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Welcome To

Canadian Country Star

Canadian Country Music News                      August  20, 2008

 

 

Exclusive Giveaways From Canadian Country Star !

Collect Memorabilia From Shane Yellowbird and Charley Pride

 

 

Big Valley Jamboree '08

Exclusive Coverage On the Way !

COMING SOON...  

 Canadian Country Star Photojournalist,

Ron Keessar recently attended the Big Valley Jamboree!

Canadian Country Star Has Complete Coverage of the Annual Four Day Event!

Country Stars Stampede Highlight

By Ron Keessar

 

As sure as winter turns to spring and on to summer, professional cowboys and cowgals around the nation

are itchin’ for that long awaited adrenalin rush called rodeo and here in Alberta we are no exception,

only here it’s called STAMPEDE!

The Ponoka Stampede is world renowned for hosting the 7 day event (June 25-July1st) that showcases the best of the best in competitive professional rodeo with bragging rights to those generous payouts for the winning athletes in their action filled classes.

The grandstand entertainment has always been

top notch and this year was truly no exception,

especially for a local cowboy now making a ‘Big Splash’ within the country music industry. 

Shane Yellowbird was our featured artist in last month’s column and continues to gain fan

momentum from every

honky-tonk and stage he performs.

 

 The handsome Cree native was booked as opener

for Canadian hit-ster George Canyon, but when Yellowbird came roaring into the infield aboard a beautifully restored 18th century stage coach you would have thought he was being chased by a

gang of thieving outlaws. When all the dust had

finely settled, all that was seen were a couple thousand cheering fans that by now were

surrounding the stage. Shane was obviously taken

by his welcoming committee; after all, this is his stomping ground, his family and friends,

but most importantly his die-hard fans!

 

The gifted entertainer didn’t waste anytime getting down to some serious business exploding into

‘Life’s Calling My Name’ the title cut off his debut album and quickly tore into Eddie Rabbitt’s classic

hit, ‘Diving My Life Away’.   Shane announced that recently he was asked to start on a new video shoot…. “They asked me to make a video down in Nashville in June, I said… Hell NO! That’s the

Ponoka Stampede”!! This statement of course drove the home town crowd into ballistics.  As it turns out,

his on stage performance of the upcoming video, ‘They’re All About You’ was being filmed by a huge boom camera placed in the crowd to capture

material that will be used in the final cut…

can’t wait for that one!

 

Yellowbird has been extensively touring around the country lately and explained, “I wasn’t home for Mothers Day and she’s out there (in the crowd), probably crying” and went on to dedicate, Johnny Lee’s smash, ‘Looking For Love’ a personal

favorite for the both of them back when

Shane was growing up.

 

Fans got a real treat when Shane gave them a

sneak-peek to a hot new tune that will be featured

on his next album release he’ll be working on when

he makes his move to Nashville very soon.

The song, ‘Barefoot on the Blacktop’ will be a guaranteed 2-step favorite among dance hall

dwellers and listeners when it hits the airwaves.

it was truly a high-light of the evening.

 

The soon to be superstar performed all the hits

off his album and introduced a few country classics

that drove the crowd wild proving there isn’t much

this country boy can’t handle in the vocal chops department!  Yellowbird closed his performance

with the obvious crowd pleasing, ‘Pick-Up Truck’

and then took a few moments to embrace the

roaring feedback that he was given, said his goodbyes, and was rushed off the stage leaving

all begging for more!

 

After his performance, Shane personally

autographed copies of his CD and promo photos

and even threw in a T-shirt that lucky fans will

have a chance to win right here on Canadian

Country Star. I have also thrown in a couple of autographed custom prints from my own collection

to brighten the pot. Stay tuned for contest details announced soon!

Visit www.shaneyellowbird.com

for touring dates near you.

 

Being named as runner up in the 2004 season of Nashville Star has been a good thing for Canadian great, George Canyon, my thoughts are as many others, he should have won the 'big gig' hands down. And by the way…what ever happened to the winner, Brad Cotter?? Oh Well, that’s all musical history now and George’s career just continues to skyrocket because of it. The multiple award winning artist

has really grown into his own since his

Nashville Star days and continues to impress the masses wherever he performs.  His stage persona

has always been spit and polished.   After all, he was

never the new kid on the block when the popular television program aired, he’d been honing his

craft long before that.

