Our second effort at producing a live

Our second effort at producing a live “Showcase” to promote Canadian country talent took place on November 24^th at the Kitchener club, The Stampede Corral. This chapter of the series would feature a variety of performers at different stages in their careers, but all incredible assets to the industry just the same. Keith Thompson, a very charismatic performer who likes to ‘bring’ the audience into his show was present with members of his band ‘The Rye’; Megan Morrison, a very young lady who is an absolute dynamo on stage with both her show and her vocal ability brought her band out too; Kim Remus, a statuesque beauty who has years of experience (despite her young age) to go with her powerful vocals had traveled in from North Eastern Ontario; and Darren Hancock, who has been proving that he’s not only a popular club entertainer but a very inspired songwriter attended, supported by his regular players, known collectively as ‘Moonshine’. Heather Smith, another power hitter in the industry with a large list of accomplishments had been scheduled to attend as well, but a last minute unforeseen conflict resulted in her having to send her regrets.

The MC for the Showcase series is none other than that irrepressible morning man on 820 CHAM, Joel Christie and he was in great form for this show. And I don’t know how we’d do it without him. He manages to convey all of the enthusiasm, information and excitement that we all feel, know and want to share with the audience in just a few sentences…probably why he’s so good at what he does at CHAM. Following the welcome from Joel on behalf of the Showcase Team it was time for the house band, The Bareback Riders, to open the show. They performed four songs, the usual mix of traditional and contemporary country that they favour and set the mood for the first performer.

Kim Remus is a young woman who has been right at home on a stage for almost half of her life. She spent the ‘high school’ years studying for exams while on tour, traveling to the many shows she’d been booked for and it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. With a powerful, confident delivery Kim can make any song her own and the fact that she’d traveled down from North Eastern Ontario to participate meant a lot to us. Her first song would be her own “Restless In The U.S.A.” and she was backed during her set by The Bareback Riders. This song is a popular signature tune and has received much attention and airplay from stations down south and brought Kim to the attention of many industry movers. “Rock This Country” had all the energy you’d expect it to have and “That’s The Kind Of Mood I’m In” was given a powerful ‘boost’ by Kim’s delivery. A really enjoyable song was “I Want A Man”, not only because of the popularity of the local trio Lace but because it was a little different hearing ‘male’ harmonies instead. “When Will I Be Loved” was a surprise, only because Kim was given free reign to show off her ‘rockin’ side in a song that seemed made for her voice. A great start to a fun afternoon, thanks Kim.

Due to the absence of Heather Smith the decision was made to move Keith Thompson’s set ahead and feature Keith right after the first intermission, which was next. This was due to the fact that Keith was accompanied by a larger than normal group and would require some technical changes that our sound director Bob Picard felt might slow things up if we’d waited until his allotted time. Darren Hancock would be featured after Keith’s set instead. The intermission would be the ‘showcase time’ for those Independent artists who have material out but couldn’t be present, either have been or will be in the future…either way, it’s our chance to let people hear them in an ‘artist friendly’ setting.

Keith Thompson has been writing, recording and performing for many years and this past October saw the official release of his CD “If Love Could”, so obviously it was time for him to stand up and be noticed. And he couldn’t be noticed more than he is when he has his lovely duet partner come out and perform their ‘single’ together. Andrea Hardwick was present to perform “Field Of Broken Dreams” with Keith and this song is a standout tune, you have to hear it for yourself. When you have as many really good songs to choose from as Keith does it must be quite a task to choose just a few, so I’m sure we’d presented him with a challenge but I’m glad that one was included. With his ‘troupe’ of friends and band mates flanking him on stools along the front of the stage they made a unified presence and all too soon it was over. I know you’ll be seeing lots of Keith out and about this coming year so you’ll soon see what all of the fuss is about.

Darren Hancock has been pretty busy in the Ontario club circuit since he and his group, known collectively as ‘Moonshine’ have begun ‘the push’…and it’s been a steady rise to the surface. With fans spread over most of Southern Ontario they feature a regular, informative online newsletter and have many of their own songs added to their already substantial repertoire and it was our pleasure to have them out. This was a good chance to show off Darren’s songwriting and he didn’t disappoint the crowd. “I Hate To See You Go” is one example of Darren’s talents and I really enjoyed “Half A Man” too…hopefully I’ll get to hear that one again. This group gives a full sound belying the fact that there are only four of them, a lesson that sometimes less can be more. Thanks very much guys; you definitely have what it takes.

The next intermission followed Darren’s set and the change over was to accommodate our next guest, who also brought her band out…it was a record day for the ‘full band experience’ and while it really worked our Sound Director to the bone it was rather heartwarming to see the support from everyone for that person behind the lead microphone.

Next up would be a real jewel and I’m not kidding. She’s beautiful, she’s got an amazing stage presence, she’s got one heck of a voice and she’s only 13 years old! What! There has to be a mistake, right? Nope, this is a girl that is destined to go wherever she wants to and will only get better with time…plus she’s downright adorable. How could you not like Megan Morrison? I’ve been lucky enough to have been to a few performances now and I look forward to the next one every time. Dressed in a lovely lavender outfit consisting of a long ‘coat’ over matching form fitting pants and a ‘glamour’ top of the same shade she looks every inch the star she will be. And now for her music. At the request of my co-producer Megan consented to do his favourite – “Pour Me”…and she really did Heidi proud on that one. “Sin Wagon” had the speed and energy that the Chicks are famous for, plus the addition of some incredible footwork during the instrumental parts. If you haven’t seen Megan dance while on stage you’ll be in for a treat…I remember when my knees used to work like that (many, many years ago). “Breathe” was followed up by Megan’s new single, “How Many Frogs Do I Have To Kiss” and this is a really neat song – one that many females can relate to, I’m sure. An added treat was the presentation of some toy frogs to members of the crowd, most of which ended up signed by Megan following her performance. After you’re amazed by her show just try and remember how old this young lady is…she’s going to be around for a very long time, guaranteed.

The CD giveaway took place following the last performance and then it was time for Joel to say goodbye to everyone and express our thanks to the artists and fans who came out to spend the day with us. And I’ll do the same here: To Keith (and Andrea), Darren, Megan and Kim – you are all wonderful examples of what will keep the Canadian music industry strong and we are so honoured that you consented to work with us for the day. When we see you up there we have no doubt that all of the hours, all of the ideas and all of the dreams we have put into this are worth it. To Andrew, Paul and the amazing team at The Stampede Corral – we know we make you work your buns off and we are so grateful for all of your support. This couldn’t fly without you. To our sponsors, 820 CHAM and Country Music News – you are the best examples of what is good and golden in this industry. We will treasure your help always. To our hardworking Showcase Team – Joel, Bob, Joe, Chris, Colin, Mark and Kurk – even when there’s ‘stress’ you can still make us laugh. That’s a gift that’s priceless, thanks guys.

To everyone who came out, spent the day and had some fun – we hope we gave you a vacation of sorts, into the non-stop, crazy world of Canadian country music. For all of the participants, who’ve had to deal with numerous phone calls, emails, organizing, travel and lost band members seeing the smiles of the people who come out to enjoy the show as they say goodbye at the end is worth more than gold to us all. It’s you who are the real ‘stars’ of the show, and we wouldn’t be there without you. Until next time, with our love…

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi