Sierra Ferrell Covers Dolly Parton, Cancels Next Week of Shows
Sierra Ferrell has been on a tear lately as she firmly ensconces herself as a headliner in the independent country/roots space. But the recent run of shows that have seen Sierra go from Florida, up to North Carolina, out to Colorado, on to Virginia, and then up to Massachusetts have apparently taken their toll, and she has decided to cancel the next week of shows. Ferrell was scheduled to perform at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in Canada, the 4848 Festival in West Virginia, along with multiple shows in Wisconsin and Michigan.
“We’ve been working really hard for you all, and have loved every minute of it, but I need to slow down for a bit,” Sierra Ferrell said in a statement. “I know you’re disappointed, and so am I, but I also know that some rest will do me good. I’ll be back on stage soon, and can’t wait to see you then.”
Sierra Ferrell was scheduled to play in two countries, and four states in the span of a week. There is the possibility that some of the dates will be rescheduled, but those dates have not been announced yet. Refunds are available at the point of purchase. The tour dates affected include,
Jul 8, 2023 – Winnipeg Folk Festival – Winnipeg, MB
Jul 9, 2023 – Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua – Bayfield, WI
Jul 10, 2023 – Door Community Auditorium – Fish Creek, WI
Jul 12, 2023 – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe – Kalamazoo, MI
Jul 13, 2023 – The Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI
Jul 14, 2023 – Snowshoe Mountain Resort (4848 Festival) – Snowshoe, WV
Ferrell is currently scheduled to resume touring on July 21st when she is scheduled to play the Nelsonville Music Festival in Nelsonville, Ohio.
Sierra Ferrell has spoken openly about the importance of keeping a good balance with mental health in the past, and knowing when to not push herself too hard. When asked in 2022 about her relentless tour schedule, she responded, “It’s amazing but can also be terrible at times. It’s great that people are interested in me and they want to hear my music, because it’s always been my life and my passion and always been something I knew I was going to be involved with. But I never really knew it was going to get this far with it. I’m very honored but I also feel like I need to pay more attention to my mental health a little bit more.”
In August of 2022, Sierra Ferrell also canceled a week’s worth of shows for similar concerns.
On a more positive note, those hoping for new music from Sierra Ferrell to tide them over until her next album got their wish on Friday. Sierra’s version of Dolly Parton’s iconic song “Coat of Many Colors” was finally released to all streaming platforms. Previously, the song had only appeared via Amazon as part of an exclusive around the induction of Dolly Parton to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“I’ve admired pretty much everything about Dolly Parton since the first time I heard that one-of-a-kind voice,” Sierra says. “From her work ethic, to how she balances her personal and professional life, to how she’s helped pave the way for women in music… she inspires on so many levels. She came from nothing and is now an international icon. But, it’s her heart and it’s her love of people that I admire most.”
Expect a new original single from Sierra Ferrell later this year, and perhaps a new album late 2023/early 2024. Ferrell also said recently that she might be collaborating with Zach Bryan in the future.
July 8, 2023 @ 9:43 am
This will be celebrated and it shouldn’t be.
July 8, 2023 @ 10:02 am
What will be celebrated and shouldn’t be?
July 8, 2023 @ 10:10 am
Cancelling tour dates for mental health reasons. That doesn’t work for me. I realize I am in the minority on this. I get up and go to work plenty of days I don’t feel like it. I have people that depend on me.
July 8, 2023 @ 10:15 am
Perhaps she should not have scheduled so many dates in a week! I am with you, to quote Jamey Johnson “sometimes you gotta go to work, no matter how you feel!”
July 8, 2023 @ 10:21 am
You and I get paid to get stuff done. And if we don’t get them done, we don’t get paid. We muscle through mental health days and sickness to get paid with satisfactory results.
Ferrell gets paid to entertain. If her hearts not in it or she’s mailing it in, it will show and no one will be happy.
I hate the blue-collard guy compared job to entertainers/ professional athletes argument. It’s not the same.
With that said, she shouldn’t over schedule her limitations going forward.
July 8, 2023 @ 10:25 am
Fair points!! Isn’t that part of being an entertainer though, faking it? Some shows are better than others.
