Kacey Musgraves captivated Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on September 19 with her blend of country, pop, soft rock, and folk, delivering a performance that showcased her ability to make country music accessible to a wide audience. Far from alienating country purists, the seven-time Grammy winner from Texas struck a balance between authenticity and appeal, demonstrating the hard work and individuality at the heart of country music.
Musgraves’ stop in Vancouver was part of her world tour in support of her latest album, Deeper Well. The evening kicked off with stellar opening performances from bluegrass trio Nickel Creek and indie artist Father John Misty, setting the stage for Musgraves, who took the spotlight shortly after 9:30 pm.
She opened her set with “Cardinal,” the first track from Deeper Well, quickly followed by her 2018 hit “Butterflies.” Despite being a fan-favorite, “Butterflies” arrived earlier in the show than expected, a welcome treat for fans who had been eagerly waiting for her to take the stage.
Musgraves performed on a visually stunning set, featuring a grassy hill on the main stage and a smaller circular stage with a glowing planet suspended above it. Throughout the night, she performed a mix of songs from Deeper Well, including tracks like “Sway,” “Lonely Millionaire,” and “Jade Green,” alongside older hits like “Family Is Family” and “Space Cowboy.”
In a memorable moment, she brought back Nickel Creek to join her for a cover of SZA’s “Kill Bill,” a surprise that delighted the audience. Musgraves concluded the night with her uplifting anthem “Rainbow” from Golden Hour, delivering the emotional ballad against a rainbow-lit backdrop before leaving the stage. In her final note, she urged the audience to be present in the moment, letting them know there would be no encore.
The tour continues tonight in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, where fans can expect another unforgettable performance—hopefully with all her merchandise safely back across the border.
