I’m’ one of those people who believe that The Beatles are one of the greatest rock bands in history but I’ll be honest when the opportunity came up to cover Ringo Starr I wasn’t expecting much. I was expecting a few Beatles covers and a few unknown originals, at best…what I got was one of the best classic rock concerts I’ve ever been lucky enough to attend.
INVICTUS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP SIGNS BLACK MOUNTAIN WHISKEY REBELLION FOR EXCLUSIVE AGENCY REPRESENTATION IN CANADA
TORONTO, ON – Invictus Entertainment Group is thrilled to announce the addition of Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion to its agency roster in Canada. Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion features a collective of talented musicians (Greg Carroll, Erik Dylan, Corbett Frasz and Mitch Merrett), bringing multiple years of touring experience, studio time and multi-faceted musicianship to the mix of an already outstanding agency roster.
Canyon Rocks the Valley at SunFest Day 1
Thursday night kick off at SunFest saw 8 artist hit 3 separate stages getting the crowd warmed up for a long weekend of music to celebrate the beautiful province of British Columbia in the mountains of the Cowichan Valley.
We had the chance to sit down with the winner of Project Wild, Brad Saunders, to stage an exclusive interview and acoustic version of his new hit summer song Play It By Beer. Brad was a true rockstar and hit the mainstage and the Saloon stage all in one night covering hit country songs and treating the crowd to his own music. Stay tuned for the interview and song in the coming days.
We were also fortunate enough to say Happy Birthday to Aaron Pritchett before he hit the mainstage tonight. The crowd wished Aaron a happy birthday with signs and enthusiastic cheers. He played to them in his signature energetic style a mash up of his hits and 90s classics like the Back Street Boys and Vanilla Ice and the crowd belted them right back. Take a peak at our brief interview and more photos on the interview page.
SunFest Photo by Jeremy Mac Knott
Finally we finished the night with George Canyon who put on an amazing set with his Big Ass Kitchen Party as he called it. George played to the crowd through out the show as he gave insight into his songs, particularly beaming with pride over his children and his country. George was extremely personal as he shared his East Coast roots and his role in the Canadian Army. George also showcased his Canadian pride as he covered Stompin’ Tom’s Good Old Hockey Game and spoke of the honour he had of covering the song for a 50th anniversary record.
SunFest Photo by Jeremy Mac Knott
The crowd loved his hits and soulful voice throughout his entire set and of course he came back out to treat his fans with a two song encore.
Both Aaron and George raved about Jim Cressman and Invictus Entertainment Group with George going so far as bring Jim out on stage to take a selfie with the crowd. It was great to see such a solid bond in the cutthroat entertainment industry.
Overall, the first night of SunFest has the crowd ready for the next 3 days featuring 30+ artists and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Bathtub Weekend Kick off Party
July 20th marks the 52nd annual Great International World Championship Bathtub Race in Nanaimo BC.
Starting off the kick off party: The Black Franks. They are a 4 piece local Nanaimo cover band playing songs like Roadhouse Blues by The Doors and Takin’ care of Business by Bachman Turner Overdrive. The former Mayor, Frank Nay, who started the bathtub races would turn 100 this year and his son, Brad Nay plays guitar. What an honour to be able to celebrate this long standing tradition!
Next up is local Nanaimo rock band, Wise Youngblood. This power 4 piece absolutely killed it with Kyle Stephan’s gritty melodic voice and whiskey soaked lyrics, Andrew Harper dropping wicked guitar riffs, David Buchanon slaying the bass and Myles Nowik pulling it all together on drums. Wise Youngblood entertained us with originals such as Pyromaniac, Noon at Night and The new single Robot. Also sweet covers of Where is my Mind by The Pixies and Psychokiller by the Talking Heads. This band has an inviting stage presence that makes you want more!
Headliner Gord Bamford and band were welcomed to the stage by a diverse crowd covered in plaid, boots and a sea of cowboy hats. With songs like Farm Girl Strong, Stayed ’til Two, Drinking Buddy and Livin’ on Summertime had everyone up singing, dancing and just having a down right good time. The party continues with Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash and a few other originals. The band had thier own spotlights through out the concert to showcase their talants. During The Devil went down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels they took turns creating a mashup of songs from newer artists like Adele and Bruno Mars while making sure to rock out on the instrument of thier choice. The fiddle was an awesome display of entertaining and fast finger working talant. The bass player rocked out to Adele sitting at the back of the stage with a broken leg from a previous show.
Fans had been chanting Breakfast Beer for most of the night so Gord Bamford made it worth the wait closing off the show while everyone was having a foot stomping, head bobbing, hip gyrating, beer drinking amazing time!
Photos by Jeremy Mac Knott
Review by Jessica Brady
Aaron Pritchett rocks Barrie
It was a perfect evening to shoot and review (first time reviewing too) a show in Barrie, Ontario as Aaron Pritchett along with guests The Mudslingers took to the stage at Mavericks on Thursday night.
Ottawa gets loud as Brett Kissel brings Ice Snow and 30 Below to Algonquin
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.
CCMA – Invictus Party
The content from the CCMA’s just continues to flow in. This time it’s from another one of the parties. This one is all about Invictus. And it was a fantastic night of music indeed. Taking place at London Music Hall I can tell you that Jim Cressman sure knows how to throw a party.
Cory Marquardt – Mason Jar Session
Cory Marquardt cranked out 2 amazing tracks for us yesterday for the Mason Jar Sessions. This is the fastest turn around for any session. We are trying to release them on Monday’s but after hearing this live yesterday afternoon I just had to share it with everyone ASAP. Hell, this guy is opening 2 sold out shows for Brantley Gilbert in Toronto this week. So lets celebrate with this awesome acoustic version of This Man.
CCMA Awards – Day 1
Here are some pictorial highlights of CCMA Awards – Day 1