Creepy Jackalope Eye – Supersuckers
An elaborate tale
So convincingly real
Things can seem so amazing
‘Til you get up close
And see they’re no big deal
Like the stars in the sky
Or the one on the stage
Just a big ball of gas
And a regular guy
Fresh out of minimum wage
July 8, 2023 @ 5:18 pm
There’s a fine line. Didnt Turnpike change how many shows they play because the grind contributed to Evan’s alcoholism and affair? To me that makes a pretty good case for taking care of yourself first. Who knows what Sierra’s going through or has gone through in the past while on the road, and didn’t handle it well? I don’t like the assumption that it’s not ok for her to take a break. I provide for my family, but I can take PTO. Sometimes athletes take days off for rest. I get that she scheduled these dates so she should stick to them but as long as she doesn’t make a habit of it, I fully support it. Though I’d be upset if she cancelled a show that I planned around so I could be there.
Hopefully she’ll learn from this and plan her touring different in the future. Id rather her err on the side of caution, rather than letting the road get to her.
July 8, 2023 @ 7:03 pm
I understand the points that people are making here but I’m on the side that doesn’t have as much of a problem with the cancellation.
Yes, people (including me) have 40hr+ jobs that we have to be at to make a living and take care of our own, no matter if we don’t feel like it. BUT we also get to take sick days, PTO, whatever it is as your specific job and to me – that’s what Sierra is doing. She realizes she’s running on fumes and is taking a few “sick days” as it were.
If I were going to one of the cancelled shows, you bet I’d be disappointed, but I understand it and I will always side with people doing what they need to take care of themselves so long as it’s not abused.
July 8, 2023 @ 9:08 pm
One big difference is that you get up and go to work, then you go home. When you’re on tour there’s no home at the end of the day. It’s strange places and people split up by long bouts of travel and high stakes performances 24/7, for months,, with very little normal schedule, personal time, family time and never a home at the end of the day.
July 9, 2023 @ 12:14 am
Her mistake was in giving her confessional reason for cancelling the shows–It just invites people like the person several posts above to rag on her.
She should have just lied and announced that she’s suffering from some “approved” illness–or laryngitis–and everybody would be cool with it.
July 9, 2023 @ 6:05 am
Exactly. I’m in construction and thankfully I’m an independent contractor so while I do have to work out of town I do my best to either have some downtime afterwards or at least jobs close to home. The same if a job is physically demanding.
It’s also pretty ridiculous to think mental health concerns are an excuse. Will some people use it that way? Sure. There are always people who will fake illness or incapacity to get out of work, in every job. But a lot of times it’s real and it doesn’t matter if it’s physical like heat exhaustion or a nervous breakdown, needing medical treatment is a serious matter.
July 8, 2023 @ 10:33 am
First, I have been saying for a while now that post COVID, artists are too quick to cancel shows. The mantra used to be “the show must go on.” Now whether it’s a basketball game they want to attend or the fear of the possibility of inclement weather, artists are canceling and it’s putting the burden on fans. It’s not cool, and it’s something the industry needs to address.
But I don’t think anyone is going to “celebrate” Sierra Ferrell saying that she’s suffering from mental health issues and is taking time off. I have to push through all kinds of things everyday as well and can’t just walk away for a week, though sometimes I wish I could. But with artists it’s a little bit different from all the temptations on the road and other stuff.
Also, there is absolutely no need for Sierra Ferrell to be playing 6 shows in seven days in two different countries and four different states. That’s ridiculous. Sure, if she was coming up and trying to pay dues, that would be one thing. But that was poor planning on the booking side if you asked me. Since she’s been blowing up, she’s been added to a bunch of festivals lately, and that has packed her tour schedule too tight.
This totally sucks for the ticket holders who were hoping to see her, and the festivals where she was a major draw. But the days of giving an artists a key bump and telling them to power through should be over. If she needs time, give her time. And next time, don’t schedule a run of shows that is going to push the limit. Sierra is beyond that portion of her career.
July 8, 2023 @ 10:36 am
I agree with that, but I think you know what I meant by “celebrate” it.