 

The country hunk arrived on stage in his road worn brown mid length leather jacket and trademark felt Stetson hat throughout thunderous applause

opening with his top 5 hit, ‘Somebody Wrote Love’.  Canyon, along with his impressive six piece all Canadian band performed so many of the hits that have made him the household name he has so deservingly become.  Career hit tunes, ‘Never Do Better Than You’ and ‘Good Day to Ride’,

‘Who Would You Be’ were enjoyable to hear live

and those Classic’s from yesteryear,

Kiss An Angel Good Morning’,

‘Okie From Muskokee’, and ‘Battle Of New Orleans’ were sung with honest pride.  George latter told the crowd he held a special spot in his heart for a guy back in the 60’s that wore one of the “coolest hairdos called a pompadour” and when he hit the opening lines to ‘Hello Darlin’…WOW! The hairs on the back

of my neck stood at full attention  and drove the

sing-a-long fans into oblivion.   The Conway Twitty

hit really captured his true talent.  This is a dude

who can belt out a tear jerker with the

best of em’ hands down!

 

The soon-to-be 40 year old always reserves some heart felt moments in his show to say a few kind

words to his wife Jennifer, who was out in the crowd cheering on her hubby and then dedicated the beautiful ‘One Good Friend’ for the love of his life.

The fans just embraced  this six foot something,

good ole country boy’s charming stage presence, rugged handsome good looks and that awesome baritone voice that melted hearts high into the

covered grandstands, it was obvious fans

love their GC… straight up!

 

Canyon recently recorded an album of country favorites titled, ‘Classics’ and showcased a few performing Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring Of Fire’, ‘Folsum Prison Blues’( the first song he ever learned to play) , ‘7 Spanish Angels’ and his admitted favorite

Dukes of Hazzard theme song, ‘Good Ole Boys’

made popular by Waylon.  The showman decided to save the rowdiest for last and encored with his 2006 top 6 hit, ‘Drinkin’ Thinkin’ that brought the outdoor concert to the ultimate scream fest!

 

George then removed his hat and held it high

in the air trying to make eye contact with as many frenzied fans as he could, thanking them like the true gentleman he is and was whisked away as the

Ponoka atmosphere literally exploded with an awesome display of concert ending fireworks!

Before the show, George graciously took the time to autograph 2 photos taken by me of past performances that we will be giving away as well.

 

Check back for details on how you can

win this one of a kind treasured keepsake!

To catch a live show near you, visit www.georgecanyon.com   

 

NEW ARTIST SHANE YELLOWBIRD

HAS REASON TO SING

By Ron Keessar

Canadian Country Star is proud of our rising

hopefuls and we will be focusing on these

exceptional talents through ‘Artist Profiles’

introducing you the fans, to the many upcoming performers within the industry that are bound

for stardom.

 

In our first, let me introduce you to,

Shane Yellowbird, a Cree Native who grew up

on the small reservation town of Hobbema Alberta,

and as a young child learned to rope and ride fully embracing the cowboy way of life through parents

who participated and traveled around

in the rodeo circuit.

                                                                                  

Shane was born with a severe stuttering problem

and while seeing a speech therapist suggested he should sing his sentences and that this may help

him to speak more clearly and overcome his

handicap. The advice proved successful and this brought out a new found love for music the Shane

truly could appreciate.

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

(It is an interesting note that while hanging out back stage at the Grand Ole Opry some time ago, Shane was lucky enough to meet and spend time with his

idol and mentor Mel Tillis, where the two instantly

hit it off and talked about their shared speech impediments and how they both had learned to overcome the problem.)

 

Through the coaxing of friends and family, the

27 year old singer/songwriter entered several competitions and surprisingly started winning.

The news of this extraordinary talent with the

magical voice soon caught the keen eye of Louis O’Reilly, President of the successful management company O’Reilly International where Shane was quickly signed to their growing reputable roster.

 

In November of 2006, Yellowbird recorded his

debut album titled, ‘Life’s Calling My Name’ and

this was the kick start to his fast growing career.

