Love was in the air at the Algonquin Commons Theatre last Thursday night. Ottawa’s New Country 94 hosted a spectacular Valentine’s Day bash with artists David James, Aaron Pritchett, and special guest, Kira Isabella.

David James

David James brought a lot of energy to the stage on Thursday evening, kicking things off with his single “Cars, Girls, & the Radio”. The crowd was still pouring in as James brought everyone to their feet to dance and sway to his crooning vocals. You could tell that it was Valentine’s day with all the couples in attendance, and James did not disappoint, providing ballads and love songs, including the well known “Lonely Girl”.

Ever the professional, David James played the entire show with a shoulder he had dislocated only 5 days earlier. And had he not said anything, no-one would have known. Aaron Pritchett’s guitarist, Johnny, even got a shout out for learning all of James’ guitar parts so the show would go on seamlessly.

Although his first time in Ottawa, this was clearly not David James’ first show. Dressed in a few layers and a light acid wash jean, James was right at home up on stage, made clear by the way he sang to the cameras and interacted with the crowd. My favourite moment was when James and his band covered Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and the country girls were head-banging away. It’s one of those ‘you gotta see it to believe it’ moments!

To learn more about David James, check him out here.

Aaron Pritchett and Special Guest Kira Isabella

Following a brief intermission, Aaron Pritchett took to the stage and came ready to rock! With his high energy and precise vocals you would never guess that this was his 28th show in 31 days!

Pritchett did a great job of appealing to the diverse crowd who had won their way in to the show through Ottawa’s radio station New Country 94. With young and old singing along to his current hits, and some throwbacks to the early 2000s, everyone was happy. His set-list included crowd favourites like “My Way”, “Lucky for Me”, “Hell Bent For Buffalo”, and many more!

The whole crowd was on their feet to watch this charismatic entertainer, but the roar when Kira Isabella was invited on stage was unbelievable! Clearly, Isabella was at home (literally) at the Algonquin Commons theatre. Waving to fans and even saying hi to her parents who were in the audience.

As Isabella performed her songs, the crowd knew every word and was singing right along with her to hits including “Danger Danger” and “Handcuffs”. Ottawa was especially lucky to have Isabella perform her brand new single “We Should Be Together” which was released that very day! Aaron Pritchett even came back on stage to sing Levi Hummon’s part, for what turned out to be a really impressive duet! Those two voices blend well!

With Pritchett and Isabella now on stage together, they decided to have a little fun and perform another incredible duet for us, a cover of Bryan Adams’ “When You’re Gone”. This choice was greeted with nothing but positivity by the crowd, who couldn’t help but sing along.

Overall, the show was a huge success, and those lucky enough to win their way in had a fun, country-filled night to remember!

To learn more, or see when they’ll be stopping somewhere near you, check out Aaron and Kira!

More Photos by Hidden Beats