Category Archives: Featured

So, the summer concert schedule is upon us and let me tell you if you LOVE live music you are going to really enjoy this summer.  I have put together a list of MUST SEE but heck, I only say they are must see because well I think they are pretty damn talented individuals as well.  I know we can’t hit them all.  But we know I am going to do my best 😉

In just over four weeks the 35^th edition of the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival will present 780 musicians in 123 concerts from June 18 – July 1. From its humble origins as a weekend of outdoor jazz 35 years ago, the Festival has evolved into one of Canada’s largest and most highly anticipated international jazz festivals.

So Jason McCoy is set to host the 2nd Annual CMAO Awards being held at the Flato Markham Theatre and I had the chance to catch up with Jason earlier this week.

Dallas Smith isn’t normally one known for surprises but today he announced that he has not only launched a new record label, SteelHead Music, but he has also signed Manitoba brothers Tom and Jason Petric (aka Petric).

So Last night we were invited to an exclusive event held by Big Machine Label Group Canada for an intimate performance with Baytown Texas native Raelynn.  For those of you who watch The Voice Raelynn competed on season two on Blake Sheltons team.  Blake took Raelynn under his wing after the voice and to be honest this spunky little blonde with a heart of gold is just gettin’ started.  Last night the room was filled with about 50 or 60 lucky contest winners from KX94.7 & KX96 who were eager to see RaeLynn for her 1st EVER Canadian performance.    I was speaking with one lucky winner and she and a friend drove 3 hrs to get a chance to take a selfie with RaeLynn (thats the kind dedicated fans this girl has)

This was an acoustic set with a stripped down set.  Matt Nelson on Guitar and Mike Smith on drums & suitcase (WTF?) but hey it sounded great!  Paired with the unique but angelic voice of RaeLynn it truly was something special.   Now, I had been listening to RaeLynn for a while now so I had an idea what songs she was going to perform from the EP.  But was more curious on what covers she might do.  Well it was the amazing cover of her dear friend Meghan Trainors All about The Base that had the crowd boppin’ in their seats you could see from the smile on Raelynns face that she loved covering the song and how highly she spoke of Meghan was sweet to see.

RaeLynn @ Rockin’ Horse Photo: Corey Kelly

She also covered one of her idols Dolly Parton, with her own little spin on the classic Jolene and I can tell you she hit it out of the park.  My personal favorite was one she sang early in the set. Before singing Kissin’ Frogs, she tells a great story about how the song came about and why she wrote it but won’t spoil it. I know she loves telling that story before she performs it so gives you more reason to make it out to her August 27th performance happening at Molson amphitheatre as she opens for Rascal Flatts alongside Scotty McCreary tickets can be purchased here for that show.

Her new single For A Boy shows a more mature side oh her music writing abilities and truly believe that she has an old soul that just brings new light to today’s country music.

I had the chance to sit down with RaeLynn before the performance so watch for that Interview early next week.  But I can one thing I can tell you is RaeLynn is nominated for 2 CMT Awards head over here to vote.

Couple other great videos of RaeLynn below…

I had the chance to sit down with Canaan Smith while he was in town last month with Dan & Shay.  For those not familiar with Canaan, which I am sure it ain’t many.  Mr. Smith has a couple hit singles under his belt already along with his current single sky rocketing on the Country charts south of the border.  

RBC Ottawa Bluesfest organizers today announced two major additions to an ever-burgeoning line-up, which already includes such heavy weights as Keith Urban, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kanye West and more.

Released today, we’ve got the video from Leah Daniels, Dream Without You. Shot on a relative’s property, produced and directed by Tim Deegan, this video is the complete opposite of “Go Back“. Written by Leah Daniels, Beverley Mahood & Patricia Conroy this song is a winner.

Well Mr. Paisley has it out of the park on this one.  Just when you thought, how do you follow-up a water skiing squirrel. How about by putting all the top names in country in your video,

Raelynn is coming to Toronto for an exclusive engagement at the Rock n’ Horse on May 19, you can also catch her with Rascal Flatts and Scotty McCreery at the Molson Amphitheatre on August 27.  Raelynn is currently promoting her debut EP Me.