Charley Crockett cancels Winnipeg show after being denied entry into Canada

Charley Crockett performs during Festival d'ete de Quebec on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Quebec City. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

An American country singer won’t be taking the stage at the Burton Cummings Theatre on Thursday night.

Charley Crockett has cancelled all dates on his Canadian tour after twice being denied entry into the country.

According to a post on the Texas singer’s Instagram page, he was denied in both Vancouver and Kelowna because of a 2016 felony conviction in Virginia for selling, giving or distributing more than five pounds of marijuana.

“Everybody’s got a past. Mine’s still haunting me,” Crockett wrote in the post.

Crockett said he was advised a third entry attempt could jeopardize his freedom to try and enter again in the future, forcing the cancellation.

Saskatchewan-based band Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys were set to open for Crockett on several tour stops, including here in Winnipeg.

According to Ticketmaster’s website, refunds are on the way for people who purchased tickets to Thursday’s concert. Ticketmaster said the refund will be issued to the original method of payment.

“I know this doesn’t begin to make up for y’all’s time and hard-earned money. I apologize to everyone affected,” Crockett said.

“I aim to be back one of these days real soon.”

Crockett’s last album, “Dollar a Day,” was nominated for Best Traditional Country Album at the 2026 Grammys. His next album, “Age of the Ram,” is set for release in April.

• With files from CTV’s Cole Davenport