July 8, 2023 @ 10:48 am
Sure. This is a complex issue. But I do think that allowing artists to be more open about their struggles will hopefully result in less obituaries needing to be written. That’s my primary concern, because I’ve written too many of them for artists in their 30s like Sierra.
July 8, 2023 @ 11:30 am
I bought tickets for the July 10 show back in February, and scheduled a short vacation around it. Was looking forward to the vacation and seeing Sierra. Well I will still certainly enjoy the vacation, but would like to have seen her. I’ll have a second flight or two at the brew pub during that time instead I guess. I agree this is poor booking practice. If her management cared about her health, quality of shows, and satisfying customers, they would not have booked this run of shows as they did (although she must have agreed to it). I do see longer pauses between shows later in her schedule, but that doesn’t help at present. I’m sure quite a few people went through a lot of planning logistics and $ to attend these cancelled shows.
July 8, 2023 @ 2:33 pm
It sucks man, no doubt. People make fun of the folks that enumerate all the expenses they incur when they travel to shows, but it’s real.
July 8, 2023 @ 3:27 pm
Well Door Community Auditorium already has a full refund including fees and taxes showing on my credit card account, so great job by them!
July 8, 2023 @ 11:23 pm
I too was thinking of going to Bayfield or Fish Creek to make a weekend out of it. I opted for 49 Winchester/Wyatt Flores and the drive was half the distance.
July 9, 2023 @ 10:35 am
I had plans for Fish Creek as well. Because we were informed on such short notice, we can’t get a refund on our lodging….which is considerably more than what we paid for the refunded tickets. I 100% agree her management is overbooking her, but she had to sign off on it. She should push back and tell them to back off on the scheduling…. I get it that sometimes people need time off, BUT, this is not her first rodeo down this road… She did the same thing last year, also canceling the entire Midwest run…. So, i’m in the less sympathetic camp…. Diss your fans, AND the venues enough times, you might just lose fans, venues/festivals will be reluctant to book you, and then you fade away….
July 9, 2023 @ 11:03 am
Agreed, but there are plenty of other things to do up in DC, I will have fun without her. I’m sure there are quite a few in the same situation. See you up there!
July 9, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Yeah, i’m debating whether to go up anyway… It’s about a 3.5 hour drive from Chicagoland, but i’m thinking of taking the pooch (wife doesn’t wanna go if there’s no music). The pooch loves swimming in the big lake!
July 8, 2023 @ 9:59 am
Good for you, Sierra!
We’ll be here when you go out & tour.
First things first, girly.
: D wishing you a good rest and down time.
Make it count
July 8, 2023 @ 12:58 pm
Doesn’t help the male/female disparity in country music.
July 8, 2023 @ 2:27 pm
Yeah the men only cancel when football games are on lmao
July 9, 2023 @ 6:09 am
Or basketball games in the case of Mr. Church lol
July 9, 2023 @ 7:02 am
Ah yes, that’s what I was alluding to
July 8, 2023 @ 11:22 am
It’s unfortunate from a SE Michigan standpoint that she is now 0 for 2 in terms of performing at scheduled shows here, but I don’t begrudge her if that;s what she needs.
July 8, 2023 @ 11:39 am
A lot of people don’t understand the rigors of touring for the independent artist. Most of them have not graduated to the luxurious tour buses (with driver) you see pulled up outside some venues with the equipment trailers behind it. They’re couped up in a van sometimes for 12 or more hours of driving to get to a gig the next day etc….. that might be in a bar that’s sold very few tickets in advance or a festival they have the opening or mid day slot on and they’re barely breaking even financially if that. I often see tour schedules of our favorites and say to myself that looks ambitious and exhausting!!! I’m not sure where Sierra is in the touring comfort phase but believe me it matters. Sometimes I think the booking agents see demand and $$$ and don’t take into consideration the toll it takes on the artist.
July 8, 2023 @ 11:52 am
👍👍👍to all of that, especially the last sentence. Hopefully she has come a long way in the “comfort” phase from her days busking on street corners and living in her car. Thankfully I have zero entertainment skills, I would not be able to live like that!
