Texas country artist Charley Crockett has called off his Canadian tour, which included a show in Saskatoon, after being refused entry into the country over a prior drug conviction. The 41-year-old singer-songwriter expressed his disappointment on Instagram, acknowledging the repercussions of his past. Crockett’s entry was denied at the Vancouver and Kelowna border crossings under section 44(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Act due to a 2016 conviction in Virginia for marijuana possession and trafficking.
The tour, which was set to include performances in multiple Canadian cities such as Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal, as well as a stop in Calgary in July, had to be canceled. Crockett, who previously toured Canada in 2024 and performed in Toronto and Saskatchewan, apologized to his fans for the unforeseen circumstances, emphasizing his love for the country and its supporters.
Jake Vaadeland and his band, scheduled to open for Crockett at various tour stops, expressed their regret for the missed opportunity through social media. Crockett, known for his country-folk style and numerous albums released since 2015, was gearing up for the launch of his upcoming record, “Age Of The Ram,” as part of his Sagebrush Trilogy.
The cancellation of the tour has had a ripple effect on the local arts and culture scene in Saskatoon, impacting not only the venue but also artists, staff, and fans. Kirby Wirchenko, the director of theatre and programming at TCU Place, highlighted the broader implications of such cancellations, underscoring the disappointment felt by all parties involved. Refunds are being processed for those who had purchased tickets for the now-canceled show.
