Reviewed by Jeffrey "JR" Reed

Jeff's Bio

Opry North’s Country Music Showcase

  It’s fitting that the Stampede Corral in Kitchener hosted the August 31, 2002 version of Opry North’s Country Music Showcase. Afterall, it was the Corral that played host to the very first Showcase event, on September 15, 2001, almost one year ago. And what a year it has been, with producers Kim Jamieson and Wayne Tozzi presenting the best Independent Country Music artists in Ontario to a strong legion of fans, while allowing the artists to showcase their myriad of talents in singing and songwriting.

   The six acts lined up for the Aug. 31 Showcase did not disappoint. Playing to a cozy but enthusiastic crowd on a hot holiday weekend, each act put on a highly professional performance, drawing much applause from everyone in attendance. In fact, those enjoying the afternoon’s show were most definitely watching the stars of tomorrow on the Corral stage. Before the afternoon would end, magical musical memories and new friendships were made, thanks to the Opry North Country Music Showcase.

   This was my first Showcase, and it did not disappoint. I had heard so much about the event from artists in and around my hometown of London, Ont. Performers like Jade Lester, Jennifer Marino and Allison Walker had all raved about not only the great hospitality from Kim and Wayne, and the warm welcome from the highly-professional house band, The Bareback Riders, but also about the sense of truly belonging to a tight community of Country music artists. Thoroughly enjoying my first Showcase, I can tell you these gals were right: there’s something special about the Opry North Country Music Showcase that has filled a strong void for local Indie artists.

   The MC for the afternoon’s festivities was none other than 820 CHAM’s newest personality, The Singing Cowboy, 20-year-old Scott Weston. Donning his black Stetson, the Cambridge, Ont. urban cowboy proved to be an informed and funny host, making all of the six acts feel right at home. In fact, Weston proved at the end of the show that he can belt out a Country tune or two himself.

   Opening the festivities were none other than the ultimate house band, The Bareback Riders. Polished professionals in every sense of the word, The Bareback Riders have secured a place in the "A" circuit of Country music, sharing the stage with stars such as Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Clay Walker, Reba McEntire, Brooks and Dunn, Terri Clark, Michelle Wright and Prairie Oyster. A diverse group, borrowing from the genres of New and Classic Country, Rock and Blues, The Bareback Riders have a huge following in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph area, and rightfully so. With Chris Mancini on bass, Mark Mancini on lead and acoustic guitars, Colin Connors on drums, and the ever-smiling Joe Allain on steel and acoustic guitars, and lead vocals, you can’t go wrong. Kurk Bernard (acoustic guitar and lead vocals) was absent this day, having just returned from a European tour with the group South Mountain. The Bareback Riders are consummate professionals and crowd pleasers, always ready to get the party started at the Opry North Country Music Showcase.

   The first guest artist up on stage was the tiny but mighty Amanda Lee, a 22-year-old Ontario artist already a veteran performer, and with more moves than Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown. Although the Corral stage is generous, Lee made it look small with her energetic performance which would make even Natalie Maines of The Dixie Chicks blush. Her four-song set began with the Patty Loveless tune, That’s The Kind Of Mood I’m In, then moved to, Martina McBride’s lovely tune, My Baby Loves Me. Lee followed up with a strong rendition of, Take It To The Limit, encouraging the Corral, "You guys can get up and dance!" while gyrating on stage and belting out this song with great enthusiasm. She finished with a great version of, That’s What I Like About You.

   Performing since age 3, when she actually shared the stage with Ronnie Proffit at a High River, Alta. gig, Lee’s music has enjoyed some local radio play, and she has released a video. Performing at the Calgary Stampede in 2000, Lee is eager to build on the strength of her first releases and move on to bigger and better things. "Music is in my blood," says Lee. Here’s betting she achieves her goal of success in performing to much larger crowds.

   The next performer, Jody Gibson of Acton, Ont., is someone whom I believe is one of the best-kept secrets in local Country music. At age 23, Gibson had just returned from a songwriting venture in Los Angeles, where she was exposed to some of the realities of making it in a very competitive business. However, her strong stage presence and highly-professional music and lyrics are signs that this talented performer has what it takes to enjoy success in the music industry.

   Gibson’s four-song set began with SHeDAISY’s hit, I Will ... But, and also included SHeDAISY’s, Mine All Mine, both songs of which allowed Gibson to showcase her extraordinary vocal range. Closing with the Faith Hill song, If I’m Not In Love, Gibson hit an even higher note with the appreciative audience. Amongst the Saturday crowd were Gibson’s brother, Chris, and his fiancé, Jenn, who danced upon the encouragement of Gibson. It was a touching moment during a stirring performance.

   Upon arriving home in London, I listened to Gibson’s debut album, and was instantly hooked on her clever lyrics and soothing music. There is no doubt in my mind that Gibson is headed towards a long career as a singer/songwriter. She has co-written three songs which she performs on this CD: Gone; In My World; and Call On Me – all with hit potential. Break a leg, Jody!

   After a brief intermission, which featured songs by Opry North favourites Vince Roy, Brenda Lynn, Kyla, and Jaclyn & Cassandra, the third act took the stage and did not disappoint. Brad Karel & 401 Run showed everyone that combining Country and Rock music can please an audience of all ages. Who’s Cheatin Who, Young, Nothin’ But The Taillight, and finally, Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde all kept the audience’s toes tapping and hands clapping.

   Brad Karel of Bath, Ont. plays guitar and handles lead vocals; Rob "Bubba" Brown from Leamington, Ont. plays bass; Ottawa’s Marc Primeau plays drums; and Nick Robertson from Oakville, Ont. is a crowd favourite with his energetic lead guitar abilities. All four band members are now living in Toronto. Look for them to make some noise on the local music scene.

   Rounding out the second set of performers before the second intermission was Rough Harvest front man, John Amos, who performed with The Bareback Riders on this afternoon. It’s no surprise that Amos and Rough Harvest enjoy playing cover tunes from John Mellencamp, since that artist released an album entitled, Rough Harvest, in 1999. Amos, of Hamilton, says the five-member Rough Harvest band also enjoys belting out Diamond Rio tunes, giving the band a New Country sound. Amos, founder of Rough Harvest, is a former member of the group, Cheyenne.

   2001 proved to be a banner year for Rough Harvest, as they emerged winners of the New York State Colgate Country Showdown contest. From there, they went on to compete for the national title, Best Act In The Country, and placed a respectable third. Amos performed two original songs at the Opry North Showcase: Taylor Girl; and A Lot Like Me – both stirring songs which drew upon personal experiences. With lead vocals from John Amos, Rough Harvest is sure to continue winning more fans with their versatile sound.

   A number of songs entertained the Corral crowd before the final two performers took the stage. Music from Mark Blayney, Teagan Beedell, Laura Rose, Cory Gallant, Erin Fleury, and Mia Kulba, filled the venue with some top-notch Canadian Country music.

   Speaking of top-notch talent, the final two performers of the day showed why we have a lot to be proud of here in Ontario, when it comes to Country Music talent. Rosanne Solotarow, and Tara Oram, both represented by Performerz Entertainment Company, are both polished performers.

   Solotarow, 28, is already a veteran of 24 years on stage, beginning with dance training and competition from age 4, and it shows through her professionalism and in how she relates to an audience. A seasoned actress with local music theatre groups, this Columbus, Ont. performer is a vivacious entertainer, to say the least. She commands the attention of everyone in a room when she sings, something that was very evident at the Showcase this Saturday afternoon. Performing, I Feel Lucky; and singing, Better Things To Do, in a manner which would make Terri Clark proud, and finishing off with, Pour Me, in a style not unlike Trick Pony, Solotarow proved why she is the current KX96-FM Cradle To Rave contest winner.

   With a single, Kinda Fun, currently received regular radio play, and with a busy schedule of gigs filling her calendar, Solotarow was an Ontario finalist in the recent CMJ Project Discovery contest. Headlining the band, Coverstory, and providing lead vocals for an "Evening with Patsy Cline" tribute show, fans everywhere are falling in love with this songbird. Look for her to gain an even larger audience in the very near future. She’s a star who’s time has come.

   And speaking of star talent, look no further than 18-year-old Tara Oram, a guest at that first Opry North Showcase event last September whose music has grown by leaps and bounds over the past year. When Oram was on stage, and singing with a strong yet sultry voice, the Corral crowd had to look twice: Oram’s performance is very much like that of Country music star, Beverley Mahood. On this day, she belted out a strong foursome of hits: fittingly, Mahood’s, I Want A Man; Blue Side Of Town (Patty Loveless); Strawberry Wine; and ending with a crowd favourite, Let ‘Er Rip.

   Oram’s first single, More Than I Dreamed, is set to be released at the end of September 2002. When she’s not busy wowing crowds with a performance which will most certainly gain her a national audience in the very near future, Oram attends Sheridan College where she studies Law.

   Before the fans and artists mingled at the end of what proved to be a fantastic day of Country music and old-fashioned fun, The Singing Cowboy entertained (wearing his trademark sunglasses) with a collection of true Country tunes, including: Dust On The Bottle; Chattanoogie; I’m From The Country; and How Do You Like Me Now – all crowd pleasers.

   The next day, while attending the Paris Fair, I watched Weston perform a few songs for a large crowd between sets by The Ennis Sisters, and Adam Gregory.

   Many thanks to all of the artists, who took time to talk about their music during a busy, fast-paced afternoon in Kitchener. Joining efforts with Wayne and Kim and their entire crew is now a highlight of my monthly calendar. It is a pleasure watching the stars of tomorrow perform today. See y’all in Guelph at The Stampede Ranch on September 28!

Stay tuned for the pictures from the showcase!