July 8, 2023 @ 2:37 pm
I believe Sierra Ferrell graduated to a tour bus earlier this year, which really is the big move up because it gives artists so much more comfort than the van/motel model. But it also sometimes gives booking agents the green light to really load down a schedule.
Henceforth, I just don’t see Sierra Ferrell needing to play six shows in seven days. She’s graduated from that as well.
July 8, 2023 @ 2:59 pm
having done the music/touring thing my whole life, i’ve learned a few things. and while i can’t verify anything, i think it could be that she’s fairly comfy on the road. she was gonna get a 75K performance fee for a free show. i’d be shocked if she didn’t have a Prevost. Does she have her own? doubtful. but she ain’t sleepin’ in the “junk bunk” either.
her bookers are tryin to cash in while they can. they don’t care about her. i doubt anyone asks her before they book something. makin hay while the sun shines…
i’m not a fan of hers (so far- i’ll keep listening), but i don’t like to see any artist under that kind of pressure. i put all the time in on the front end (musically) so i could enjoy the back end (shows- and everything that went with them- it was husky).
let’s see how it shakes out. i’m rooting for it to all be good.
July 8, 2023 @ 3:49 pm
Ummmm murf I think you’re confused, that was Carly Pearce getting the 75K for the free show not Sierra who I highly doubt is pulling that for a gig right now…. Trig? That being said to piggy back on what Trig said about her graduating to a tour bus of any sort which is great and believe me I’m NO expert in tour economics but the cost per week and or month for bus + driver is a big jump from van with band members/crew taking turns driving. Maybe getting the bus made them book more to cover that cost plus larger venue shows means larger crew etc…
July 8, 2023 @ 11:17 pm
I don’t know a lot of the artist’s guarantees, and they’re different for each venue. And even if I did, I wouldn’t share that info unless it was an important part of the story like with Carly Pearce.
But I will say this: I think folks would be very surprised how much the top names in independent country make, especially at festivals. I think you would also be surprised how little some of the middle and lower tier mainstream artists make. The economics behind a lot of independent music are rivaling or surpassing the mainstream at the moment.
July 9, 2023 @ 12:31 am
my bad JB. i’m an old man! i’m confused! 🙂
however, if she’s bouncing around that much, that’s a lot of flying, which is the worst situation. she may bus if it’s close enough, but it’s still a grind.
thanks for the clarification.
and trigger, i agree with your assessment about some indie/lower tier financial situations. since billy strings is now mainstream (right?), and just rocketed up from the dregs, i wonder how he’s doing.
but he’s an anomaly. he actually is having a ball at (literally) our expense. and i couldn’t be happier for all of us.
July 9, 2023 @ 12:09 pm
Disagree. Billy Strings is NOT mainstream. You’d be hard-pressed to hear him/the band on mainstream, commercial radio… Ask anyone on the street if they ever heard of him, and i’m willing to bet 90% haven’t… When they played Lolla last year in Chicago, most of those metalheads in the crowd never heard of the guy…the only reason why they were in the audience was to get there early for Metallica. But yes, he has a big and devoted fan base….and a big part of the reason is he/the band go all out and don’t disappoint their fans. I can’t remember ever hearing about them canceling any shows in recent years (except during COVID), and they’re one of the most hardcore touring bands going right now….
July 8, 2023 @ 11:45 am
this is lose lose situation for her.
she performs and puts on a shit show people bitch and moan. :”she phoned it in, she has jumped the shark, she is lackluster”
she takes some time off to really deliver the goods at her future shows ” i don’t get to take days off, primadonna, what she does isn’t really work”
i am going to sit and decide if i hate her because she does something she loves and i am miserable every waking moment of my life, or i like her because she played boxcar willy and hopped trains like some hot little hobo
July 8, 2023 @ 1:02 pm
Social media is a double-edged sword here. On one hand it gives people access they might not have had before to reach fans and gain popularity. Conversely it also puts them under the microscope for their behavior. We all know that person at work who calls out sick a lot and it’s obvious it’s BS. It’s playing with fire to do it while having a literal dream job.
