Adam Baldwin

For a fella that has experienced a non-stop 2025 between logging time in the studio working on the follow-up to his breakthrough Concertos & Serenades, overseeing the transformation of Lighthouse in Little Lorraine from song to feature-length film, and touring the country alongside both Alan Doyle and Blue Rodeo, he had little time left on the schedule.   Somehow, Adam Baldwin rounded up the full complement of Jenny Wren bandmates and staged a solid out 3-night homestand at the Light House Arts Centre ahead of the Christmas holidays. Watching the growth of one of the region’s preeminent songwriters and storytellers has been an absolute joy.

For this trio of dates, Baldwin tapped a trip of openers over the three nights, including local favourites Braden Lam(oureux), Mo Kenny and the incredibly talented duo of Brooks and Bowskill.  As I was in attendance on Friday night, I was lucky enough to catch Braden Lam

Braden Lam

kicking the show off.  Lately, Braden has spread his wings, hitting the road and spending more time touring across North America.  All the while, writing, adventuring and acquiring inspiration and fodder to pour into his songwriting.   Earlier in the year, Lam released his latest album The Cloudmaker’s Cry, and comprised the lion’s share of Lam’s set at the Light House Arts Centre.  It was a well-received set, and one that continued to demonstrate that Lam is one of the region’s burgeoning singer-songwriters.   It’s always a treat to see Braden perform live, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

Tori & Zach

Then it was time for Adam Baldwin and the Jenny Wren to hit the stage.   Adam settled in behind his trusty keyboard, and the crew ripped into an opening salvo of 5-6 songs (which also included the aforementioned “Lighthouse in Little Lorraine”).    As the notes faded on that sixth song, the band departed the stage, leaving their trusted leader on his own.   The gregarious, self-depricating storyteller was not at a loss for words, lamenting the inability to light up a dart on stage these days, while telling the story behind “Tuesday Night Dive Bar”.  The song serves as an ode to the house that Victor Syperek built at 2037 Gottingen Street (home to the Marquee Ballroom, Seahorse Tavern and The Local), a legendary complex that has hosted Adam Baldwin many times over the years.

Kendel Carson

Kendel Carson and Zach MacLean made their way back on stage, reforming the 3-piece unit that has spent a large chunk of 2025 (and 2024) touring the country alongside legends such as Alan Doyle and the incomparable Blue Rodeo.  The trio ripped into a searing rendition of Baldwin’s “Burning Man” (from his self-titled EP).  It was a smouldering track in its original recording, but when Kendel and Zach are factored in, the song simmered along, picking up pace and culminating in a searing duel between fiery fiddle and scintillating guitar.  When Tori, Jordan and RC Stanley returned to the stage, the full-powered Jenny Wren launched into “No Rest For the Wicked”.

Baldwin has been steadily honing his craft over the years. Having had the tutelage of Canadian luminaries such as Keelor, Cuddy, Mays, and Doyle has only hastened his climb to the peak of singer-songwriters in the country.    Looking around the room, the love and adoration of Baldwin was apparent and tangible, and that packed room of patrons was more than ready to sing its heart out, while revelling in Adam’s growing catalogue, which also includes another new gem in the form of “The King’s Pier Soiree”, which has been a regular member of Baldwin’s sets for the past couple of years.

Adam Baldwin

The night wrapped up on a high note, with an encore that featured Baldwin at the keys, paying homage to Randy Newman with a cover of “Feels Like Home” (?).   Then it was time for the curtain to close, but not before that, Adam Baldwin’s pre-requisite “Love You With My Eyes Closed.”  It was a fantastic night of tunes, and hopefully, these shows won’t become more infrequent as the country falls in love with the talented singer-songwriter from Seaforth, NS.

Adam Baldwin & The Jenny Wren

Braden Lam