A little bit of Texas came to Canada! The Eli Young Band took a right turn into southern Ontario for a couple of shows this week. So glad they did.
Corey’s Barn Burners – Feb 26th
So people seemed to like what was suggested last week for my inaugural Barn Burners… Well it’s week #2 and boy do I have a couple really strong offerings this week.
Country Music Festivals – Are There Too Many?
So let’s start off with the fact that I LOVE LIVE MUSIC. I love it so much that I, a full grown man, feel completely justified in using shouty capitals when I write about how much I LOVE it. Just ask my wife (who will inevitably be asking me why I didn’t put her name in caps) – I would be at a concert every night if I could (with her by my side of course). I have been contemplating writing this post for a couple weeks now and thought after hearing about another big US Country Music Festival closing up shop this summer it was time to post this one.
Blue Rodeo @ Bud Gardens…
When given the opportunity to shoot photos and review a Blue Rodeo show recently in London ON, I couldn’t turn down the chance to catch these Canadian music icons in action. I have been a fan of Blue Rodeo since I was a child, growing up with their folk rock sound that so many recognize when heard.
Hangin’ with Tara Thompson..
When you think of Eastern Tennessee you definitely wouldn’t think spunky hillbilly that has more talent in her baby toe than a lot of the current folks being played on the radio these days. Oh and did I mention beautiful and a sassy sense of humour to? I had the chance to sit down and chat with the feisty but very sweet Tara Thompson when she rolled through Toronto last month on the CMT Next Women of Country tour that stopped in at Casinorama for a great night of music. Here is that chat with Tara, enjoy. Oh ya and don’t be shy grab her current single Someone To Take Your Place here. Also we did a Mason Jar Session with Tara that she nailed. We can’t wait to share that in the coming weeks.
And don’t be shy.. Head over to Tara’s FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM and give her a follow.
Oh and check out her just released video for her single.
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
Chad Brownlee – Mason Jar Session – Hearts On Fire
Last week we had a chance to sit down and chat with one of Canada’s top male country artists, Chad Brownlee. Stay tuned for that interview in the coming weeks. But, we also had a chance to have Chad do a couple songs for our Mason Jar Sessions an Exclusive for Sound Check. Here is Chad’s performance of his current Top 10 single Hearts On Fire. And don’t forget to request this at your local radio station! If they aren’t playing this one you need a new station! We also want to thank Boots and Bourbon for hosting this one, greatly appreciated.
Phil Vassar Dominates Medina Event Center Show
Phil Vassar came ready to entertain at the Medina Event Center in Minnesota on Friday night. Minnesota was one of the stops on his cross-country “American Soul” tour.
Top 10 Reasons you won’t want to miss Gone Country
So Gone Country in London is set to celebrate year number three of the Country portion of Rock The Park. And we thought it might be fun to put together a top ten list of why you wouldn’t want to miss this years event. So here it is…
10. As the country music genre continues to explode Gone Country is bringing you some of the best of what Canadian and US Country music has to offer all for $109 + Tax for 2 days of AMAZING Country Music!
9. The Fact that River Town Saints are playing the Molson Canadian Side Stage for two days that’s worth the cost of admission alone because these boys know how to bring a party!
River Town Saints set to rock Harris Park – Photo: Scott Burns
8. With Autumn Hill taking part in their first Gone Country event and knowing what kind of set these guys put out we know it will be a heck of a kick off to either night.
Autumn Hill – Photo: Sean Sisk
7. Did we mention that the boys from High Valley are going to be there? One of Canada’s hottest duo’s in the industry with hits like County Line, Make You Mine and current hit rocking the charts Come On Down we know they will bring a party to Gone Country in 2016!
High Valley
6. With Snapback flying up the charts and after witnessing the Old Dominion show on a couple of occasions last summer the boys from OD will be ready to rock Harris Park. Get ready for this set folks.
Old Dominion – Photo: Corey Kelly
5. We know for a fact that Tim Hicks puts on a heck of a show and never disappoints his fans and the fact that he hasn’t played may shows in 2016 or have many announced we think that London is in for a treat with Tim and possibly some new music!
Tim Hicks – Photo: Scott Burns
4. With Dallas Smith hitting the stage for a 2nd time and we know the fans loved him you really couldn’t ask for a better performer to hit the Gone Country Stage…
Dallas Smith – Photo: Sean Sisk
3. So we know there is one more Mystery artist to be added and we love mysteries. I would be inclined to buy my ticket before that Mystery artist gets announced. Yup before it sells out!
2. The always entertaining Brad Paisley will be sure to light up the night in July there is no doubt about that…
1. JAKE OWEN BABY… Yup Mr. Barefoot Bluejean Night, Days of Gold and Real Life hitmaker is going to headline his very first Canadian Headline show in London, Ontario. And if you haven’t seen Jake in concert you won’t want to miss him.
Ottawa Bluesfest unveils 2016 lineup! – UPDATED
Monday night Bluesfest TAG treated us to the first 10 acts of the 2016 lineup of RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest lead by Sam Hunt. Tuesday morning, at midnight, the rest of the monster lineup was unveiled, and it packs a punch!
Sam Hunt leads first 10 acts of 2016 Ottawa Bluesfest lineup
As has become the tradition over the last few years Bluesfest TAG, a youth organization with a passion for music and social media collaborating with the Ottawa Bluesfest to bring unique acts to the festival, has begun announcing the lineup the night before the official launch.
