Big Valley Jamboree Day 2 – The Old and the New

Hey! That rhymes.

The second full day of Camrose’s Big Valley Jamboree is upon us!

As the early birds, or in some cases, those still partying from the night before trickled into the main concert bowl, Jade Eagleson took the stage. The Ontario native has had a massive year with his singles “Got Your Name On It,” and “Count the Ways,” immediately becoming staples at Canadian country radio, and did he ever show the crowd why.

The singer’s voice is reminiscent of legends like George Jones and Johnny Cash which lead its hand to integrating covers by those artists seamlessly into the his set. Mixed with Eagleson’s own songs that combine classic elements with a modern twist, the twenty-five-year-old had the audience captivated.

The day wasn’t without a hiccup for the rising star, however, flight troubles at the Toronto airport meant Eagleson was forced to play a fully acoustic set with only a banjo player and steel guitar in addition to his acoustic. Eagleson didn’t let it faze him making the most of his set.

The legendary Ronnie Milsap was up next. With six grammy awards and thirty-five number ones to his name, Milsap combined blues and R&B elements in his hit packed set; playing piano the entire time.

After a supper break, the hits kept flowing and High Valley proved there’s nothing like coming home. Born and raised in northern Alberta, the Remple brothers spent their summers driving across the prairies. Much of their music has been influenced by their small town roots, farm raising and close family bonds. Though they’ve been experiencing success south of the border, it was all about coming home.

With older brother Brad on acoustic guitar and younger brother Curtis on banjo had the crowd singing along the entire time for classics like mountain music to their most recent single, ironically titled “Single Man.”

Headlining the night was reigning Academy of Country Music group of the year, Old Dominion. The group has experienced a meteoric rise that last few years and they showed the big valley crowd why.

As the sun began to set, various members of the band took turns venturing out on the catwalk to interact with fans; a highlight was 5 members of the audience who had large signs featuring the band members faces.

Not only can Old Dominion sing, but they’re well known writers too. At one point they brought out stools and did an acoustic section featuring songs they wrote for other artists before they were signed, including hits like Craig Morgan’s “Wake Up Loving You,” and Tyler Farr’s “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.”

Those who ventured to the Coors Banquet Saloon to continue the night were in for a treat, Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion may have a long name but the members have even longer resumes to back it up. Well known Canadian touring and studio musicians Mitch Merrett, Corbett Frasz and Greg Carroll have combined forces with lead singer American Erik Dylan to make music the members love.

Heavy, loud and raw, the group started the set drinking straight out of a whiskey bottle showing the screaming the crowd they were ready to party.

James Barker Band has had fans singing along since before their recent release “Keep It Simple,” and that continued Saturday night. The band had the ladies screaming throughout their almost two hour set proving why they’ve become a staple on the Canadian music scene and have been invited to take their talents to Europe earlier this year.