July 8, 2023 @ 1:21 pm
The show must go on. People travel to these shows.
Nobody likes their job. Get out and do it. We all do. Sierra Ferrell doesn’t have the hardest job in America
July 8, 2023 @ 1:40 pm
Remember that you are the Captain of your ship, Sierra.
Corporations and businesses will push you for the almighty $.
You are a Wonderful & Unique talent.
: D There’s no reason to burn the world up all at once.
You are wise in making this move.
When your corporate starts driving you too hard again, you know how to smile & tell them to back up and piss off.
July 8, 2023 @ 2:05 pm
Major catch-22 for any artist, and you’ll never get the benefit of the doubt if you’re a known partier.
Just the way it goes. For anyone without the Keith Richards’ gene, rockstar lifestyles come at a higher cost once you head into middle age.
July 8, 2023 @ 2:30 pm
She’s living the 2023 version of the American Dream. Get your dream job and call it quits whenever you feel down in the dumps. Except she won’t get fired for it.
July 9, 2023 @ 8:52 am
That is called living in a humane world.
July 9, 2023 @ 10:18 am
Whatever you say, “brainiac.”
July 8, 2023 @ 3:35 pm
Good for her for recognizing the need for a break and having the courage to take it.
I know I’m fortunate, but for the vast majority of my professional life, my employers have provided flexibility my colleagues and me to properly care for ourselves, and some even provide resources, via an employee assistance program (EAP), to help workers deal with mental health and other concerns.
Being stretched way too thin, being over-traveled, over-worked, and having to deal with WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE without a break is a lot more than “not feeling like going to work.” It’s a recipe for disaster and the root cause of dangerous problems and self-destructive behavior.
Much respect and many good vibes to Sierra.
July 8, 2023 @ 11:05 pm
The Main Stage of Winnipeg Folk Festival is no joke. Over 10,000 ppl in my estimation and she had a 7:30 slot. Not sure when this was announced, but sounds like her appearance was canceled the day of scheduled performance (today)? Would be interested to know how that fest adapted. I’m sure Folk Fest won’t be offering any partial refunds. I can’t understand what she’s going through, but that was a big show to miss.
July 8, 2023 @ 11:19 pm
Winnipeg Folk Fest is a huge event. She was replaced by Boy Golden. She officially cancelled on Friday for a Saturday performance.
July 9, 2023 @ 6:38 am
I paid more than face value for my ticket to her Detroit show on Stubhub. -_-
July 9, 2023 @ 6:55 am
Strange coincidence I was just commenting here about Sierra’s mental health a couple days ago, and my hopes that she has continued to work on it. Sierra’s tale of being a Busker traveling the country by train and on the way to stardom seems a tale right out of novels for some fans. But this tale hides the perils of a teenage girl who makes the decision to leave home and travel alone in such a dangerous situation. It hides the reality of the mental state that would drive a young woman to do this, or the probable mental scars from a lifestyle in often unsafe environments.
Sierra has been open about mental health and depression in particular in the past. It should have been a consideration to provide some rest time within her schedule. However, some people use work and business to keep themselves busy against a troubled mind. I’m glad Sierra realized her need for a break and took some down time. Hopefully this break will help her to recharge, and be a lesson for future scheduling. Too many young artists have burned out and flamed away before before they’re time.
July 9, 2023 @ 11:47 am
There’s a great podcast series called City of the Rails about a journalist investigating her teen daughter after deciding to give up everything to ride the rails. It especially goes into great detail about the dangers of young women who have the train hopping traveler lifestyle.
July 9, 2023 @ 2:45 pm
I’ll have to check that out.
July 9, 2023 @ 8:30 am
They call me no show Jones…
July 9, 2023 @ 8:31 am
Only thing she did “wrong” was saying it was mental health. She could’ve said she had come down with an illness and wasn’t going to be able to travel and perform. Unfortunately, people online are comma criticize no matter what.
July 9, 2023 @ 9:47 am
I hadn’t heard that cover until it popped up on YouTube this morning, and _of course_ it’s great.
Willing to give the benefit of the doubt to Sierra, but cancelling that many shows is a bad look, especially since it’s not the first time. Whoever is in charge needs to come up with a schedule that works for her, and soon.
July 9, 2023 @ 9:56 am
Amtrak and Sierra Ferrell collaborate on her whistle stop tour. She sleeps in the same cozy Pullman car bed every night. Switch the car onto siding,
she opens the back door of the RR car and steps out to sing. A train car would have enough space for her wardrobe, I think.
No need to involve Norfolk Southern.
Best Wishes to Sierra Ferrell!
July 9, 2023 @ 10:52 am
They don’t make ’em like they used to.
July 9, 2023 @ 11:50 am
Love the cover song, its a great cover of a classic. Far as her canceling shows. I’m kind of down the middle here. I do think in any profession people should be able to step back and take some time off for whatever reasons. However the fact this has happened before kind of bugs me. She should have learned some lessons from the prior experience. Know what you can handle far as scheduling goes. All that being said, I hope the rest helps her. Look forward to more new music going forward.
July 10, 2023 @ 10:42 am
I just hope she’s got the right people behind her. There are a few things, tour schedule included, that make me wonder…
July 10, 2023 @ 2:05 pm
Mental health struggles are the new purse poodle for millennials. Everyone has to have one to fit in.
July 10, 2023 @ 6:36 pm
Split, contradictory goals mebbe? Have a nice garden X Be far away from home 3/4 of the growing season.
Did you ever see the circus act where the rider is standing with one foot on one horse and the other foot on a 2nd horse?
Somewhere she mentioned, ok, maybe it was just a whim of the moment thing to say, but: Move to the desert and raise a family
Everybody’s life doesn’t progress along seamlessly. In the Converse Cowboy interview she approvingly mentioned a therapist.
She turns 35 on August 3. The other year on her birthday she posted a selfie on FB, drunk at an airport (her words)
Did you find “Gum Tree Canoe” on YouTube yet? Somebody who can REALLY sing is Sierra Ferrell ime. btw All it would take for the whistle stop tour to actually happen is for an Amtrak executive to be a huge Sierra Ferrel fan. And a custom caboose
July 11, 2023 @ 7:12 am
While it’s a bummer for those who were planning to see Sierra at one of these dates, it’s got to be so physically and mentally demanding to be a touring musician, particularly at the pace she going at over the last few years. I hope that people will be more understanding of how important one’s mental/physical health is and there are so many examples (I.e. Amy Winehouse, Justin Townes Earl,…. ) of artist that have left us way too soon.
July 13, 2023 @ 4:19 am
Since only one other poster wants to talk about the song, I will just say that Sierra’s cover of the Dolly classic is a joy to listen to. It stays true to the original arrangement, while being just different enough for it to be her own take on the song, without too many of Sierra’s normal tics and flourishes. This is a very good cover version and a great tribute to a great song.
July 15, 2023 @ 6:26 am
Good for her for taking care of herself and her talent. Whatever the guarantee is, everybody gets paid before her and because of her. This business historically thinks of the artist last. No one else is going to look out for her-glad she is. If you like her music and enjoy it, show up when she plays, buy a bunch of her merchandise, pay for her music don’t just stream it and if you do get to see her live don’t fucking hang around and try to talk to her and tell her about you. Just thank her and move on. You didn’t buy a piece of her for a $40 ticket.
July 22, 2023 @ 8:28 pm
After a month or so of promoting her on this site, I was nearly ready to set aside my usual skepticism of all new country acts (and especially the female ones, due to the horror shows like Price, Ballerini, Morris, etc) and give her a shot…until she opened up her mouth about Aldean.
Another One Bites the Dust, and the search for the next Kitty Wells (God bless her) continues.
August 2, 2023 @ 9:39 pm
Lovely cover. And to the people in this thread that plays the blue-collar card, to me you come across as narrow-minded, bitter and childish. Being a blue-collar myself i sure try to set my standards a little higher.
August 2, 2023 @ 10:29 pm
Ulrik, you probably already know Sierra Ferrell is singing in Stockholm on Tuesday, August 22, and Wednesday the 23rd in Gothenburg!
btw It’s August 3! Happy Birthday, Sierra