 

The album itself is a real ear opener and quite a recorded gem having 6 of the 10 tracks hit the

charts with phenomenal success! Real fun-loving positive tunes that fit his smooth voice in the

country tradition’s of George Strait or Garth Brooks were an instant hit, They’re All About You’, What

A Beautiful Concept, I Remember The Music, Life’s Calling My Name, Pickup Truck and his current release, Drive Me Home, have all found it into the hearts of country music fans across this country.

 

Shane’s unbelievable success story just keeps on accelerating in an awesome upward climb and ultimately turning heads within the industry

as the next BIG DEAL!

 

September of 2007, took Yellowbird to the CCMA’s (Canadian Country Music Awards), where the young entertainer won the coveted, Rising Star Award

which also earned him a brand new

Chevy pickup truck.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Country's Pride

and Joy !

Charly Pride's Visit To

The Red Deer  Enmax Centrium

 

By Ron Keessar

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

Brian Edwards, President & CEO of Canada’s premiere booking agency, Rocklands Talent & Management Incorporated, is back again with another winner, bringing the finest in traditional country music back to the fans.   Known throughout the industry as a leader, Brian’s focus is promoting heavy hitters of yesteryear that still can command filling arenas and soft seat theaters across this country.

Over the past 25 years, the award winning agency has showcased artists like Canadian greats, Tommy Hunter, Wilf Carter, Hank Snow, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Miss Patti Page and American recording giants, Kitty Wells, Roy Clark, Bill Anderson, Jean Shepard, Ray Price and Stonewall Jackson just to name a very short few!

Country Legend Charley Pride has always held a soft spot for his Canadian admirers and judging by the crowd's welcoming response, the feeling was very mutual during his recent visit to the Red Deer Enmax Centrium Monday May12th.  The never aging showman was in incredibly fine form and that smooth baritone voice was exactly like his records… and he just celebrated his 70th birthday in March!   What a treat to witness the man responsible for so many great country songs over the past four decades, and to see him live.

His career is nothing short of phenomenal.  Pride has sold over 70 million albums, with 36 number one singles, 31 gold and 4 platinum albums.  He remains one of the top twenty country recording artists of all time.  So how on earth does an entertainer with these bragging rights go about putting on an all too short 90 minute performance?   Simply put, by trying to pick the best of the best, play a lot of medleys, and a good solid mix of just the right ones at full length to bring the house to their feet!                                                                                  The fans knew em’ all and sang along in unison word for word taking that musical trip down memory lane.  The folks roared through, Snakes Crawl at Night, Crystal Chandelier, Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger, Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone, Just Between You and Me, Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town, and Someone Loves You Honey.   Perfectly so, after all these were some of the best tunes to come out of the 60’s and 70’s.

The Mississippi born entertainer took a few moments to reflect on his early influential heroes and paid tribute to Marty Robbins ( My Woman, My Woman, My Wife) , Conway Twitty (Hello Darlin’) , Waylon Jennings ( Good Hearted Woman) and of course Johnny Cash (Ring Of Fire).

Later in the show Charley asked his son Dion who had opened the concert to come out and perform a number with him which was one of the highlights of the evening.   Dion himself is an accomplished singer/songwriter and regular chop off the ole’ block, showing much of the same charismatic traits he has learned from his father.

Pride announced “this is the biggest song I’ve ever had” and exploded into his 1971 million selling cross-over hit, Kiss an Angel Good Morning, which instantly brought the arena crowd to full attention!

To end the evening’s spectacle came that recognizable pounding native drum intro that some fans in the room first heard coming across the airwaves back in 1953 by Hank Williams Sr. Charley’s version of Kaw-Liga came sixteen years later and is considered to be the best remake of the song scaling at number three on the US country charts.

From very humble beginnings, born into a poor sharecroppers family with eleven siblings, Charley Pride is, and remains one of the most sincere, southern gentlemen I have ever met on stage and in person.   His strong faith and love of his craft is so evident it’s easy to see why he’s so much loved throughout the world.  To many of his followers  he will always remain "The Pride of Country Music!"

For more incredible Charley Pride career achievements including Canadian and U.S. tour information, visit his website www.charleypride.com

Canadian Country Star would like to personally take this opportunity to thank Mr. Pride for generously giving time to visit back stage and autograph two of his classic vinyl albums that we will be giving away as a fan write in. To add to the pot, two lucky winners will receive a one of a kind 8.5x11 color photograph of the show taken by myself, Ron Keessar.

