Monday night in Kitchener Johnny Reid brought the What Loves All About Tour to the Centre in The Square. Getting a chance to see Johnny in the beautiful venue was a treat as I think the last time I was in the venue was to see the Tragically hip 4 years ago. The 2,000 seat venue was packed for his second performance in as many nights in the city.
RBC Ottawa Bluesfest…is it all in the name? #MondayMusings
It’s that time of year again, first everyone is excited about the forthcoming announcement of the Ottawa Bluesfest lineup and then for the next 5 months won’t stop complaining about the lack of “blues” in the lineup.
Ottawa Bluesfest unveils 2016 lineup! – UPDATED
Monday night Bluesfest TAG treated us to the first 10 acts of the 2016 lineup of RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest lead by Sam Hunt. Tuesday morning, at midnight, the rest of the monster lineup was unveiled, and it packs a punch!
Sam Hunt leads first 10 acts of 2016 Ottawa Bluesfest lineup
As has become the tradition over the last few years Bluesfest TAG, a youth organization with a passion for music and social media collaborating with the Ottawa Bluesfest to bring unique acts to the festival, has begun announcing the lineup the night before the official launch.
2016 Ottawa Bluesfest Lineup most mysterious ever!
It is officially the eve of the announcement of one of the most anticipated festival lineups in Ottawa, Ontario…heck maybe even Canada. The 2016 Ottawa Bluesfest Lineup will officially be announced tomorrow morning.
Riki Knox – CD Release Party
The Latcham Centre in Port Perry was shakin’ and a rattlin’ on Nov 14 when Riki Knox hosted her CD release party, showcasing her first CD entitled That’s Country Y’all. The new music is available now on her website at www.rikiknox.com and you can also pre-order on iTunes with the CD scheduled to be released on Nov 22, however, the sold out crowd this past Saturday night got an early preview.
Riki Knox has been hard at work to create this full length new release. Teaming up with award winning producer Willie Mack, and writing with the likes of Jason McCoy and Troy Kokol, Knox travelled from Ontario, to Canada’s west coast, and then back and forth from Nashville until she had the music just right. Stints in Texas to film supporting video for her songs also rounded out her travels.
She is no stranger to hard work, and it looks like that work ethic is about to pay off. The 2014 CMAO Rising Star nominee is a consummate performer. She has a very strong presence on stage, a powerful voice, and style all her own. Riki lives the country life in small town Ontario farming community. So when she sings about the country life, she knows what it’s all about.
Introduced by Pete Walker of KX96 country radio, the party got started off on the right foot with a performance from Ben Hudson. The tall Uxbridge area singer/songwriter performed a solid set which included his original song Wear and Tear and certainly got the crowd hopping. Watch for more from this guy!
Knox then took over and delivered her signature energy-driven show. She was supported by a super tight group of musicians that included: Randy Vautour (guitar/vocals), Clayton Mark (guitar), Mike Vautour (drums), Dan McGrath (fiddle), Ron Vautour (bass) and Michelle Vautour (backing vocals).
Working through her set lists, Riki had the Port Perry crowd up dancing and singing and it was very obvious that everyone enjoyed the show. Each person attending received an advance copy of That’s Country Y’all (which is also one of my favourite tracks). One lucky attendee also won a free pair of Lane boots, courtesy of Knox’s sponsor Lane Boots of Texas.
This show marked the third time in 2015 that I was lucky enough to have Riki in front of my camera lens. Absolutely watch out for this lady! Big things are coming. Country radio needs to get fully behind her music and get it out for the masses to enjoy.
Scott Burns
Hendrik’s Top Country Artists to Watch in 2016
After reading through Corey’s top 10 artists to watch in 2016 I started thinking of who I would put in that list. There are definitely similarities between my 10 and Corey’s, as you will see. 2015 has been a big year for Canadian country music from the tour perspective with all the major players hitting the road, Dallas Smith started the year with his hugely successful “Tippin’ Point Tour” featuring Sundy Best and now this fall Dean Brody and Paul Brandt just wrapped up their “Road Trip Tour”, Brett Kissel and Jordan McIntosh are currently on the road with their “Airwaves Tour” and Tebey kicks off his “Three’s A Party Tour” with Jason Blaine and James Otto on Friday in Halifax and to cap off the year Tim Hicks is hitting the road with Cold Creek County and Jason Benoit for their “Get A Little Crazy Tour”. Notice something missing? Out of all the tours above only the “Road Trip Tour” featured tomatoes as an added ingredient with Lindi Ortega, Jess Moskaluke, Madeline Merlo and Whitney Rose featured throughout the tour.
So let’s take a look at who I think has the greatest chance of breaking out in the coming year, 2016.
Riot Fest 2015 Toronto – Who We’re Excited to See
ALEXISONFIRE
One of the few reunion shows, makes me feel
pretty lucky, although I may have heard a rumour there could be some more shows
added.
Motörhead
Oh Lemmy, what can I say! Their mix of
rock, punk and heavy metal intensity is just what I’m looking for.
Weezer x2
I’m just going to say it, I’ve never seen Weezer live. Thank you RiotFest for letting me get in a two for one. Day 1 – Pinkerton, Day 2 – Blue. I can hardly wait!
The Airborne Toxic Event
One of my all time favourites, super happy they’re on the bill and any time I can see these fantasic musicians play, I’m in.
Wu Tang Clan
What??? Yes, I can’t believe I’m going to get to shoot these guys. They’ve got a new album, “A Better Tomorrow” dropping December 2nd and I’m pretty sure we’ll get to hear some of it on Sunday.
Rancid
They’re playing Out Come The Wolves, only my favourite album. When did this become a thing? I’m glad it is.
Andrew W.K.
This is another “I can’t believe I get to shoot this” moment. Not only does he party hard, he’s so smart!
Thrice
A reunion I’m thrilled about.
Die Mannequin
Love, love, love. So glad they’re on the bill.
Against Me
Insert emotional attachment here. Lots of history with this band. Looking forward to new material.
Gwar
CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE THIS BAND! Masters of the stage show this should be fantastic.
The Dirty Nil
I first saw these guys at Canadian Music Week and they blew me away. Great energy, they’re localish, from Hamilton and they deserve to be there.
Stuck on Planet Earth
They were on the same bill as The Dirty Nil at CMW and well worth your time at Riot Fest.
Tasha the Amazon
And I’ve been told I absolutely have to check out Tasha the Amazon doing zero research and going into it open.
I’m going to stop but there are so many more go check out the schedule and if you haven’t bought a ticket yet, what are you waiting for?
To be honest, this lineup is problematic in that, it’s impossible as one human being to see everyone you’d like to see. A pretty awesome problem to have.
Did I miss your favourite? Let us know who you think we should add to our list!
Boots and Hearts 2015, One Hell of a Kick Off Party
Well, it’s just as the headline says it was. Last night was one hell of Kickoff Party for Boots & Hearts at their new home in Oro-Medonte.