So the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, Ontario announced the line up to the biggest FREE Music Festival in Canada.
Corey’s Barn Burners – March 25
It has been a crazy busy week for us at SCE and I have listened to so much great new music this week. Here are this weeks Barn Burners, four songs that really stood out for me this week.
Cold Creek County Rock Sarnia…
Nothing much gets me interested in going to Sarnia Ontario, however, when you line up two energy packed country music performers in a small venue, why not make the trek down the 402 to Lambton County? The Station Music Hall in Sarnia has a long history of bringing big names to their small stage, and the venue didn’t disappoint.
Eric Ethridge performs at the Station – Photo: Bill Woodcock
Etheridge and his clan of talented musicians opened up the hometown show with nothing less than a spectacular performance. This was the first time I have seen Eric perform and I couldn’t figure out who to keep my eye on while they were on the stage. From Eric’s powerful vocals and work on the guitar to his fiddle player who is like a reincarnation of Jimi Hendrix with his visual display of fiddle playing. Eric and his boys got the crowd fired up with a solid 45-minute set of mainly originals and some classic country favourites. This guy and his band are a group we have to keep our eyes on in 2016. I think big things are about happen for them!
Eric Ethridge performs at the Station – Photo: Bill Woodcock
Up next, some guys who don’t need much of an intro in Ontario. They have been playing their brand of country music all over the province and Canada this past year including a cross country slot on the “Get a Little Crazy Tour”, with Tim Hicks and Jason Benoit.
Cold Creen County performs at the Station Mill in Sarnia – Photo: Bill Woodcock
This was my 4th time seeing the boys of Cold Creek County rock the stage and I must say every time I see them it just keeps getting better. Their presence on the stage is powerful and a small club is a great place to see them if you are lucky enough to get that chance. You become part of the show.
Cold Creek County performs at Mill Creek pub
They had the packed house singing along with their hits “Our Town “, and “Till The Wheels Come Off”. I sense a new summer anthem coming from these guys, too, with “Beer Weather”. The crowd was rocking to it, throughout. They even threw in a couple of classic rock covers with their country style mixed in. The entire venue was rocking with their rendition of the Queen classic “Fat Bottom Girls“, and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll”.
Brandon of Cold Creek out making the fans smile. Photo – Bill Woodcock
It was a good send off to the boys as they are heading south to Nashville, right after this stop, to do some showcasing and work. I predict big things coming from these guys, and we are already seeing their names pop up at a number of festivals this summer. If you have the chance, don’t miss their set. You’ll be impressed and be singing along in no time!
Bill Woodcock for Sound Check Entertainment
Photographers Top 10 Images
So we asked all our Photographers to take am minute and submit what they felt was there best 15 shots and we would scale it down to their top 10 from there… We are so thankful for these folks. They make our pages come alive. What is YOUR favourite shot of 2015… Share it over on our Facebook Page
Eric Ethridge & Kelsi Mayne cover “Home Alone Tonight”
Well as some of you know I am a bit of a fan of this Eric Ethridge, and I really think that 2016 may bring some huge things for him and I truly believe Eric is on the cusp of breaking through. He and I were chatting this morning and he sent me this AMAZING cover of Luke Bryan & Karen Fairchilds Home Alone Tonight. He teamed up with the VERY talented Kelsi Mayne on this one. Watch out Canada these two have some major talent. Don’t be shy.. Let us know what you think!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUlktEpSEgA&feature=youtu.be
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
Ones to Watch in 2016
I get asked on a regular basis who I think is going to make the next big step and start getting some great opening gigs. It’s really not that easy. With the politics in the music business sometimes the one with all the talent doesn’t win out. But I can tell you the 10 artists listed below are all SUPER talented and have a great shot at making that next big step or maybe have already started that journey in 2015.
Top 8 Finalists for 2015 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase
Republic Live, organizers of the Boots and Hearts Music Festival,has announced the Top 8 Finalists for the Emerging Artist Showcase presented by SiriusXM Canada. The final eight artists include Birds of Bellwoods, Eric Ethridge, James Barker Band, Johnson Crook, Leanne Pearson, Ray Gibson, Tenille Arts and Travis Wood. The finalists will be competing for a chance to perform on the Main Stage at Boots and Hearts prior to Thomas Rhett on Sunday, August 9th, in addition to winning a single release with Universal Music Canada and an opportunity to perform on the Main Stage at Boots and Hearts 2016. Fans are invited to vote for the Top 8 Finalists at www.bootsandhearts.com/showcase. Fan votes will determine the artists’ placement in the performance line up on the Front Porch Stage in front of a panel of judges at Boots and Hearts on Saturday, August 8, 2015.
