Hannah Grace brings Bigger Picture for intimate night in Canton
Words: Ciaran Hiscox
★★★★☆
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An intimate night in Canton where community, simplicity and heartfelt songwriting brought ‘Bigger Picture’ to life.
St John’s Church in Canton is not the usual venue I go to for a gig, but it turned out to be a refreshing change. As the first Welsh stop of the tour, the evening felt less like a standard concert and more like a true community gathering to celebrate the release of Hannah Grace’s independent new album, ‘Bigger Picture’.
The setting was beautifully simple. Minimalist lighting created a soft glow over the stage, adding to the intimacy of a stripped-down performance featuring guitars, keyboard, and vocals. The space allowed the music and the emotion behind it to take centre stage.
Opening the evening was Dan Bettridge, whose dulcet voice and warm presence immediately engaged the audience. His set was full of charming, honest storytelling, with the standout moment coming from the audience-selected ‘Dog’, a heartfelt song about his three-legged friend.
As dusk settled, Hannah took the stage. The church’s acoustics made her already impressive vocals ring out effortlessly. It was clear that this tour and album came from a place of passion, showcasing her love for music in every note and lyric.
Her songs painted relatable snapshots of her life. ‘The Moon’ offered a tender look at her relationship with her friend, while ‘Rest Of My Life’, written with her husband, who played keyboard, felt deeply personal. ‘I Grow Up All Over Again’, inspired by her return to Wales, added another layer of vulnerability and connection.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was Hannah’s ability to involve the audience in the performance. Songs like ‘Loving You’ and the closing track ‘Golden’ turned the room into a choir, with soft “la la” harmonies creating a shared experience. It was a simple yet powerful moment that captured the warmth and sincerity of the night.