Lasso Montreal: Country music takes over Parc Jean-Drapeau
Saddle up, Montreal — the city’s biggest country music festival is underway.
Lasso Montreal kicked off Friday at Parc Jean-Drapeau, with fans lining up early and packing into the festival grounds for a high-energy celebration of country music across four stages.
The two-day event is showcasing a mix of Canadian talent and international headliners, including Bailey Zimmerman and Jelly Roll.
Fans show up early and stay loud
Many arrived hours before gates opened to secure front-row spots. Among them was Vanessa Guenette, who had been waiting since early morning. “I’m here since 7 a.m. this morning,” she said, waiting eagerly for the day to start. “I want to be the first one in line, of course. I want to be front row.”
Presley Delosh made the trip from Cornwall, Ont., and hasn’t missed a year since Lasso began. She explained her enthusiasm: “I just like all the artists that are coming,” she said. “And you get to see everyone at the same time for a good price.”
Another fan, Stephane Ioffredi, also emphasized the early arrival. “I’ve been waiting in line since 9 in the morning, and I came so early just because I wanted to make sure I got front row,” he said.
Major names headline, local acts shine
Friday’s lineup featured a wide range of performers, from Grammy winner Sheryl Crow to genre-blending artist Shaboozey.
Charles Wesley Godwin, performing in Montreal for the first time, shared his impressions of the city and its fans. “It’s exciting that there’s people up here that even want to listen to me,” he said. “Hopefully it’s something that can move the hearts and the minds and gives people a lot of enjoyment and food for the soul.”
Sarah Vanderzon, from Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, who is scheduled to play Saturday, described how surreal it felt to be part of the festival lineup. “I was here last year just as a spectator and I was taking it all in and I thought, ‘how crazy would it be if I had a slot here next year?’ and I really kind of put that idea out there, I manifested it and lo and behold I got an email that came through.”
She reflected on the festival’s role in supporting local talent. “I think what makes Lasso special is just discovering artists from here, from Quebec. Especially in the country world. And I think the festival really puts the Quebec artists on a pedestal and it really showcases the talent that we have. And I’ve done a couple of other festivals and Lasso just really, for the artists, like hometown artists, I think it’s really important. And they just, they do it. Lasso does it for that.”
Rick Duff, a Quebec-based artist performing at Lasso for the first time, expressed his gratitude for being able to play the festival.
“It means the world actually. It’s an honour to be a part of Lasso, the fourth edition and I’m super stoked to be here,” he said.
“It means everything”: Artists connect with fans
Tyler Braden spoke about the unexpected meanings fans find in his music. “You can put out a song and think it means one thing, and then it means something totally different to the people who hear it and relate to it in a different way ,” he said. “If music can help you through something like losing a loved one — that’s just why we do what we do.”
“It’s exciting to come to a new place and also here in a lot of French and so maybe try to pick up a word or two while we’re here but yeah we’re glad to be here,” he added.
Madeline Merlo, who performed Friday, spoke about the connection music creates with fans. “I think fans invite you into their lives when they listen to your music,” she said. “And so it’s an honour.”
“This is my first time playing Lasso and I’ve heard incredible things about it. Every artist that plays this festival says it’s so well run and the fans are so amazing. So I’m so excited to be here,” she added.
Emerging talent finds the spotlight
For rising artists like Sully Burrows, being part of the festival lineup represents a major milestone. “Seeing people who actually know my songs and know the words — it definitely hits home,” he said.
“It’s super cool just to get the chance to hang out in Montreal. Seeing my name along some of the artists that I’ve looked up to and listened to for a long time is really cool,” he added.
Kevin Smiley, who hurried to get his passport in time for his first trip to Montreal, described the festival atmosphere. “Great weather, great vibes, great people,” he said. “I love being in one place where everybody’s there for the same reason — and here it’s country music.”
More to come
The festival continues Saturday with performances from Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Tucker Wetmore and many more, including local and emerging acts.