By Eric Penkala
Canadians who are new to Taiwan may feel slightly overwhelmed by their new surroundings. This disorienting feeling is referred to as a “culture shock,” and it is perfectly normal for a person living in a new country or social environment. There are plenty of things to appreciate about Taiwanese culture, but having to absorb all of it at once can seem rather daunting. Luckily, there are some occasional reminders of Canadian culture that can be found right in Taiwan. 
Take, for instance, the music scene. What some Canadians new to Taiwan may find surprising is that North American music is still quite popular here. So much so that some very well-known artists and bands are known to stop by every now and then for a concert. For those taken aback by the “culture shock” that Taiwan can bring, it can be a great relief to see a concert put on by an artist or band that you are familiar with. Anyone looking for this feeling of relief will be pleased to know that a few very high-profile artists are coming to Taiwan in the near future.
Pitbull is an acclaimed rapper who has had top-of-the-chart hits with “Give Me Everything” and “Timber.” Pitbull is wildly popular in both Canada and throughout North America, and on March 24 you can see him in an exclusive concert at Taipei Arena.
There may be no bigger artist in North America right now than Katy Perry. With smash hits like “Firework,” “Roar” and “Dark Horse,” Perry’s elaborate concerts have captured the imagination of fans all across the world. Fresh off her Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, Perry will be taking the stage at Taipei Arena on April 28.
For those who are looking for a bit more of a blast from the past, look no further than the Backstreet Boys. The Backstreet Boys were one of the most popular boy bands of the late-1990s, with hits like “I Want It That Way,” “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and “As Long as You Love Me.” On March 30, the Backstreet Boys will hit the stage at the University of Taipei Gymnasium.
Tickets for all three of these events are still available, but will likely sell out quickly. For Canadians who are new to Taiwan, concerts like this could prove to be a nice reminder of home, all the while being a nice reminder that although the Taiwanese culture may be new and intimidating, the people of Taiwan have a lot more in common with you than you might think.
Eric Penkala is a journalism student at the University of Guelph-Humber. Upon graduation, Eric is looking to pursue a career in sports journalism or sports broadcasting. You can follow Eric on Twitter @EricPenkala.