So a couple weeks back I had the chance to sit with Canadian born, Nashville living Lindsay Ell just before she kicked off the CMT Women of Country tour in Orillia. We had a lot to talk about so here it is. And huge thanks to Lindsay for taking the time for both a killer Mason Jar Session and fantastic hang.
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
Canada may have lost a music icon in Stompin’ Tom Conners, however, it doesn’t take long to find someone carrying on the honky tonk tradition of Americana style country music. Corb Lund, a true blooded Alberta boy, brought his Winter Campaign for the “Things That Can’t Be Undone” tour to The London Music Hall on Monday Feb 15, 2016, in London ON.
Saturday night in London may have been a whiteout with a storm kickin’ around a pile of snow outside but inside Bud Gardens the place was on fire. Brantley Gilbert brought his Blackout tour to town and some of his buddies tagged along for the ride. Brian Davis, Michael Ray and Canaan Smith rounded out one rockin’ night of Country music to the RBC Theatre at Bud Gardens.
Trust Yourself, to have a great time at the Canadian Tire Centre with Blue Rodeo on Valentine’s Day. The Toronto, Ontario veteran band did not disappoint.
I recall a time, not so long ago, when women dominated the country music scene. Fast forward to the second decade of the 21st century and it’s almost the exact opposite…to the point where one radio consultant, Keith Hill, actually went on the record and said “If you want to make ratings in country radio, take females out.”
The Dakota Confessions
Friday night in Oshawa was, well…one hell of a party.
Nothing much gets me interested in going to Sarnia Ontario, however, when you line up two energy packed country music performers in a small venue, why not make the trek down the 402 to Lambton County? The Station Music Hall in Sarnia has a long history of bringing big names to their small stage, and the venue didn’t disappoint.
Eric Ethridge performs at the Station – Photo: Bill Woodcock
Etheridge and his clan of talented musicians opened up the hometown show with nothing less than a spectacular performance. This was the first time I have seen Eric perform and I couldn’t figure out who to keep my eye on while they were on the stage. From Eric’s powerful vocals and work on the guitar to his fiddle player who is like a reincarnation of Jimi Hendrix with his visual display of fiddle playing. Eric and his boys got the crowd fired up with a solid 45-minute set of mainly originals and some classic country favourites. This guy and his band are a group we have to keep our eyes on in 2016. I think big things are about happen for them!
Eric Ethridge performs at the Station – Photo: Bill Woodcock
Up next, some guys who don’t need much of an intro in Ontario. They have been playing their brand of country music all over the province and Canada this past year including a cross country slot on the “Get a Little Crazy Tour”, with Tim Hicks and Jason Benoit.
Cold Creen County performs at the Station Mill in Sarnia – Photo: Bill Woodcock
This was my 4th time seeing the boys of Cold Creek County rock the stage and I must say every time I see them it just keeps getting better. Their presence on the stage is powerful and a small club is a great place to see them if you are lucky enough to get that chance. You become part of the show.
Cold Creek County performs at Mill Creek pub
They had the packed house singing along with their hits “Our Town “, and “Till The Wheels Come Off”. I sense a new summer anthem coming from these guys, too, with “Beer Weather”. The crowd was rocking to it, throughout. They even threw in a couple of classic rock covers with their country style mixed in. The entire venue was rocking with their rendition of the Queen classic “Fat Bottom Girls“, and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll”.
Brandon of Cold Creek out making the fans smile. Photo – Bill Woodcock
It was a good send off to the boys as they are heading south to Nashville, right after this stop, to do some showcasing and work. I predict big things coming from these guys, and we are already seeing their names pop up at a number of festivals this summer. If you have the chance, don’t miss their set. You’ll be impressed and be singing along in no time!
Bill Woodcock for Sound Check Entertainment
If you live in the Eastern part of Canada and LOVE Country Music this is always one heck of a party.
Cavendish Beach Fest 2016 announced a few more artists to the line up.
With the likes of Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney and The Band Perry already announced back in November today they announced a few more to the line up and when we say a few… We mean a bunch!
So the fine folks over at Wayhome have made the big splash with their line up…
