Country music is booming in Canada. Here are 5 acts to catch in B.C. this summer

A concert at B.C. Place conjures up classic rockers or pop megastars. But this on May 27, the 54,000-plus seat venue hosts country superstar Luke Combs.

Once perceived as more popular in suburban settings, the genre has shifted in popularity. Industry leaders such as Live Nation are booking more country acts than ever.

“Luke Combs sold out in the first week, we’ve got three Shania Twain shows in Vancouver, Jon Pardi will sell out Abbotsford and so on; country is exploding,” said Paul Haagenson, president of Live Nation Entertainment, Canada.

“During COVID, it was one of the most-listened to categories on Spotify, and a whole new generation of country artists are getting their music put in more people’s hands than ever before.”

Canadian country artists are reaping the rewards of this increased popularity. This summer, Live Nation has headlining cross-country tours with Canadian country artists ranging from Saskatchewan’s Hunter Brothers to genre veterans Paul Brandt and Terri Clark.