Heart Still Beats Strong at Mystic Lake

On Friday night, March 13, Heart brought An Evening with Heart to Mystic Lake Casino, delivering a show that felt both nostalgic and surprisingly powerful. For longtime fans like myself, it was more than just a concert it was a chance to witness a band that has been part of the soundtrack of our lives for decades.

The band opened the night with “Bebe Le Strange,” quickly rolling into their 1980 hit “Never.” From the first notes it was clear that, even after all these years, Heart still knows how to command a stage. Ann Wilson performed the show seated on a barstool-style chair, but any concern that might raise disappeared almost immediately. Her voice remains the centerpiece of the band rich, powerful, and capable of filling the room just as it did in Heart’s early days.

Nancy Wilson handled much of the physical movement on stage, confidently working the crowd while delivering the guitar work that has always been a defining part of Heart’s sound. Watching her move across the stage, switching between electric and acoustic guitars, added a dynamic energy that complemented Ann’s commanding vocal presence.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came during a quieter segment. At one point Ann was escorted offstage, leaving Nancy alone with her acoustic guitar. She shared a story about gifting one of her guitars to Eddie Van Halen years ago. According to Nancy, he once called her late one night to play a song he had written on that very instrument. Nancy then performed a beautiful instrumental piece she wrote in his honor a touching tribute that brought a reflective pause to the evening.

Throughout the show, Ann repeatedly thanked the crowd for supporting the band over their long career, and the appreciation clearly went both ways. Mystic Lake’s audience responded with enthusiasm as the band worked their way through many of the songs that made Heart legendary.

“Crazy on You” was a clear highlight of the night, bringing the crowd to its feet with the familiar acoustic intro and explosive energy that followed. The band also delivered a medley of “Alone” and “What About Love,” blending two of their biggest ballads into one emotional moment and closed the night out with the big hit “Barracuda.”

Heart also paid tribute to some of the artists who influenced them along the way. They performed two Led Zeppelin classics, “The Rain Song” and “The Ocean,” along with a spirited version of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” In a fun twist, the band even tagged David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” onto the end of a tight performance of “Straight On,” which added an unexpected but welcome surprise.

The band itself was incredibly professional throughout the night. Every song was delivered with precision and energy, reminding the audience why Heart has remained relevant for so many years. Even with the more relaxed stage setup, the performance never felt diminished. If anything, it felt more personal.

For me, this show checked off a true bucket-list experience. Having listened to Heart since early childhood, finally seeing them perform live was something special. It wasn’t just about hearing the hits it was about witnessing the legacy of a band that continues to give everything they have to the music and to their fans.

Heart’s performance at Mystic Lake wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. It was a reminder that great songs, great musicianship, and genuine gratitude for the audience can still create a powerful live music experience.