Written by Kim Jamieson

February 23^rd Showcase

The Stampede Corral – where it all began. As we arrived to set up for the second edition of Opry North’s Country Music Showcase 2002 we had a hard time believing that we were going into the fourth show. We’ve had the privilege of working with many artists since September’s first show and we were looking forward to the lineup scheduled for February. Marty Allen, Randy Thomas, Dan McVeigh and our first Bluegrass band, Red Hill Creek would all be out to ‘show’ their stuff. And of course, The Bareback Riders would be on hand too as would our MC and ‘partner in crime’, Joel Christie.

Attendance at the last Showcase had really surprised us and we had no idea what we could expect for the second of the 2002 shows. By the start time of 3 PM the venue was about one third full but fans continued to file in until well past 4 PM, and a final ‘guestimate’ looked to be about 200 to 250 people, or comparable to the first show back in September. One thing we totally forgot to take into account was the Olympics and whether the fans could ‘share’ their affection for music with sports or not would remain to be seen. I myself had completely forgotten about the Olympics on Saturday, which tells you where my heart belongs.

The Bareback Riders led off the festivities and Joel announced the first guest, right on cue…Dan McVeigh, who has SO much going for him. He’s a songwriter, which is a good thing since he’s the co-founder of the Toronto chapter of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International. He’s a musician, playing acoustic guitar and keyboards. He’s the owner of ‘Play It Again Dan’ studios and he’s released his CD “Love And Bridges” in 2001. He’s also a Billboard Award winning songwriter (5 times), has a degree in Radio Broadcasting and was a DJ once upon a time. Safe bet to say that music is his life too? Yes, I would guarantee it. Dan had decided to mix things up during his set and performed “My Kind Of Girl”, “Take It Easy” and his self-written tune “Angels Don’t Dance Like That” with the BBR before taking the show on by himself. For “Country To The Bone”, a somewhat autobiographical song that describes his choice of musical taste he performed on keyboard, as he would for the last song, “Fallen”. When you’re a songwriter, passing the songs to others so that ‘they’ can make them their own is part of the game. But when you get the chance to take something you’ve written that is reflective of you and record it yourself, now that’s something very special. Thanks Dan, for sharing that with us. Everyone loved it.

Following the first intermission we would be introducing a band that has impressed me every time I’ve been able to see them. Marty Allen is another songwriter, who fronts The Marty Allen Band and together they have created a wonderful unit that works well together, has fun and loves to play. Each member is a character on his own and adds to the show, as the crowd would soon find out. “Two Steps Behind” and “Future Memories” were interspersed with commentary from the guys, and the autobiographical “This Town” was explained by Marty beforehand. “Hillbilly Rock” by an idol of Marty’s (and another Marty…Stuart) and “I Can Be Your Man” capped off their set and they obviously had succeeded in bringing the crowd into the show with them. While I’ve known that The Marty Allen Band always does a great job on other people’s songs it’s really nice to hear them having fun on their originals too. Marty has two CD’s of self-written songs that will more than prove that this band is not ‘just a cover band’ and that they are ready to head to the next step.

Another visitor from ‘down Niagara way’, this time from Fort Erie would be our next guest. Randy Thomas has had a busy last couple of years and won some awards for his songwriting including one at the “Best Of Texas Awards”. A trip to Nashville resulted in his CD “Can’t Get Enough” a few years ago and today he would be with us to give us an example of his renowned one-man-show. Randy is a unique performer who has an easy way with an audience and his delivery of originals and covers went over very well with the crowd. If you want to see a passionate entertainer keep an eye out for one of Randy’s future appearances and pop in to say hi. I know he’d love to see you.

For the audience the last intermission allowed an increase in apprehension, as the band up next would be Red Hill Creek. With the success of last year’s “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” the public has rediscovered Bluegrass music and the resulting popularity of the ‘Down From The Mountain’ concert tour proved that the people liked it and wanted to hear it. Well, step right up! Canada has always had a somewhat ‘underground’ thriving Bluegrass community…’underground’ because while it’s music from the heart and soul that is played for the love of it financially it was not the ‘goldmine’ of other genres, so had remained almost ‘hobby-like’ for many of the best players in the country. Well, its time has come! We know that there are many excellent players who are not getting the recognition they deserve for their Bluegrass music and as the official Bluegrass season (consisting of many excellent summer festivals) is still months away we had decided to include this popular element into the Showcases for 2002. Our first guests to carry in the Bluegrass flag are a Hamilton based band that are all experienced musicians who have cut their teeth in many bands, genres and instruments and always come back to their true love…and we’re glad they do.

With songs that let the members take the lead at different points, either vocally or instrumentally, the group had everyone’s attention right off the bat. Through an acoustic guitar, bass guitar, mandolin and banjo plus the signature harmonies of Bluegrass vocalists Red Hill Creek took everyone back to how it all began. “Some Mother’s Boy” was followed by the interestingly named “I Keep Driving Nails In My Coffin” and the song was nowhere as ‘down sided’ as the title suggests. “Here I Go Down That Wrong Road Again” let the lone female member (Cathy Gallant) take over the lead vocal and the sweet, haunting style reminded me of Emmylou Harris. “Please Make This Heart Ache Go Away” was followed by the last song for this incredibly well received group…and what a welcome it got from the crowd. “Man Of Constant Sorrow” was the song that ended the show on a definite high note with many of the folks either clapping or singing along. All attention was focused on the stage, even with the screens in the corners of the room showing the ever-present Olympics. What a terrific send off from the first of what we hope will be many Bluegrass guests of the Showcase. If the rule is to always leave them wanting more then it was followed to the letter, thanks so much guys!

The ever-congenial MC of the Showcase next thanked everyone involved for their participation and we had the draws for the prizes donated so generously by the artists present (and some special guests too – thanks Mark Blayney). The BBR took the stage again to finish off the show and following that we took our customary ‘group photo’ to document the incredible group we had the honour of working with for February’s show. To Marty (and gang), Dan, Red Hill Creek and Randy; thanks so much for coming out to give your time and talent to some very appreciative country fans. They loved every minute of it. To Andrew and the staff of the Stampede Corral; you handle our invasion (as always) with total professionalism and hospitality. That’s why you’re the best. To Joel and 820 CHAM; working with you is one of the best things about this Showcase. Well, that and the hugs. To The Bareback Riders; another one in the record books, your name will sure enough live on. Thanks guys. To Bob Picard of Professional Audio Services; may your plug ins and cables always be gold-tipped buddy, thanks so much. To Ron Chilton of The Orange Room Recording Services; the hours you’ve spent on this have shown us that we’re cut from the same cloth. A future without you is inconceivable, thanks just isn’t enough. To Norm at Lakeshore Music; your guidance, advice and support are appreciated and will always be invaluable to us. Thanks for all your help. To the many family members, country music fans and very special friends who spent the afternoon with us; your smiles and applause for those who performed make the weeks of work a dim, distant memory. We love you guys.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi