WHEELING, W.Va. — Canadian country music icon Terri Clark makes her return to Wheeling on Thursday, May 1 for a performance at The Capitol Theatre.
Clark is no stranger to the Wheeling area, having played local Ohio Valley festivals in the summer and theatres and concert halls in winter over the years. In an interview with River News Network, she reflected on her early performances at Jamboree in the Hills and the historic Capitol Theatre.
“I played the Jam four times in my career and used to hear about it all the way up in Canada,” Clark recalled. “It was one of the biggest, trailblazing festivals in country music, and I have fond memories of playing both the festival and The Capitol Theatre over the years.”
Known for empowering anthems and a strong sense of independence in her music, Clark said she never intentionally set out to craft songs centered on empowerment.
“I guess I just naturally resonated toward songs where the character wasn’t the victim,” she said. “Songs like ‘I Just Wanna Be Mad’ are about living your life fully—not letting anything stand in your way.”
Clark’s journey to success wasn’t easy. Coming from Canada, she paid her dues by playing at Nashville’s legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge—at a time when Lower Broadway was a far cry from today’s tourist hotspot.
“It was dangerous back then,” she said. “There was drug trafficking, prostitution—it wasn’t a great place for an 18-year-old Canadian girl to be wandering around at night. I played the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift, took the bus, and wrapped my guitar strap around my wrist with a shoelace so no one could steal it.”
Clark’s determination and work ethic paid off. She recorded her own music as well as collaborating with others and touring with country legends like George Strait and Ohio Valley native Brad Paisley. She also had the pleasure to grace the stage of legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl.
The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist has sold over five million albums and is the only Canadian female member of the Grand Ole Opry. Clark racked up numerous accolades including multiple JUNO Awards and Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) honors. Clark, who was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023, joins an elite group alongside names like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Shania Twain.
She is a champion for Canadian country music, noting that while there is an American influence on the genre, Canadians are becoming more influential.
“Canadian country music has always been influenced by Nashville,” Clark noted, “but now Canadian artists are beginning to headline major festivals and build strong careers at home and beyond.”
One example Clark cited is Dallas Smith, a Canadian country artist who now headlines major festivals.
Clark’s latest project, Take Two, is an eight-song album features duets with top stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson, Ben Rector, and Cody Johnson—revisiting some of her most iconic hits for a new generation.
In an era dominated by digital platforms, Clark acknowledges that streaming and YouTube have opened new doors for her music to reach younger audiences.
“Streaming definitely helps new fans discover my music,” she said. “But many of my fans still want physical CDs, so there’s a balance.”
She said she has a social media presence but joked that sometimes people seem to like photos of her dog over concert footage.
For her upcoming Wheeling show this Thursday, Clark promises an upbeat concert filled with the hits you love and some cover songs to make you smile. Clark wants to engage with her audience and give them a show to remember.
“It’s going to be high-energy with lots of up-tempo songs, some fun covers from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, and of course, all the hits,” she said. “I love making the audience part of the show. If people leave without having the best time ever, then I haven’t done my job.”
Tickets for Terri Clark’s May 1 performance at The Capitol Theatre in Wheeling are available now. Click here for tickets.
