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Athens, Ontario. A small, one-stoplight, town about 1 hour north east of Kingston and about 90 mins south west of Ottawa. Doesn’t sound like much but what many don’t know is that at the corner, by that stoplight, sits the Joshua Bates Centre, affectionately known as the JBC by locals. Over the years the JBC has developed a bit of a reputation as a venue that has played host to some of the biggest names in country music before they were stars; among them Johnny Reid, George Canyon, Gord Bamford, Brett Kissel and now Abby Stewart.

The last time I saw Abby Stewart perform was as part of Brett Kissel’s Ice, Snow and 30 Below tour stop in Ottawa. When her team invited me to come to Kingston to catch her perform in front of Cold Creek County I didn’t have to think twice.

The Joshua Bates Centre is a performing arts centre located in Athens, Ontario, that features music, theatre, and comedy. This small town venue has played host to some of today’s stars before they were stars including Brett Kissel, Gord Bamford, Johnny Reid and many many more. This afternoon they unveiled a powerhouse lineup for the 2018-19 season!

Earlier this week organizers of Trackside Music Festival, presented by Budweiser, announced the Homegrown Spotlight Stage lineup which features local country music artists and provides them with the opportunity to showcase their talent to the Trackside crowd. Previous artists to have played the Homegrown Spotlight Stage include Julia Haggarty and Runaway Angel who will both make their main stage debut at Trackside Music Festival this year!

It seems like just yesterday we were counting down from 2016 to 2017, it’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun. 2017 also known as Canada 150 came with its share of highlights from the JUNOs to the Grey Cup and plenty of amazing milestones in between. Here’s a look back at the year that was and the year, we predict, lies ahead in 2018.

***Editor’s Note: On Friday night work got in the way of my being able to attend the Kingston stop for Dean Brody’s Beautiful Freakshow Tour. I asked our friend Abby Stewart if she would be willing to do a celebrity review of the show in my absence and she agreed. Although she missed the performance by James Barker Band here is her review of High Valley and headliner Dean Brody.*** 

I’ve always had a passion for discovering new artists and helping get their music heard. In the music industry today it’s very difficult for new artists to make their mark and get traction. Since founding Sound Check Entertainment we’ve prided ourselves in seeking out and promoting new artists. Just some of the artists we told you about first, and continue to promote, include Meghan Patrick, Abby Stewart, Cory Marquardt and Midnight Shine to name just a few. Today we’d like to introduce to you Morgan Leigh Garner and Courtney Dashe aka Hadley Park.

It was a Monday night in Ottawa and all through the city not a creature was stirring…except for a sold out crowd at the Algonquin Commons Theatre who packed the house for our favourite Canadian Kid, Brett Kissel and his Ice, Snow and 30 Below tour.

Last month the CMAO launched a contest in conjunction with Brett Kissel and Invictus Entertainment that would give a number of lucky Ontario musicians the opportunity to open for Brett on his upcoming ‘Ice, Snow and 30 Below Tour’.  There were easily hundreds, if not thousands of entries from prospective artists itching for the opportunity to perform with Brett. Now we know who it will be….

We are thrilled to announce that these entertainers will be joining the 28th Annual Havelock Country Jamboree!

It’s that time of year! Festival announcement season is upon us and The Havelock Country Jamboree have made a BIG announcement regarding lineups for The 28th Annual Festival!