Last night the James Barker Band and Meghan Patrick along with guest Jojo Mason performed to a sold-out crowd at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. This talented group of singers/songwriters were the recipe for a night of country madness in the best way possible. Country fans from as far as could be seen were singing and dancing along to every song sang.

Jojo Mason

Jojo Mason performing at Algonquin Commons Photo: Rob Blanchette

Jojo Mason took the stage first with a high energy performance and amped the crowd up for what was to come. He played many of his songs including the crowd favorites “Something to wrap my heart around” and “Edge of the night” that he undeniably nailed. This was my first time seeing Jojo perform live and I enjoyed it from start to end. His voice and performance were strong and natural. At one point he connected with the crowd by saying he wore his black and red Ottawa Sens baseball cap for the Ottawa fans which he signed and threw out to the crowd.

Meghan Patrick

Meghan Patrick performing at Algonquin Commons Photo: Rob Blanchette

The ultra-talented and energetic Meghan Patrick took the stage like the pro she is and sang her heart out with songs from her new album, including the title track, “Country Music Made Me Do It”. The crowd showed their appreciation by singing along with her each song. The highlight of her set for me was her amazing rendition of “Jolene” that would have made Dolly Parton proud.

Meghan demonstrated her talents playing the harmonica, acoustic and electric guitar like an authority. Her voice can be described as soulful true country classic style that draws you in to her each note and takes you on a beautiful musical ride. Her last song was “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” where she climbs down onto the floor and gets up close and personal with crowd – all of who sang along with her.

James Barker Band

James Barker Band performing at Algonquin_Commons Photo: Rob Blanchette

James Barker Band took the stage to anxiously awaiting fans that seemed to erupt all at once. James Barker band have enjoyed the success of their debut album six-song EP, Game On, which placed them as a leading upcoming act in the country music scene.

The fans were hyped for a good ol’ country night and lead singer and guitarist James Barker was too. He projected energy that was amplified by the crowd jumping up and down dancing and singing along to every song.

Taylor Abram performing at Algonquin_Commons Photo: Rob Blanchette

His vocals are remarkably strong along with emotion you can feel as he belts out the words – a style all his own. Set list included their songs “Chills” and “Just Sayin” which were well received.

Equally strong are the band members who melodically played their instruments in sync with every song and interacting with the crowd these guys were solid and “in the pocket”.

If you didn’t make it to this event you missed out. A great performance by all that left me wanting more. More songs. More time to watch and listen. The “Game On Tour” continues through February 10 when it wraps up in Vancouver, BC.