To see who’s touring on Rockland’s roster visit www.rocklandsentertainment.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shane Yellowbird and

New Country Star

Photojournalist Ron Keessar

 

 

 

 

The following month he was handed the also coveted Entertainer of the Year, Best Music Video for his #1 hit, Pickup Truck, and Best Country CD during the APCMA’s (Aboriginal Peoples Choice award’s) held in Winnipeg.   In December he was off to Toronto for the Canadian Aboriginal awards taking home the hardware for, Best Male Artist,

Best Country Album and Best Album of the Year for Life’s Calling My Name.

 

The above is just a short list of accolades this aspiring, gifted individual has earned in such a short time and the best is surely yet to come.  Shane Yellowbird has grabbed the world by the tail and really has made an impact on the

Canadian country music scene.

 

Yellowbird really is the whole ‘Package’, the real and honest deal, if you will.   His black felt cowboy hat worn proudly isn’t a prop, he’s a true cowboy and still breaks horses and competes in calf roping events when he finds the time.  He’s an instant hit with the ladies on or off the stage; his rugged handsome good looks ooze country charm while that warm and sincere mile-wide smile enhances

those deep pocketed dimples that seem to make the ladies blush. Yes, Life Is ‘Really’ Calling His Name… Loud & Proud, but most importantly, Shane

is a true inspiration not only to his

Aboriginal community but proving that

determination to pursue your dreams can prevail.

 

During a recent concert, I had the pleasure to meet with the very humble entertainer where I expressed my excitement with his ride to fame and congratulated him an all his deserving achievements.  Looking tired from his grueling cross Canada tour, Shane took

 the time to graciously autograph two of my personal 8x12 photographs.  I explained that weplanned to give them away right here on Canadian Country Star, for a fan write-in and giveaway.  

He was excited to be the first artist introduced on the pages of Canadian Country Star and looks forward to performing at a venue near his many

fans this summer.   As far as a new project, Shane’s busy writing for his sophomore album and no time line has been set.  If it’s anything like his debut release, fans can surely expect another

chart burning winner!

 

Yellowbird is really anticipating his

return to home turf when he opens the grandstand performance for George Canyon during the

Ponoka Stampede June 26th.

 

 

For more information on this incredible talent visit www.shaneyellowbird.com.        

 

 

HA-OOH-HOOOO...

PLAY SOMETHING COUNTRY!

By Ron Keessar

          When two of the hottest acts in country music plan to tour together how do you decide who opens and closes a show? All egos aside, you simply take turns each night in rotation and that’s just how Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson are working their concerts.

         The superstars made their 1st Canadian stop at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary Alberta April 16th to a jam packed house of welcoming fans.

         The dynamic duo, Kix Brooks and  Ronnie Dunn along with their impressive 10 piece band that also featured three lovely backup singers, exploded on stage throughout thunderous applause.   Brooks was running about finger pickin’ his mirrored covered mandolin while Dunn raked the strings on his black Telecaster guitar, singing his heart out through a headset-mic.

         Brooks (53) keeps the traditional cowboy dress alive with his trademark black Stetson, pearl buttoned western shirt and sings backup on the occasional tune.

        While Dunn (55), (he’s the tall lanky dude with the funny wind swept rooster tailed hairdo and goatee) is ultimately the one with the vocal chops between the pair.

         The turbo-tonk high energy infused show featured many of their hits that have branded them the highest selling duo in the history of country music, responsible for selling over 30 million records!

         Fans really came alive during crowd favorites like, You Can’t Take The Honky Tonk Out Of The Girl, Hillbilly Deluxe, Brand New Man and a new one that is sure to heat up the dance floors around this nation, Put A Girl In It.   Oh yeah, we cant forget those crazy fans howling like wolves during Ronnie’s performance of, ‘Play Something Country’.

         Ronnie calmed the revelers with a memorable version of their 1991 breakthrough album hit, ‘Neon Moon’ where blue and purple spotlights and fog captured the mood.  Ronnie’s outstanding vocal abilities were also awesomely showcased during their smash hit, ‘My Maria’. His ear-piercing falsetto during the chorus, blasted straight into outer-space sending the fans into a total frenzy and earning him a much deserved honest standing ovation…this guy can definitely sing!

        Kix also basked in the limelight during Your Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone and ‘She Likes To Get Out Of Town’ while Ronnie stood back taking care of the backing harmonies.

        The party atmosphere continued with Kix tearing into, ‘Rock My World (Little Country Girl) while Ronnie caught well practiced single drumsticks thrown through the air from a stage hand.   He then smacked on a cow bell and tossed the treasured percussion memento out into the crowd of willing catchers.

         No Brooks & Dunn show would be complete without the explosive ending with the obvious closer; ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’ as multi stage canons fired colored confetti streamers high into the air showering the fans. WOW what a party!

             

         On the huge video-trons, a two minute digital countdown began, stirring up a frenzy that made most cow-gals weak kneed and party hearty cow-boys standup, arms high into the air anticipating the arrival of Alan Jackson.    Unannounced, the country hunk casually walks out on stage visibly humbled by the reaction, straps on his acoustic, flashes a few country boy charm filled grins, and begins performing short versions of ‘Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow’, and ‘Gone Country’.

          Dressed in his trademark torn at the knee faded jeans, and white felt hat the tall six foot something honky-tonk traditionalist from Newman Georgia, seemed real comfortable at his home base which is center stage in front of the microphone. The superstar along with his awesome band the Stray Horns, threw out hit after million selling hit, and he’s written a bunch of em’ since his 1989 debut release ‘Here In The Real World’.

          Jackson is currently plugging his latest CD release, Good Times, in which he wrote all 17 songs and performed the title cut as well as Small Town Southern Man to much delight of the fans.   A real treat was the tune Little Bitty.   While Jackson sang the number, videos of small children throughout America were being played on the screens, and when the song ended the superstar personally handed a small youngster a guitar pick used during the song.

What a keepsake!

           The ultimate fan reaction came during the song, Where I Come From, again the Video-trons were made useful, projecting various images around the host city.  The place went totally ballistic when anything was displayed honoring our NHL team the ‘Flames’ or the Canadian flag.  Jackson then thanked the crowd and bid them farewell, giving a rockin' encore performance of Mercury Blues.

          The tour continued onto Edmonton Alberta, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg Manitoba with a few dates in the US and then back to Canada on May 10th for an appearance in Vancouver BC.

Visit

www.alanjackson.com

or

www.brooks-dunn.com

for complete concert listings in your area.

           

           Opening the spring triple bill was Canadian songbird Jessie Farrell. This high spirited, red headed beauty just may be our next answer to the MIA Shania Twain.  The singer/songwriter from Vancouver British Columbia has been making quite an impact on the radio and concert scene here in Canada.   Jessie performed the perky house favorite, Let’s Talk About Love and her latest single, Fell Right Into You off the album titled, Nothing Fancy, in stores now.

  www.jessiefarrell.com

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch for more on this exciting young country starlet in the very near future, right here exclusively, on the pages of

Canadian Country Star.

 

 

Little Big Town and Johnny Reid

Open For Martina McBride In Calgary

Story and Photos By:  Ron Keessar

 

Martina McBride

Concert Coverage

Photos and Story By:

Photojournalist Ron Keessar

 

Martina McBride kicked off her U.S. and

Canadian “Waking Up Laughing Tour" in

Calgary Alberta, on Monday March 17th at the

Pengrowth SaddleDome, with New Country Star

in the front row to cheer her on, along with

nearly 7,000 Canadian country music fans.

 

 

 

Opening the triple bill, with headliner Martina McBride, was Scotland born, Canadian rising star Johnny Reid who put on a way too short performance, impressing new found fans with his signature soulful delivery through tunes, ‘ Missing An Angel’ , ‘Darlin’ and his latest chart climber, ‘Thank You’ from his fouth career album, ‘Kicking Stones’.

The 33 year old singer/songwriter was nominated for ‘Country Recording of The Year’ at the April 6th Canadian Juno Awards broadcast live from the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary.

‘Little Big Town’ has only been on the country music scene and radio for a short while but is quickly gaining momentum as a respected four piece vocal group that boasts impeccable harmonies and catchy written tunes.   Warming the crowd for Martina McBride was a good choice and seemed to come naturally for the quartet consisting of members; Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook.

Fans really got an enjoyable harmonic earful during the Fleetwood Mac classic, ‘Go Your Own Way’ which incidentally, would make a happy return to radio if released today by the band...Ale’ Perfecto!

 To close the show the group naturally reserved the best for last and cranked up the volume a few notches for their signature song to date and crowd favorite, ‘Boondocks’.

It won’t be too long before this “group to watch for” will be headlining shows  based on their own combined musical talents!

To see if your favorite recording act is touring in your area or for more exciting upcoming Canadian country concert dates visit www.livenation.com or check out www.ticketmaster.ca for up to date concert information.

 

PAUL BRANDT

CANADA’S FAVORITE SON

Listen Now 

Story and Photos By:

Ron Keessar

 

          Canadian country superstar Paul Brandt has so much to be thankful for these days, a newly released album (Risk) that is charting well, a cross Canada tour to brag about it and most importantly, it was no April fools joke when grinning ear-to-ear Paul announced that he and his wife Liz are expecting their first child due the last week of May!

            Paul brought his ‘Risk’ tour to Centrium in Red Deer April 1st , along with rising star Shane Yellowbird as opening act, in front of some 4000 appreciative fans.   Dressed in his trademark Stetson felt hat, the country hunk felt totally at ease performing in front of his flock that included pre-school kids, teenagers and the eldest of admirers.   Brandt seems to have that special “Awe Shucks” country charm that drives most of the fairer sex WILD and giddy with excitement!

            Opening with his 1996 Canadian #1 break-through chart-buster, My Heart Has a History, fans knew they were in for a hit filled concert.  “I don’t know if you know this” the 35 year old said, “but I’m from Calgary Alberta” a statement that received a thunderous roar of acceptation.  Paul spent nine years living in Nashville and just three years ago made his way back home where he resides in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains west of Calgary.

            Midway through the show Paul sent his six piece band of musicians back stage and performed a wide variety of enjoyable tunes in a solo acoustic set, center stage accompanied only by his guitar.  This personal setting made for some of the finest moments of Brandt's show, chatting informally about life and sharing tidbits about the songs he was about to sing and how they were born. Fans were mesmerized by his God given talents during, Out Here On My Own, The Sycamore Tree, Small Town & Big Dreams,  and ‘I Do’.

            Paul received his biggest applause during his cover remake of C.W McCall’s Convoy that had most up out of their chairs and isle dancing.  The superstar closed the show appropriately with, Alberta Bound, his gift written about the places and people of the province.

            Brandt is truly a Canadian treasure with so many career achievements, it’s just mind boggling.  To name a very short few, he has received six Juno awards and is nominated for another one this month at the Juno Awards in Calgary.   He has also earned five male artist accolades during his short run in the business.    Adding to all this, he is recognized as the most awarded male country artist in Canadian history.  His continued personal commitment and involvement with World Vision, Samaritan’s Place and volunteering at the Alberta’s Children’s Hospital in Calgary, makes it easy to see why Paul is definitely Canada’s favorite son!

For more Canadian concert dates near you.

Visit www.paulbrandt.com

 

Read Continuing Coverage Tomorrow of Paul Brandt's Phenomenal Opening Act,

Shane Yellowbird, brought to you by Canadian Correspondent Ron Keessar.

 

 

Support "Canadian Country Star" Bringing You Country Music News

All Year Round, and Taking You On

Tour Up North with Your Favorite

Country Artists.

 

Click Here For Juno Awards Info

 

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION WEEK

In Canada, plans are already underway for the Canadian Country Music Association Week, which will be held September 5-8, 2008 in Winnipeg, Manitoba (www.ccma.org). The annual awards show is seen on both CBC (live) and CMT (delayed) and will be held on September 8th, 2008. Congratulations to FACTOR chief and Canadian Country Music Association President Heather Ostertag who recently received the CMA's Jo Walker Meador International Award.

 

 

Canada's Summer Music

Festivals Shaping Up!

By Ron Keessar

Country music fans here in Canada won’t have to drive far to enjoy their favorite artists this summer.    There are literally festivals and jamborees spread across the country.    We have already brought you the exciting partial lineup for The Big Valley Jamboree to be held in the beautiful city of Camrose Alberta, running July 31st thru August 3rd, but here is a list of other popular venues that are sure to be the summer’s hottest Canadian tickets!

