Blog Archives

The sun had returned and the stands were packed for the third and final day of the rodeo by the time I arrived at the grounds for the closing day of the 4th annual Spencerville Stampede.  Out of all three days of music we had assembled for the weekend Sunday’s lineup was my favourite as it was a fresh lineup for me.

After an incredible start to this year’s Ottawa Bluesfest the second week was the week that had more of the music I was interested loaded so it was no doubt one I would be looking forward to covering.  Initial plans were that I would be finished my shifts with the Green Team by this point as well but health issues in the first week forced me to pick up some shifts in the second week.

It was the fall of 2014 we were approached by the folks at the Spencerville Stampede asking if we’d be interested in working with them on their 2015 entertainment lineup.  Going into their 4th year this year the Stampede had always had a musical component but they wanted to raise the ante and bring some higher profile entertainment to the event.

148 years ago today one of the greatest nations in the world was born, Canada.  On this special day we’d like to salute our home and native land and highlight just some of the reasons that make us proud to be Canadian!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been half a decade already since it all began.  Although for the first 4, or so, summers I was primarily the only writer there were a lot of people behind the scenes that ensured that I could get to the festivals and events.  Here’s my look back at the first 5 summers.

Jason Blaine Celebrity Charity Golf Classic

When you are a celebrity and want to give back to your community there’s no better way than to gather up a few close friends and throw a party…and then invite the community to attend.  Over the last two days, Jason Blaine did just that in Pembroke for the Second Annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic and we were thrilled to have been part of it.

This past Monday night we were in Markham taking in one of Canada’s most celebrated Country Music nights.  The 3rd annual CMAO Awards took place in Markham, Ontario.  For those of you who haven’t been lucky enough to secure tickets to this outstanding event I would have to suggest buy early next year.  This year’s line up was over the top with the likes of Tim Hicks, Autumn Hill, Deric Ruttan, Small Town Pistols and Jason Blaine to name a few.

So, the summer concert schedule is upon us and let me tell you if you LOVE live music you are going to really enjoy this summer.  I have put together a list of MUST SEE but heck, I only say they are must see because well I think they are pretty damn talented individuals as well.  I know we can’t hit them all.  But we know I am going to do my best 😉

So Jason McCoy is set to host the 2nd Annual CMAO Awards being held at the Flato Markham Theatre and I had the chance to catch up with Jason earlier this week.

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 9^th, 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.