Kacey Musgraves: Country Music's Culture War Crusader

Kacey Musgraves is not your usual Texas country troubadour. Her packed Rogers Arena show last night was full of fans who knew every word of every song in the career-spanning set. Nothing odd in that.

But the country singer’s fan base traverses both sides of today’s culture wars to a level you wouldn’t usually catch together in an arena unless it was a Dolly Parton performance. The row I was in ranged from women in Lee Riders and F— Trudeau trucker caps to men in latex bustiers and rainbow cowboy hats. A personal fave was the guy sporting a Tee emblazoned with Mamas Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to Be Racist.

It all makes sense when you listen to the multiple award-winning and chart-topping artist’s music. As she noted during the acoustic set on the mossy knoll B-stage, country music is seen by many as being a certain way for a certain kind of folk. But she sees it as being a genre that is all about honest and genuine storytelling that describes real life experiences everyone can jive with regardless of political stripe. OK, it helps if you are into super lush country rock with pristine harmonies and meticulous instrumentation.

From The Stars to The Stage

Everything in the concert is writ in stone, up to the solos. From the moment the lights went down and the set’s starry sky lit up as dry ice fog filled the stage, it was pretty clear this wasn’t going to be the usual hay bales and gingham print presentation favoured by many of today’s top country artists.

Emerging from a magic door etched in white light as the crack seven-piece backing band plucked the opening notes of Cardinal, Musgraves wore a tobacco velour jumpsuit with giant silver mirror sunflower fasteners that would have been right at home in Cher’s wardrobe circa 1969. Barefoot and with her hair pulled back in beaded braids, her voice was crystal clear and powerful from the get go. Her instrument is immaculately clean, with nary a twang to be heard in any tune.

A Star-Studded Setlist

Among the highlights: Golden Hour when she stepped away from the mic and gave a conductor-esque hand flick to start the crowd singing, which they proceeded to do with note perfect execution. The back and forth choruses in the awesome Happy and Sad, which is destined to be a country classic. And the call-and-response wordplay in her breakout hit Follow Your Arrow, which was performed as a campfire singalong with acoustic instruments in the round.

With her expansive list of collaborators, it came as no surprise when she pulled Nickel Creek members onstage for a hilariously upbeat version of Kill Bill that Musgraves introduced as a murder ballad that should appeal to Vancouver listeners. She also shouted out her other opener Father John Misty as well as YVR as one of her top North American airports. This haphazard banter had everybody smiling by the end.

A Rainbow-Filled Encore

But nothing transformed the crowd quite like the cover of Chappell Roan’s runaway smash Pink Pony Club. Complete with rainbow lighting and confetti cannon fire, this was when the big beach balls were unleashed and the party began. While it wasn’t the show closer, it pretty much set the tone for the singer announcing that she doesn’t do encores because she thinks they are a bit of a fake out — I heartily agree — and it’s better to take everyone out on the final few songs and call it a night.

Deeper Well, the touching title track of her latest release, and she wrapped it up with the tender ballad Rainbow from her album Golden Hour.

A fitting end to a shining performance.

Kacey Musgraves: A Country Music Rebel

Musgraves' concert was a testament to her ability to connect with a diverse audience through her honest and genuine songwriting. Her music transcends the boundaries of country music, attracting fans from all walks of life. Her willingness to speak her truth and embrace her own unique style has made her a cultural icon and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. She's a true original and a welcome change of pace in a world where conformity is often prized over individuality.

It’s impossible to deny the impact of Kacey Musgraves’ music. She's a truly talented artist with a strong voice and a unique perspective. Whether you're a die-hard country music fan or just looking for something new to listen to, Kacey Musgraves is definitely worth checking out. And, if you get the chance, check out her live show. It's an unforgettable experience.