Sometime’s you luck in and get the perfect venue for the perfect artist. That’s exactly what happened when we had the chance to have Warner Music recording artist Michael Ray jam out a couple cuts in London,
Tebey – Jealous Of The Sun
Our friend Tebey is gearing up for a big tour with Jason Blaine and James Otto and just yesterday released the official music video for his latest, one of my personal favourites, single “Jealous of the Sun”.
Brett Kissel Parties in Barrie!
Canadian country artist Brett Kissel brought his Airwaves Tour to The Roxy Theatre in Barrie for a high energy night of country music. The near sell-out show comes early in the cross-Canada tour for Invictus Entertainment clients Kissel and supporting act Jordan McIntosh. This show has been on my radar since it was announced a few months ago. Something about Brett Kissel’s music just resonates with me so I was happy when this day arrived. Things are certainly taking off for Brett both personally and professionally. He and wife Cecilia are expecting a baby, due in February 2016. And it’s easy to see why Kissel has found success with his music. The catchy single Airwaves, for which the tour is named, has reached gold status in sales on his Warner Music label and has also enjoyed heavy rotation on country radio. This tour also comes on the heels of Brett’s appearance on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, a rare honour for any artist let alone a Canadian country performer.
Yoan Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Yoan Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
So yeah, I was stoked to be covering this event! This show kicked of with French-Canadian artist Yoan, who opened for the Airwaves Tour in Quebec. He was not originally on the bill for this Barrie show, but was certainly a great addition to the night’s entertainment and we’re glad he made the trip to Ontario. Yoan has seen some awesome results of his work, winning season 2 of La Voix (which is the Quebec version of The Voice). And his first solo album released in March 2015 broke sales records (with 35,000 copies sold in it’s first week!) and has been certified platinum. His deep baritone voice and smooth guitar skills were a great way to get everyone warmed up. Yoan was accompanied by the really slick slide guitar playing of Rick Haworth for his acoustic set, and the crowd were very appreciative. We will absolutely be seeing and hearing more from this talented Canadian.
Next up came the introduction for Carleton Place Ontario’s Jordan McIntosh who opened with All About The Girl much to the crowd’s delight.
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
He captured his audience right away and got things heated up by following up with songs Story Of My Life and That Girl. His boyish good looks and non-stop smiles added to his presence on stage. Jordan was a great choice for an opening act, with a great voice and his own unique style. He is enjoying some great exposure and touring experience in advance of his debut record Grew Up In A Country Song, which is slated for a 2016 release. Jordan whipped the crowd up with a strong set, got things rolling and set the stage for Kissel’s arrival. He came back out later in the show, joining Brett on stage for another number. I am definitely looking forward to hearing and seeing more of Jordan in the future, because he certainly has one!
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
After the break, BAM! Right from the opening chords Brett Kissel owned the rest of the night. This was definitely a country music crowd, and they were immediately right into it and looking for a good time. With lots of western boots, hats and plenty of plaid, they rocked and swayed with beers in hand for a great night of live country music. It was a great venue to see this show, with a good sized stage to give a true concert hall feel, but intimate enough for everyone to feel close to the action with great sightlines. The sound was spot on, and Brett had everyone dancing. The show opened the with I Can Play Guitar as the Canadian Kid immediately connected to his audience. With band mates Matt McKay on guitar, Ben Bradley keeping time on the drum kit, Tyler Vollrath on the fiddle/guitar and Justin Kudding on bass, they entertained us thoroughly and completely.
Brett Kissels Band Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
The boys in Brett’s band Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Things rolled along wonderfully with a set list that provided a nice congruent flow of tempos and moods. Standout songs were 3-2-1 and the obvious Airwaves. And of course everyone loved the Blue Jays game updates and the fact that Brett donned a Blue Jays cap at one point. But memorable moments for me were Brett wading out into the middle of the audience for a couple of songs including an amazing version of Great Day To Be Alive and then taking peoples phones to capture some selfies. He also brought one lucky fan onstage who was celebrating her birthday. He sang with her, and then gave her his guitar, which he autographed for her. Talk about making this girls night! This is an artist who really knows how to connect with his audience. Brett also brought Yoan back out for Good Hearted Woman , and as mentioned did the same with Jordan McIntosh for a medley version of Raise Your Glass. It was a full-on, high energy country music show.
