Montreal’s ‘Lasso in the City’ draws country fans ahead of outdoor festival
Posted August 14, 2025 3:03 pm.
Last Updated August 14, 2025 10:23 pm.
Country music fans dusted off their boots a little early Thursday as “Lasso in the City” kicked up the dust at Montreal’s Théâtre Beanfield, setting the stage for the main Lasso Festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Friday and Saturday.
Headlining Thursday’s show was Canadian singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb, who will also perform at the main festival on Saturday. Joining him was emerging artist Paige Somerville, who opened the evening with a mix of new music and fan favorites.
“It’s incredible. I’ve loved Lasso,” said Somerville ahead of her set. “Cameron’s an amazing artist so it just feels super surreal to be here doing this.”
“I’m super excited to be here. I’m super pumped for the show—and go to Lasso, the festival,” she added.
A lead-in to the festival
Lasso in the City acts as a pre-party to the weekend’s festivities, offering fans an opportunity to sing along, reconnect, and get into the festival spirit before the large-scale outdoor shows begin.
“I think it gets people excited,” said Whitcomb. “I’ve never done nothing like this, so this is wonderful.”
The artist, who has performed in Montreal before, was eager to return to the venue.
“We’re playing the Beanfield. It’s incredible. I’m really fired up,” he said. “The energy in Montreal is wonderful.”
The sense of community was echoed by Somerville, who praised the festival’s structure.
“I think it’s a great idea,” she said. “It brings everyone together, gives a little excitement for the festival coming up. I think it’s a great bonding and community experience.”
Dedicated fans show up early
For some concertgoers, the chance to see Whitcomb in an intimate venue was worth a long wait. Fans began lining up as early as 10:30 a.m., hoping to secure a good spot and, in some cases, a chance to interact with the artist.
One fan, Carole Elles, said she came early to give Whitcomb a rose and shared the deeper meaning behind her support.
“I got a tattoo from him,” she said. “It’s on my arm and it means a lot. It’s like a healing concert, and I love his song a lot.”
Karen Lavoie Owens, who traveled from Saint-Hyacinthe, has seen Whitcomb before and was eager to experience the energy again.
“I went to a show last February and the energy was just amazing,” she said. “There was jumping on stage—it was a very, very good show. So I’m just expecting a lot of fun.”
Zoe Bishop, another Montrealer, said she was glad to have this opportunity, especially since she couldn’t make it to the main festival.
“I really like Cameron Whitcomb. He’s like my favorite artist at the moment and I really connect with his songs,” she said. “I think the energy is going to be really good.”
Mia Rossi, who also came out early, said she’s been listening to Whitcomb for the past year and didn’t want to miss the chance to see him live.
“I just fell in love with his music,” she said.
Whitcomb on fan dedication and personal connection
Whitcomb said he was moved by the level of dedication shown by his fans and expressed both surprise and gratitude at the personal stories they share with him.
“It’s crazy,” he said. “I usually tell them don’t… it’s permanent. But I’m grateful. If something means that much to someone they’re willing to get it tattooed… it’s just insane.”
He also reflected on the emotional connection many fans have with his music.
“I’m just grateful, you know, that people can resonate with a lot of the things I’m saying.”
The festival’s message was clear throughout the evening: “A true country festival always starts with a party in the city.”
Lasso Festival: Aug. 15–16 at Parc Jean-Drapeau
The two-day Lasso Festival, taking place Aug. 15. and 16 on Montreal’s Île Sainte-Hélène, will feature headliners Bailey Zimmerman and Jelly Roll, along with artists like Sheryl Crow, Riley Green, and Shaboozey.
