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
