January 26 2002

January 26 2002

For the 2002 series of Showcases we would be rotating between The Stampede Ranch in Guelph and The Stampede Corral in Kitchener each month, so it was our pleasure to pay our first “Showcase” visit to the Ranch for the January show. The first two ‘premier’ editions of the Showcase had been very well received by the participating artists and the fans who came out to see them and the attendance had increased to the point where we were a little apprehensive about the turnout. (But if you’re gonna have some problems, I guess that’s the kind you’d like to have.) We have had some fantastic ‘airings’ of the first two shows by our sponsor, 820 CHAM and the input of our oh-so-personable MC (Mr. Joel Christie) has been invaluable to us. The addition of a special ‘guest’ host – when she’s available – in the lovely form of Linda Martelli is another bonus for 2002…you won’t find a more compatible team in country radio than Joel and Linda and we’re so delighted that they want to come out and share the day with us. So we are very happy to report that the first show of 2002 took place to a standing room only crowd, with a very enthusiastic and talented bunch of artists on stage, more of them supporting from the floor and with lots of very happy (and hungry) country fans cheering them on. All in all, I’d say it was a great day!

Guests for the day would be Carol Jane Buttenham, Robyn Pauhl, Cory Gallant, Christina Doyle and Donny Anderson and you would be hard pressed to find a group of artists with more experience or accomplishments in one show. The show was kicked off by the team of go-getters that we’re very proud to call ‘The Bareback Riders’ and they did their usual great job of getting things going. Joel was in great form, giving the crowd the run down of the day and introducing each guest in turn. Linda Martelli was also on hand to help Joel out and together they spoke a little about each guest. Carol Jane Buttenham was up first and this lady is not only an accomplished entertainer but also she’s one ‘inspiring’ songwriter. We’d been lucky to hear her at a past Nashville Songwriter’s Association International meeting and she proved that she’s much more than just a pretty face. Proof of her versatility was evident in her choice of material for her set too, pairing such diverse styles as “Walkin’ After Midnight” with “Honey, I’m Home” and pulling if off successfully. Sometimes we really regret having time enough for only four songs per artist and this was definitely one of those times, as it was over all too soon. (By the way, if you end up on a cruise and one of the featured performers is Carol Jane, you’ll be getting more value than you expected for your trip.)

Our first intermission allowed everyone to mingle and say hi to friends and fans and it was wonderful that so many familiar faces came out to spend the afternoon with us. Jaclyn and Cassandra, the sister duo from Newmarket who have been receiving praise from radio everywhere for their debut CD (released last August) had come out to support a close friend, Lindsay’s own Donny Anderson. (Plus they brought their whole gang, so it was lots of fun to see their folks and Debbie, who I never get to see enough of, she’s just too darn busy.) Dan McVeigh (co-founder of the local N.S.A.I) had come out to experience for himself what I’d tried describing to him. Gary Glenn, longtime Bluegrass champion and current member (or President) of just about every Bluegrass organization there is had come out to see what he’d be getting into…Gary has agreed to be our ‘Bluegrass Liaison’ for our future shows. Performer Vince Roy, who’s smoldering style has fans just buzzin’, was his usual supportive self and attends whenever he can. It was a pleasure to meet GM Paterson, who will be a future guest as well as Samantha O’Dell, who is ‘new’ to the area’s country scene.

Robyn Pauhl is a name that many of you may know if you follow Ontario country music. She’s a truly lovely young woman (still in her teens) who hails from Hamilton and has had a career that many performers years older would be hard to match. At the tender age of 13 she began opening shows for legends like George Jones and Loretta Lynn, and I don’t think there’s many Canadian artists she hasn’t opened for at one time or another. Lately she’s been branching out, singing jazz for a lot of her appearances but she still is a ‘country girl’ at heart. “Cold Day In July” warmed up the crowd for the ‘rip roaring’ Reba tune “Why Haven’t I Heard From You”. One of Robyn’s biggest influences in starting her on a singing career was Patsy Cline, and the beautiful tune “Patsy And Me” paid tribute to the inspiration that Patsy has had on many a young singer.

Cory Gallant is a young man from the East Coast who is a perfect example of his upbringing. He’s very dedicated to his family (as they are to him), he goes back to visit whenever he can and he just exudes talent, on top of that. Cory is a very reserved, laid back performer who really opens up once he’s on stage and the intensity of his delivery is very impressive. You know he means business. Cory’s first CD is availible and the song “39 Hours” is from that CD; if you pick it up you’ll see what I’m talking about. “Write This Down” had everyone going and “Driving My Life Away” kept the pace going. “Brown Eyed Girl” wrapped things up and proved Cory to be a real favourite.

Following the second intermission we were delighted to welcome Christina Doyle. Christina is a wonderful lady who has enough enthusiasm and energy for at least four people and her show reflects that. “He Drives Me Crazy”, from her CD was followed by “My Baby Loves Me”, and she really lets the feeling of the song out. “You Still Shake Me” kept the show flowing and “It Matters To Me” brought the energy level down just enough to appreciate her heartfelt delivery. Christina loves everything she does and, as a cancer survivor, takes not one day for granted and spreads sunshine wherever she goes. You can’t help but smile back at her, and wish her well.

Donny Anderson is a young man (in his teens too!) that I’ve been hearing so much about over the past few months, so I was really anticipating his performance. Last August Donny opened for Terri Clark in Sunderland Ontario at her request. Now, that’s pull! And I wasn’t to be disappointed, in any way, shape or form. A showman whose youthful appearance distracts you from his natural self-confidence on stage had the crowd reacting with him for his whole set. “Don’t Worry About Me”, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and “Wrapped Around” were well received by the crowd but it was his performance of “Sold” that really closed the show. Donny is able to bring the audience into the show almost to the point of expecting them to head up on stage too and the very warm applause following his set was well deserved. That voice will only get better with time, so look for a long career for Donny Anderson. Thanks Donny, you were definitely worth the wait.

With that, the first edition of Opry North’s Country Music Showcase for 2002 came to an end. Joel and Linda handled the CD draws and said the thank you’s to the various team members who perform their magic to put the show together. We would like to repeat that here, to let you know that the hearts of over a dozen people work all month to put this day together. Special thanks to Joel, Linda and the 820 CHAM team for their support, their encouragement and for their time. You don’t know how much it means to us. To Andrew, Willy and the staff of the Stampede Ranch – thanks for your hospitality and for providing such a quality establishment for country music fans. To Bob Picard (Professional Audio Services) and Ron Chilton (The Orange Room), you guys make us ‘sound great’. How would we do it without you? To our ‘brothers’, The Bareback Riders – being on this ride with us for the year says more about ‘family’ than words ever could, thanks always.

And to the five artists who gave us their time, their talent and their friendship, we wish you all long, successful, happy careers and you will always be loved. You deserve to be given back what you give out every time you get up on that stage and as long as we’re here, we’ll be your loudest fans. Country music is in good hands with you. Thanks again.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi