The Abrams, brothers John and James, took Ottawa by storm when they appeared at the Overflow Brewing Co midweek. This stop was part of their Running On Memories tour that saw them perform shows in their home province of Ontario
Who is the Godmother of Canadian Country Music? This godmother is a grandmother with a passion for country music. I bought my first compilation country album in grade six. Sixties pop and country were the soundtrack of my teens. Over thirty years ago we started attending festivals, taking our children and now grandchildren. I had the joy of starting Johnny Reid's Tartan Army with him and travelled the country promoting that fan club. I started attending the CCMA Week in 2005 where my passion for, and knowledge of, the Canadian country music scene grew. I continue to be a member of the Canadian Country Music Association and the Country Music Association of Ontario. As Chair of the Joshua Bates Centre Performing Arts Committee, brought Brett Kissel to his first Ontario show before anyone in Ontario had heard of him. We also hired Abby Stewart for her first soft seat theatre show. Over the years I have had the good fortune to meet many fans and music industry people some of whom I now consider dear friends. Several artists have asked me to help them start a fan club. But, it was Erik Dylan, lead singer of Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion, who dubbed me the Godmother of Canadian Country Music and sparked my idea of starting this page. Welcome on this journey as you read about artists you like and are introduced to those you may not know yet. Mary Rae Knapp
Recent Posts by Godmother of Canadian Country Music
Tristan Horncastle visits the Joshua Bates Centre in Athens, Ontario
On two other occasions, the audience at the Joshua Bates Centre, in Athens Ontario saw a star in the making. They knew they had made a connection with a lad who was going places and they would be able to say they “knew him when”. This happened for the third time on Saturday, January 28th when Tristan Horncastle performed for them. This personable, down to earth Maritimer did an acoustic show accompanied by guitarist Brad Bailey. We learned about his life through songs from his first CD, “A Little Bit of Alright” and his recent CD, “Turnin Up a Sundown” which are available on his website.
Getting to know CCMA nominee Tristan Horncastle
While spending the weekend at the Manitoulin Countryfest last month we had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Royalty Records recording artist, and New Brunswick native, Tristan Horncastle.
Chatting with Johnny Reid
Johnny Reid has had a busy summer appearing at numerous summer festivals across the country including North Bay Summer in the Park and Ottawa Bluesfest. We recently had a chance to catch up with Johnny before his performance at Manitoulin Country Fest.
Day Two at 2015 Manitoulin Countryfest
Manitoulin Countryfest is situated five minutes from the village of Little Current which is accessible via the swing bridge, the one we passed on the Songwriters Cruise at noon, south of Espanola and southwest of Sudbury. Therefore, all the necessities of life, including several good restaurants, are readily available. We chose Chinese food to fortify us for a return to the Countryfest site for Day Two’s shows which started at 6pm.
Day One of 2015 Manitoulin Country Fest
Day One of Manitoulin Country Fest is a wrap…perfect weather, a larger than ever crowd, great food vendors, and, oh yes what we came for, PHENOMENAL COUNTRY MUSIC!!!!! The one thing we don’t have is high speed internet connection in our motel. A photo journal by Anita Bell and our interview with Johnny Reid will be posted early next week.
Getting to know Brad and Marylynne aka The Stellas
The Stella’s, photo by Jeanette Johnston for Sound Check Entertainment
We were first introduced to Brad and Marylynne Stella at Boots and Hearts in 2013, their on-stage chemistry was captivating and we were hooked. In 2015 they’re on tour, have an album coming out and you will, again, see them at Boots and Hearts this August.
Ottawa rings in 2015 with Tim Hicks
On a cold, crisp, clear night, a Canadian New Years Eve was celebrated on the Sparks Street Mall, Ottawa. The maple leaf, ringed in colour, was hoisted up overlooking the crowd ready to be dropped at midnight. The digital time clock shone from the side of a building. Morning DJ, Ryan Lindsay, from Ottawa’s newest station New Country 94 mc’d the show and threw out t-shirts and hats to the audience.
