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Dallas Smith has just recently released a new album titled Side Effects.  I had a chance to sit down with Dallas while he was in Toronto to chat about the album.  Huge thanks to Corus for letting us the fantastic space to do the interview.   And don’t miss Dallas at the Norfolk County Fair on October 7th.   Or if you are in the mood for a road trip to Halifax for New Years Eve it will be one heck of a party!

Here’s a look back to when Sound Check covered the fun show that Foreigner delivered in April at Casino Rama. Love how they interact with their audience, and drummer Chris Frazier is a prime example of that. 

I have been so fortunate to cover so many amazing shows this year, in all genres of music. I’ve been “wowed” quite a few times by some amazing performances, but things just got ratcheted up by Mr. Alice Cooper.

This past Saturday night Justin Moore brought his Southern’ drawl to Casino Rama for a packed house.

What an amazing treat it was Friday night to take in the Santana show at Casino Rama. We’re talking about one of music’s icons, and premiere guitarists.  I felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph and review this performance.  Right from the opening bars of Soul Sacrifice, we were all captivated by the sweet and unmistakable sounds of Carlos Santana’s guitar playing. He has a tone and style like no other, and when he sauntered onto the stage, with his sparkling gold guitar and wearing his fedora, the jammed packed theatre rose up and greeted Carlos and his 10 piece band.

Friday night saw Terri Clark return to Casino Rama after a 1 year hiatus.   Terri had been playing the venue on a regular basis but didn’t manage to make it up to Orillia last year.  I would have to say the heart grows fonder or maybe its the crowd that does, when they don’t get to see you as often.  You could tell she was happy to be back in Ontario performing for a solid group of her Hat Brats (Fan Club Members).

This past Friday night the CMT Next Women of Country tour kicked off at Casino Rama.  For those not familiar with the idea of this tour last year CMT (USA) announced a short 10 date tour with Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini which had some fantastic success.  So CMT decided to up the ante with the 2016 edition with the likes of new comers Tara Thompson and Lindsay Ell along with the talented Brandy Clark while being headlined by the amazing Jennifer Nettles.  Not a bad line up at all. They have scheduled a 38 date tour that kicked off in Canada at Casino Rama .

Tara Thompson performs @ Casino Rama on the Next Women Of Country Tour – Photo: Corey Kelly

The evening started off with emerging artist Tara Thompson taking the stage for a brief 2 song set (shortened set from the rest of the dates on the tour I was told) I had the chance to chat with Tara earlier in the day and take in a 5 song performance where she wowed the crowd.    Now the set times were slightly moved up to allow for all 4 artists to perform and get the show wrapped up by 11ish.  So with only 2 songs to perform in front of a surprisingly somewhat full venue,  considering the start time change Tara laced into her quick set and got things kicked off in grand style.

Lindsay Ell Performs during the Next Women of Country tour stop at Casino Rama – Photo: Corey Kelly

Next up was Canada’s own Lindsay Ell.  Lindsay has really started to turn heads in Nashville these days with songs such as Shut Me Up and Trippin’ On Us getting spins on Satellite Radio (The Highway of course).  Lindsay also only had a quick set to impress.   I know the lady sitting beside me was.   She couldn’t believe the sound that the girl and the guitar could make with the loop pedals etc.  Lindsay is one hell of a guitar player as well.   Was great to see her back in Ontario that is for sure.

Lindsay Ell Performs during the Next Women of Country tour stop at Casino Rama – Photo: Corey Kelly

After Lindsay wrapped up it was time for Brandy Clark.  I have seen Brandy perform only one other time, when she opened for Eric Church in London last year and she was killer then.   Well, not much has changed.  She is still killer.  Having talked to a couple walking into the venue,  they had mentioned that they had come to actually see Brandy Clark, which comes as a bit of a surprise because Brandy has little to no radio play in Canada not sure if that is lack of record label publicity or lack of Country Music stations having too much to choose from these days.  BUT.. That said Brandy put on a fantastic 45 min set.   But she definitely had the crowd listening..  With her very smart lyrics and great voice to match Brandy Clark is definitely one of those NEXT big things in country music.

You could hear a pin drop in here…@CasinoRamaLive @TheBrandyClark pic.twitter.com/XOE1dhonPy

— Sound Check Ent. (@SoundCheckBlg) January 16, 2016

Then it was time for the lovely Jennifer Nettles.  Now Jennifer is about to release her upcoming 2nd solo album and she performed a few off it on Friday along with a plethora of her former hits.   With her hit Stay being one that I could just see everyone waiting for and when it started the crowd let her know they were excited to hear it.

Jennifer Nettles Performs during the Next Women of Country stop @ Casino Rama – Photo: Corey Kelly

Now Jennifer is another artists I had never actually had the pleasure of seeing before.   Her voice is so recognizable and flawless live.   When she kicked things off with her current single Playing with Fire it started with a punch.  And it wasn’t till about 4 songs in before it slowed down a little.  As you know I am not one to give you a set list of songs performed because I like to leave a little bit of a surprise for those attending the show later in the tour.   But easily the stand outs for me were Playing With Fire and Unlove You.   Both off the new album coming out in early April.  If you have a chance to catch the Next Women of Country Tour I would strong suggest you going.   Country music is due for an overhaul from bro-country and these 4 ladies are a hell of a start!

Jennifer Nettles Performs during the Next Women of Country stop @ Casino Rama – Photo: Corey Kelly

Jennifer Nettles Performs during the Next Women of Country stop @ Casino Rama – Photo: Corey Kelly

We had a lot going on Friday with Mason Jar Sessions with both Lindsay & Tara watch for those in the coming weeks!  And check out what else is happening over at Casinor Rama here…

CoreyKelly / @CoreyKelly76

Chad Brownlee – Photo by Trish Cassling for Sound Check Entertainment

To say that 2015 has started with a bang is a major understatement.  It took the independent Sound Check over a year to hit 100,000 readers and we hit 200,000 in just the first month and a half of 2015.

Our top stories of Q1 2015 included breaking the news of Luke Bryan in Ottawa and the 2015 Ottawa Bluesfest line-up as well as our coast to coast coverage of Dallas Smith’s Tippin’ Point Tour and Chad Brownlee’s When the Lights Go Down tour not to mention our unprecedented concert coverage from New Country 94’s welcome to Ottawa party with Dallas Smith to Florida Georgia Line and ZZ Top in Kingston. All of this and only in the first 3 months of 2015.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead from April to June 2015

Our friends over at Casinorama just put out thier JUNE concert listing and for the Country fans they got a couple shows you won’t want to miss…

George Thorogood & The Destroyers with Brian Setzer‘s Rockabilly Riot (June 4)

Toto Cutugno (June 7)

Kip Moore (June 12)

Mystic India: The World Tour (June 13)

Boyz II Men (June 19)

Montgomery Gentry (June 26)

Whitesnake/David Coverdale (July 2)

Ticket ONSALE Info…