Ben Hudson Archives - Sound Check Entertainment

Who is Kickin’ it with Brett Kissel in Ontario? Now we know!

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….

CMT Music Fest

So CMT Canada / Corus Entertainment jumped into the world of Festivals this past weekend full force with CMT Music Fest. The inaugural event took place in Kitchener,home of the OHL Kitchener Rangers and then venue in which the big party was taking place Bingamens. For those of you that haven’t been lucky enough to attend Octoberfest in the KW area Bingamans has hosted some pretty epic parties in the past. Maybe not to this scale but this one was BIG.

CMAO 2016 Award Nominations…

Lets keep this one simple. I love Country Music! I really do. And this morning waking up to the CMAO 2016 Award Nominations was kind of like a kid at Christmas. As my eyes read through and processed this years nominations I couldn’t help but wonder. Who will be the BIG Winners next month at the Awards Ceremonies in Markham? Here is the list of Nominations.

Riki Knox – CD Release Party

The Latcham Centre in Port Perry was shakin’ and a rattlin’ on Nov 14 when Riki Knox hosted her CD release party, showcasing her first CD entitled That’s Country Y’all. The new music is available now on her website at www.rikiknox.com and you can also pre-order on iTunes with the CD scheduled to be released on Nov 22, however, the sold out crowd this past Saturday night got an early preview.

Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images

Riki Knox has been hard at work to create this full length new release. Teaming up with award winning producer Willie Mack, and writing with the likes of Jason McCoy and Troy Kokol, Knox travelled from Ontario, to Canada’s west coast, and then back and forth from Nashville until she had the music just right. Stints in Texas to film supporting video for her songs also rounded out her travels.

Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images

She is no stranger to hard work, and it looks like that work ethic is about to pay off. The 2014 CMAO Rising Star nominee is a consummate performer. She has a very strong presence on stage, a powerful voice, and style all her own. Riki lives the country life in small town Ontario farming community. So when she sings about the country life, she knows what it’s all about.

Introduced by Pete Walker of KX96 country radio, the party got started off on the right foot with a performance from Ben Hudson. The tall Uxbridge area singer/songwriter performed a solid set which included his original song Wear and Tear and certainly got the crowd hopping. Watch for more from this guy!

Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images

Knox then took over and delivered her signature energy-driven show. She was supported by a super tight group of musicians that included: Randy Vautour (guitar/vocals), Clayton Mark (guitar), Mike Vautour (drums), Dan McGrath (fiddle), Ron Vautour (bass) and Michelle Vautour (backing vocals).

Working through her set lists, Riki had the Port Perry crowd up dancing and singing and it was very obvious that everyone enjoyed the show. Each person attending received an advance copy of That’s Country Y’all (which is also one of my favourite tracks). One lucky attendee also won a free pair of Lane boots, courtesy of Knox’s sponsor Lane Boots of Texas.

This show marked the third time in 2015 that I was lucky enough to have Riki in front of my camera lens. Absolutely watch out for this lady! Big things are coming. Country radio needs to get fully behind her music and get it out for the masses to enjoy.

Scott Burns

www.rikiknox.com