Country star hits Royal Theatre

Kentucky singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson will make his Victoria debut with a concert at the Royal Theatre on Aug. 20.

The popular country performer is touring North America until November in support of his celebrated new album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, which arrived in April to universal acclaim. The album debuted No. 1 on the Billboard country charts and hit the top spot on both the folk and rock charts, making the Grammy nominee one of the biggest crossover country stars of today.

Simpson, who once served in the U.S. Navy, has broadened his scope of late. A Sailor’s Guide to Earth features horns by the DapKings and includes a unique cover of Nirvana’s In Bloom.

Tickets are $49 at the Royal McPherson box office, online at rmts.bc.ca, or by phone 250-386-6121. They go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.