Category Archives: Festivals

It was February 2015 and my step son called me asking if there was any way I could try and get him or win him tickets to see a band called Dear Rouge at the Ritual Nightclub the following month.  The show was a win your way in promotion being put on by the folks at Live 88.5.  At the time I had not heard of Dear Rouge so I decided I’d check them out, from the first song I listened to I was instantly a fan and knew I had to interview them to get to know them and the story behind their music a bit better.

RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest She’s the One

The annual RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest she’s the one competition was held yesterday afternoon and we have just learned that Stittsville’s Grace Lachance has been crowned “The One”.

So next week London, Ontario turns into one of Ontario’s go to destinations for concert goer’s of all types.

Jones Entertainment Group has put together another amazing year of Rock The Park as well as the 2nd Year for the expanded Gone Country Music Festival.  Now as most of you know I am a die-hard country music buff so this is one of the key festivals for me this summer and with the final lineup being confirmed just a couple of weeks ago due to Little Big Town having to pull out due to some medical issues within the band.   Here is what Brad and his team have lined up for entertainment.

Twas the night before Bluesfest and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.  The grounds are all ready, the stages are set in hopes that the music will soon be here.  The fans are nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of music and lights danced in their heads.  It all kicks off tomorrow afternoon and here are my picks for week #1!

Barrhaven Canada Day

The day started on a soggy note but us Canadians aren’t afraid of a little rain which didn’t deter thousands from attending a Canada Day celebration somewhere in the country.  Our choice, as a family, this year was Mattamy Homes Canada Day in Barrhaven in our former hometown of Barrhaven, Ontario (a suburb of Ottawa). 

We are mere weeks away from the first ever WAYHOME Music & Arts Festival and only a month out from Canada’s largetst coungry festival the 4th annual Boots and Hearts Music Festival.  This year they have something in common.  A NEW HOME! 

So…

With the loss of Little Big Town to their line up it seems that Brad Jones and the crew at Jones Entertainment Group were going to have to go back to the well and figure out what they could get in place of such a high-profile band for the 2nd Annual Gone Country Music Festival being held in London, Ontario July 16 & 17th.

Autumn Hill – Anchor CD Release – June 24^th – Adelaide Hall Toronto

Last night Autumn Hill dropped Anchor at Adelaide Hall for one hell of CD Release party.  With what felt like a full house the energy in the place was just buzzin’. The night started off with Sudbury, Ontario native and label mate Andrew Hyatt.  I had a chance to catch Andrew this past weekend when he played the Sound Of Music Festival in Burlington.  This time around it was a little different.   Andrew had a full band backing him in Burlington but last night it was him and his guitarist. I am more an acoustic guy and love hearing things a bit more raw and less plugged in so this set was PERFECT for my liking.  Andrew had a solid 30 min set and if you have a chance to see him anywhere this summer I strongly suggest making the effort.

Day 1 of Amnesia Rockfest 2015 kicked off with a bang. Actually a lot of really loud bangs between the thunder early in the day to the early sets this little sleepy was awoken from its slumber in a hurry. 

Canaan Smith will be back on Canadian soil later this summer to promote his latest body of work Bronco released June 23rd where ever good music is sold.  Canaan will be at the 4th annual Boots and Hearts Festival being held this year just North of Toronto in Oro-Medonte.   I had a chance to listen to Bronco over the weekend and have to say I was impressed.

I do wish Canaan would have opened the album with the 2nd track Stompin’ Grounds i find it just has a great beat and seems like it was meant to be a an opening track title and all.   From the catchy lyrics to the foot bumpin its just one of those tracks that makes you want to listen to more.  Stompin’ Ground is followed by the first single off Bronco Love You Like That which has seen huge success on both sides of the border.  This is one of those tracks that you can hit repeat on likely 3 or 4 times before you need to move on.   Huge fan of this track and after seeing him perform it this past April in Toronto have to say I am looking forward to it on the big stage at Boots.

When Canaan was in Toronto this past April I had a chance to sit down and talk about the new album and performing live see my interview here.  I can tell you that he loves playing to his fans and when the fans sing back he promises there isn’t a feeling like it.   And this single just has the ladies singing at the top of their lungs nightly I am sure.  While talking to Canaan he mentioned that Bronco was going to give him a more diverse live show, which I can see why this would be the case.   This isn’t just a beer drinking album, it’s an album with a few layers.  That comes up with track Stuck (not my favorite) just feels like he is channeling a little to much Keith Urban in this one. It will add something to the live show I am sure as it slows things down.    With the back half of the album having solid tracks such as American Muscle, Two Lane Road and the title track Bronco.  Canaan put together a pretty solid album its tought to put a full album together in the day of the digital single.  But Canaan buddy you did good.  We hope that you can ride this Bronco to #1.  Check out more on Canaan bleow.

Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76

Details: Click on link

Canaan Smith Website 

Canaan Smith on Facebook 

Canaan Smith on Twitter

Canaan Smith on Itunes