Mountainfest is a longtime running festival held in Merritt, British Columbia, which always pleases fans with the best of the best in the industry.   Already gearing up for 16th annual event to be held July 10th thru July 13th.   A short list of confirmed entertainers have been announced.    Sara Evans has just been added, along with Sugarland, Dierks Bentley, Pat Green, Jessie Farrell, The Wilkinsons, Aaron Lines, Beverly Mahood, Shane Yellowbird, Gord Bamford, and WOW, great to see him back…Superstar, Hank Williams JR.   Visit www.mountainfest.com for more information on tickets, camping and performing artists as they are announced.

The Craven Country Jamboree holds bragging rights to the longest multi-day running music festival held in Canada.   For 24 years,  it’s been situated on the same site in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley in Saskatchewan and for the first time was completely sold out last year.   Fans have already begun gobbling up tickets for the July 10th thru July 13th jamboree which organizers report there are only a few reserved campsites left!  No wonder with heavy hitters like, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Sugarland, Pam Tillis, Mark Chesnutt,  and Paul Brandt performing on the big stage.   Also booked are the Hewitt Sisters, comedy duo Williams & Ree, Jessie Farrell, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Neal McCoy.   For the outdoor beer gardens, Sawyer Brown and Shevy Smith will guarantee all a goodtime!

Visit www.cravencountryjamboree.com for information and more exciting additions to come.

Only a short drive from the city of Dauphin, Manitoba nestled on the north side of Riding Mountain National Park is home for the Dauphin Countryfest.   Celebrations begin June 26th thru June 29th , and while the festival boasts one of the most beautiful outdoor amphitheaters in western Canada, it too has surprised fans with the very best in their 19th year run. Early booked artist are, Alan Jackson, LoneStar, Emerson Drive, Aaron Pritchett, Aaron Lines, Shane Yellowbird, Gord Bamford, Jessie Farrell, Deric Ruttan, Jason Blaine along with 1980’s Canadian rock sensations, Prism’ and ‘The Headpins.

Stay tuned to www.countryfest.ca for more announcements and complete venue information.

Having been nominated eight times at the CCMA’s as one of Canada’s top 5 country outdoor music festivals, the Havelock Country Jamboree in Ontario is always a winner, showcasing Canadian, as well as international stars.

The 19th annual event which operates twin stages on its 15 acre ‘show field’ runs August 14th thru August 17th , and already has country hunk Tracy Byrd, US troop’s favorite, Aaron Tippin, and Canadian hopeful, Shane Yellowbird booked for the four day party,  with lots more to come!

Bookmark www.havelockjamboree.com for complete scheduled artists dates and times as they become available.

 

 

The BIG VALLEY JAMBOREE  '08

ANNOUNCES PARTIAL LINEUP

 

By Ron Keessar

 

 

 

We’ve only just rang in the New Year and Canada’s largest outdoor country music party the ‘Big Valley Jamboree’ has already announced its confirmed 2008 partial summer line up.

The exciting annual festival has superstar Joe Nichols headlining the kick-off party along with Calgary Alberta’s own singer/songwriter Tim Hus and British Columbia country/hip hop& western swing new comer, Ridley Bent.

The Big Valley Jamboree which is held in Camrose Alberta, promises another super line-up for the July 31st through August 3rd 2008 weekend. Fans can expect Edmonton’s gift, Danny Hooper to return this year as Emcee.   Scheduled main stage fan favorites include, Sugarland, Trace Adkins, Alabama’s Randy Owen, Little Big Town, Randy Travis, Jason Blaine, Shane Yellowbird, Marty Stuart, Hey Romeo, The Higgins, and Canadian Idol runner up, Jaydee Bixby already booked to perform.

For Complete Ticket and Camping Information

along with updated performing artists and

time slots as they are confirmed.

Visit

 www.bigvalleyjamboree.com  

 

 

 

The Big Valley Jamboree

of 2007 Conclusion!

Day 4 of Annual Event

Story By: Ron Keessar

 

Blake Shelton on Stage

Photo Courtesy of Ron Keessar

 

         Sunday August 5th jamboree opener featured the lovely Melanie Laine also from Saskatchewan opening with Juice Newton’s, ‘Queen Of Hearts’. 

           The award winning singer/songwriter dazzled the early afternoon crowd with a sparkling performance that was sure to win the hearts of new found fans.