Review Credit: Eric Brisson & Indiana Stock
As we walk into the Parc Jean-Drapeau, Arpin Lépine was on the main stage, welcoming us to the friendliest of festivals. Lasso day one was shining bright with the energy of friendly cowboys and cowgirls finally being gathered back together for the festivals 5th anniversary.
The fashion choices were as impressive as Osheaga or Ile Soniq, except all were in neutral natural colours. Sparkles, tight jean shorts and tall cowboy hats were part of many personal photo shoots happening all at once through out the festival grounds at any moment during the weekend.
As for the perfomers we saw.
Elizabeth Nichols‘s humor while delivering her songs on the main stage, reminded us of a certain newlywed who started of also being a young blonde charismatic country singer songwriter. That being said, it’s her rock twangy cover of “Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry, that really showcased her capacity of making songs her own through great performance.
Shawnee Kish kicked off the day at the Ranch stage with her powerful voice, singing about being part of the Mowahk nation and being of two-spirit. Her personal message of love and music as medicine really stood out.
It was complete joy, observing new friends meeting around the Ford tent and it’s line dancing classes in between live sets on the Ranch stage. Great pleasure of seeing Winslow Dancers explaining steps and gatherine enthusiastic volunteers, all happy to be there. The success of that tent even spilled out into adjacent open spots where strangers shared their two steps.
Reney Ray storytelling made us want to lean in and daydream of road trips and good times with friends near a lake in late summer. She was incredibly generous with her public interactions even through out some scratchy microphone issues. She masterfully turned it into a positive and it gave the beginning of the set an old pick up truck radio feel. She spoke of her “one new release on Spotify per week for a year” project.
Krystel Mongeau has a magical voice and such an amazing control of it. She was beaming on the Sirius XM stage, while singing songs from her country repertoire as well as covers of favourites like “Before he cheats” from an other strong female voice, Carrie Underwood.
Léa Jarry brought sunny energy to the Ranch stage, reminding us that the party was just starting. What a surprise to hear Céline Dion local 80s pop hit Incognito woven in her country set as we swayed along.
A much bigger stage is in Theo Day‘s near future, with the crowds of enthusiastic fans already chanting his name and singing along at the Sirius XM backyard session. His musicians were eating the attention up, moving around the small stage and performing for the blissed out fans. Set started off in soft folksy pop zone, perfect for the afternoon setting of feel-good chilling, watching the show with friends. It then took a much bluesier rock detour that put the focus back on Theo’s charismatic presence and guitare playing.
On the Ranch stage, 21 yr old Noah Bridgen from Ontario sang about heartbreak and life’s tougher times in a such heartfelt yet catchy way with his growly grunge voice and raw razor-sharp lyrics. We felt what he felt.
He later joined fellow “yallternative” artist Waylon Wyatt for a song, on the same stage, during his Lasso set.
James Barker Band kicked things off with an energetic, feel-good performance that set the tone for the day, bringing their modern country sound and infectious stage presence to the LASSO crowd.
Chance Peña followed with a soulful and intimate performance filled with heartfelt moments, while The Band Perry brought their signature blend of powerful vocals, infectious energy, and genre-bending country to the festival.
Max McNown impressed us with his energy and confident stage presence, delivering a heartfelt performance that quickly connected with the audience.
Koe Wetzel took the stage with high expectations, but struggled to connect with the LASSO crowd. A timid audience, combined with technical issues—including problems with his in-ear monitors—made for a more disconnected set, with Wetzel appearing visibly frustrated at times.
John Pardi followed with authentic twang and honky-tonk spirit that had the crowd singing along and lots of pyro, we loved it while Thomas Rhett closed things out with infectious energy, big hits, and undeniable charisma.
A great day of amazing discoveries and new favourites to an evening of good old country day 1 was a success.
For more photos from Lasso 2026, head to our Faceobok page!