneapolis Crowd at the Fine Line

Kathleen Edwards returned to Minneapolis on Sunday night for An Evening with Kathleen Edwards at the Fine Line, performing to a sold-out room filled with longtime fans and a few new faces curious about her latest album, Billionaire. The Canadian singer-songwriter has been touring in support of that record, her first since 2020’s Total Freedom, and the setlist mixed the new songs with plenty of older material that reminded the crowd why they’ve stuck with her all these years.

Edwards opened the night with “Save Your Soul” and “When the Truth Comes Out,” two standouts from Billionaire that showcase the wry storytelling and emotional clarity she’s known for. The title track, “Billionaire,” came midway through the set, with Edwards joking that she hadn’t quite achieved the lifestyle the song describes. The new songs fit comfortably next to the older ones, proof that her writing remains sharp and grounded even after two decades of making records.

The night’s biggest reactions came for her early favorites, including “Back to Me” from 2005 and “Hockey Skates” from her 2003 debut Failer. Those songs brought the crowd together, voices rising softly to sing along. It felt less like a concert and more like a reunion between Edwards and the people who’ve followed her since the start.

Between songs, she was loose and chatty, often laughing and swapping stories with the audience. She mentioned playing early gigs at Lee’s Liquor Lounge, the beloved Minneapolis dive bar that closed back in 2019, and reminisced about those nights with clear affection. The crowd responded with applause and cheers, the kind that come from shared memories and local pride.

Edwards seemed genuinely touched by the reception. At one point she paused and grinned, saying, “There must be something in the water in Minneapolis.” It wasn’t just a throwaway line the connection between her and the audience felt real.

Musically, the show was tight but unpretentious. Edwards’ voice sounded strong and natural, and her band kept the arrangements simple and direct, letting the songs breathe. The setlist covered a good range of her career, but nothing felt forced or nostalgic; everything blended into one consistent, honest evening of music.

By the end of the night, the Fine Line crowd gave her a warm and lingering applause that seemed to take her by surprise. For an artist whose songs often balance heartbreak with humor and hope, it was the perfect setting — a cozy room, a receptive audience, and a reminder that sometimes the best shows are the ones that feel the most human.