Three Canadian country music acts to catch at Lasso Montreal

These Lasso Montreal picks are coming from an avowed Jimmy Buffett fan, though I can appreciate the “new sound” of modern country, which plucks from classic rock and even hip-hop/pop productions. But give me the mavericks any day! (To read our interview with Brittany Kennell, who’s also playing Lasso Montreal this weekend and is highly recommended, please click here.)

Sara Dufour

Along with Léa Jarry, this singer from Dolbeau-Mistassini is a welcome francophone addition bringing something a little different to the lineup. In truth, her trad twist — comparable to Acadian fun-loving folkie stars Lisa Leblanc and P’tit Belliveau — will make her stand out at Lasso more than language, but her hit song is about baseball, so there’s more in common than you think. (Aug. 12, 4:15 p.m., Scène du ranch Coca-Cola)

Tenille Townes

Grand Prairie, Alberta’s own is arguably the biggest Canadian export in radio country, depending on what you think about Orville Peck (and that’s a discussion left for another day). Her 2022 EP Masquerades came out on famed imprint Columbia Nashville, and there’s definitely a sleek, adult pop appeal to her sound and lyrics. (Aug. 12, 6:05 p.m., Scène de la prairie Coors)

Five Roses

Who woulda thunk Montreal’s iconic illuminated sign could also double as an appropriate country duo name? New country popsters Jade Godin and Zach Ouimet have an easygoing chemistry on the new single “Feel Good,” with just enough underlying twang to get you bobbing with your beer in your lawn chair. These are tunes made for a chill August evening on the island. An EP is coming in 2022. (Aug. 13, 2:35 p.m., Scène Lasso Bell)

The Lasso Montreal festival takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Aug. 12–13. Weekend passes cost $220/$400 Gold/$535 premium, day tickets $130/$250/$300

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For more Montreal music coverage, please visit the Music section.