Calgary welcomed back crowd favourites, The Washboard Union, to The Grey Eagle Casino as part of their “Grab The Wheel and Go” tour. Joining them on stage were Saskatchewan-born Kalsey Kulyk and Edmonton’s The Prairie States.
Alberta Country Music Award winners, The Prairie States, kick off the night with a bang. Led by Indigenous singer/songwriter Mat Cardinal, this five-piece band is no stranger to Calgary’s country music fans, presenting a new perspective on classic country. With their 2024 album Trouble Is just released, they bring an infectious alt-country sound and a dynamic stage presence that never fails to captivate.
Kalsey Kulyk is the perfect addition to this tour, with her commanding vocals and authentic storytelling offering a refreshing feminine change of pace. Her debut album, Outlaw Poetry, has garnered much praise, featuring hits like “Ain’t Enough Whisky” and the title track “Outlaw.” After sharing that she collaborated with Fleetwood Mac’s producer Richard Deshut, Kalsey captivated the audience with a charming cover of “Landslide,” further showcasing her undeniable talent.
With great anticipation, the Grey Eagle Event Centre erupted in cheers as The Washboard Union took the stage. Singer Aaron Grain greeted the crowd and, nodding toward the left side of the stage, remarked, “This must be the dancing area,” acknowledging the fans who had already gotten out of their seats to two-step.
There is perhaps only one thing more distinctive than the band’s unique style— their matching hand-painted white denim jackets and trademark beards—and that’s their remarkable ability to tell a great story with every song. The 9-time CCMA Award and Juno-winning group cranked up the energy with hits like “I Run on Country” and “Band On Her T-Shirt,” both from their latest album Westerly (July 2024), named after the Canadian westerly winds the band knows all too well, calling Vancouver home.
With hit after hit and crowd-pleasing covers thrown in for good measure, it’s no wonder Calgary keeps welcoming them back with open arms. They’ve built a die-hard fan base and consistently bring high-energy performances that guarantee their spot as a fan favourite in the city.
