We told you that back in February when Brett made his first appearance at Pembroke’s Festival Hall that he promised organizers that he would return to help raise the remaining funds for the playground at Holy Name Catholic School. Last weekend Brett made good on that promise and brought one of his best shows of the year to the PMC as crowds came out to End Summer with A Song.

Prior to the show a select number of fans got the VIP treatment with all the trimmings including beer from Whitewater Brewery and a red carpet that led to a meet and greet and photo session with Brett Kissel himself. This set the tone for the fans who missed out on the opportunity to meet Brett in February when he had to cancel all meet and greets due to his health.

Brea Lawrenson performs at the Pembroke Memorial Centre in Pembroke photo Rob Blanchette

The evening started with Ottawa’s own Brea Lawrenson. Brea and her band rocked the crowd with some covers and some of her best known hits including “Demons”, “With You Whiskey”, “Lynchburg”, “Bottom of The Bottle” and more.

Brett Kissel performs at the Pembroke Memorial Centre in Pembroke photo Rob Blanchette

When Brett took to the stage the arena exploded. Coming off of a headlining performance the night before at Lucknow’s Music in the Fields you’d likely find it hard to believe that a smaller arena crowd could be louder than a sold out festival crowd…but somehow they were. Even Brett told me after the show that he was blown away by the amount of noise the crowd made.

Brett Kissel performs at the Pembroke Memorial Centre in Pembroke photo Rob Blanchette

What Brett lacked in vocals and energy in February he brought 10 fold last weekend and the crowd loved every minute of it. The peak of the night came when he had the crowd give a shout out to fellow Canadian Country artist Jess Moskaluke. Jess got married last Saturday and Brett had the entire Pembroke crowd send her best wishes LIVE. Brett followed up with, the always stirring, “I Didn’t Fall in Love with Your Hair” which manages to get me choked up every time.

Pembroke marked the third of five Brett Kissel shows I’ll be seeing in 2018. The two remaining shows will be closer to home, Kingston in October and Brockville in November.

It’s worth noting that Brett’s “We Were That Song Phase 2” Tour is selling out fast so hurry up and get your tickets before you’re left sitting outside in the Ice, Snow and 30 below. Full dates and tickets can be found at www.brettkissel.com

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