Brett gets into the crowd at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
The tour supports Brett’s Sept 2015 Pick Me Up record, and after leaving Barrie, Brett moves on to other Ontario shows before heading through western Canada to complete the bulk of this Canadian tour. My last comment… GREAT SHOW! Make sure you catch it as they come through your town, you won’t be disappointed.
Scott Burns / @SBurnsimages
Yoan Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel salutes the crowd at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Matty MaKay Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel makes a young girl VERY HAPPY at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel makes a young girl VERY HAPPY at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Ones to Watch in 2016
I get asked on a regular basis who I think is going to make the next big step and start getting some great opening gigs. It’s really not that easy. With the politics in the music business sometimes the one with all the talent doesn’t win out. But I can tell you the 10 artists listed below are all SUPER talented and have a great shot at making that next big step or maybe have already started that journey in 2015.
Carrie, Blake, Dierks and Sam Hunt to headline 2016 Big Valley Jamboree
Four of the biggest names in country music will headline the 2016 Big Valley Jamboree which will be held on July 28 – 31 in Camrose, Alberta. The headliner’s were announced yesterday in a private email to BVJ Bandits (aka newsletter subscribers) and the official announcement was made this morning. Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley and Sam Hunt will headline the 24rd Annual event.
Paul Brandt and Dean Brody bring the country to Ottawa
2015 been quite a year for Country Music in Ottawa with monster shows from some of country’s biggest hit makers like Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert, Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney to name just a few, not to mention some world class performances by some of Canada’s top country stars like Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks and more.
On Monday night two Canadian country music gentleman, Paul Brandt and Dean Brody, brought a true country music performance as their Road Trip Tour rolled into the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
Tim Chaisson & Jessica Mitchell @ Maxwells
Sunday nights are usually pretty low-key and I spend them catching up on a week of music. But this past Sunday night I spent at Maxwell’s in Waterloo, ON watching 2 very impressive artists.
Jessica Mitchell – Mason Jar Session – Grown Up Things
It’s Mason Jar Monday… and we have a sweet one this week. Grown Up Things by Jessica Mitchell is one of those songs that after you hear it once you get that craving to hear it again and again. We had the pleasure of having Canadian Singer / Song Writer Jessica Mitchell sit down for a Mason Jar Session in Toronto earlier this month. This girl can sing! Grown Up Things is her current single at radio and If you haven’t had a chance to see this young lady live yet we strongly suggest you get off the computer and head to a show as soon as you can. Enjoy this one!
The Wild Ones Tour Rocks London…
This past Friday night Kip Moore’s Wild Ones Tour rolled into London, Ontario for a the 1st of 2 Sold Out nights in Canada. Now Kip had already had a very successful western Canadian swing with numerous sold out shows put on by Canada’s #1 promoter Invictus Entertainment. Friday was no different.
Hanson with Paul McDonald – Roots & Rock ‘N’ Roll Tour
This past weekend Hanson returned to Toronto with their Roots & Rock ‘N’ Roll tour. Ten cities, two nights each, the #RNRTour is giving Hanson fans a look at the music that influenced the band as well a large helping of Hanson’s back catalog. If you’re a fan, you’d know they’ve released 10 albums since 1995 and that they’ve been touring since 1998. Saturday night they brought along Paul McDonald to open the covers show.
McDonald, ex-American Idol contestant (he finished 8th) hit the stage at 7:00pm with his acoustic guitar and immediately won the crowd over. With a unique, recongnizable voice, Paul sang some heartbreaking lyrics, smiling at the crowd between songs and engaging in banter. “This is the saddest song I’ve ever written” he smiles, looks down and begins to play.
