Dallas Smith & His Band Unplugged Delivered a Powerful Acoustic Night at the Sanderson Centre
Award-winning country artist Dallas Smith delivered an unforgettable evening of stripped-down acoustic performances at the Sanderson Centre last night, proving that the former Default frontman has truly found his home in country music. The “Dallas Smith & His Band Unplugged” tour showcased an artist who has masterfully transitioned from hard rock to country, creating a concert experience reminiscent of MTV’s iconic unplugged sessions from the 1990s.
The evening opened with special guest Brock Phillips, a talented Vancouver-based singer-songwriter whose raw vocal talent and genuine stage presence immediately captured the audience’s attention. Performing solo with just his guitar, Phillips delivered compelling originals and a powerful cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” leaving the packed theatre wanting more.
Smith then took the stage and immediately connected with the crowd, opening with “Wasting My Time,” the global rock hit that launched his career with Default. What followed in the first half of the show was a warm, story-filled look back at the earlier years of his country catalogue. Songs like “Somebody Somewhere,” “Jumped Right In,” and “Lifted” carried a laid-back, reflective tone as Smith talked about growing up in a musical family, overcoming shyness, and finding his way from Vancouver clubs to international stages.
As the show moved into its second half, the energy in the room noticeably lifted. This was the moment longtime fans were waiting for — the run of major hits that cemented Smith as one of the biggest names in Canadian country. “Tippin’ Point,” “Wastin’ Gas,” and “Side Effects” sparked huge reactions, with the theatre rising to its feet as the acoustic arrangements gave these familiar radio favourites a fresh, intimate shine.
A particularly special moment came when a birthday cake was brought onstage. With Smith celebrating his birthday, the entire audience joined in singing “Happy Birthday,” turning the concert into a shared celebration that perfectly reflected the warmth in the room.
Toward the end of the night, Smith invited Brock Phillips back on stage to perform “Some Things Never Change.” Their harmonies blended beautifully, closing the show with a heartfelt nod to friendship, collaboration, and the spirit of the tour.
The Sanderson Centre continues to prove why it’s one of the region’s most respected venues. Between last week’s Colin James Trio and this week’s Dallas Smith unplugged performance, the theatre is delivering the kind of intimate, unforgettable live music experiences that keep fans coming back.
