Blue Rodeo warms a frigid Sault (photos)

As Sault Ste. Marie hunkered down and prepared to weather the coming blizzard Tuesday night, one of Canada's most treasured commodities entertained 1,600 dedicated fans at the Steelback Centre.

Multi-award winning Blue Rodeo eased the audience into a snug acoustic set during the first half of the performance, giving the arena an intimate living room feel.

When the giant black curtain finally dropped and the band plugged in for the second half, it became clear how the not-quite-country group has remained in the hearts of so many people for more than 20 years.

Singers Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor each took turns in the spotlight with impeccable vocal performances.

And just as the rain outside the arena was about to freeze, a gentle snow fell on stage and the band accompanied the crowd during a rousing rendition of Hasn't Hit Me Yet.

Currently touring behind Small Miracles, Blue Rodeo's 11th studio recording, the two-hour career-spanning set list included Try, Five Days In May, To Love Somebody, C'Mon, Till I am Myself Again, This Town, Black Ribbon, 3 Hours Away and Rose Coloured Glasses.

In a textbook example of what an encore should be, the evening came to a crescendo during fan-favourite Lost Together which featured opener Luke Doucet and his wife Melissa McClelland stepping up to the mic.

Blue Rodeo has consistently stretched the country genre, elevating it's accessibility by incorporating elements of rock, pop, soul and folk.

After Tuesday's sampling of Small Miracles, the members of Blue Rodeo have proven their longevity is not a fluke as they masterfully continue to move forward while still remaining true to their roots.