The Longest Road Tour: Terra Lightfoot, Lindi Ortega, and Begonia
Heat, pressure, and endurance — it’s what turns coal into diamonds, and what shapes great musicians into unforgettable performers. In early 2019, three of Canada’s most commanding voices — Terra Lightfoot, Lindi Ortega, and Begonia — set out on a journey that celebrated exactly that. The Longest Road Show wasn’t just a tour — it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and camaraderie forged on the road.
Presented by Sonic Unyon and Live Nation, the tour stopped in cities across Ontario — including Kitchener’s Centre In The Square on February 5 — bringing a genre-blending, soul-shaking showcase to each stage. But this wasn’t your average lineup. Backed by an all-female rhythm section (bassist Anna Ruddick and drummer Michelle Josef) and joined by rotating guests, each night unfolded as a collaborative, free-flowing performance where the artists swapped songs, shared stories, and supported one another in real time.
With proceeds supporting organizations like Women in Music Canada, MusiCounts, YWCA Canada, and Girls Rock Camp, the tour was rooted in more than just music — it carried a mission of empowerment and equity.
Terra Lightfoot, riding the wave of her Polaris Prize–nominated album New Mistakes, lit up the stage with her bluesy guitar work and raw, roof-raising vocals — reaffirming her status as one of Canada's most electrifying live acts.
Lindi Ortega delivered cinematic, haunting songs from her concept album Liberty, drawing inspiration from her Mexican-Irish heritage and the spaghetti-western soundscapes of Ennio Morricone, all while redefining what modern country can be.
Begonia (aka Alexa Dirks) turned deeply personal stories into soaring pop-soul anthems, inviting audiences into her world of vulnerability, power, and full-throttle self-expression — anchored by her standout track “Juniper,” still echoing through Canadian airwaves.
Together, these artists didn’t just share the spotlight — they elevated it. The Longest Road Show became a moving celebration of artistry, endurance, and the kind of magic that only happens when powerful voices lift each other up.
Because sometimes, the longest roads don’t just test you — they lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
