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Kick Off and Fundraiser/ Arizona's

Sunday May 28th, 2000

The May kick off held at Arizona's in Thorold drew hundreds of people to the outdoor tent over the eight to nine hours of performances by some of Ontario's best country entertainers. With the threat of rain in the early morning fading into a cloudy hazy truce, the organizers made the decision to keep the event on the outdoor patio, set up with a number of tables clustered around the front of the stage. The event was sponsored by the radio station Spirit 91.7, who were celebrating their first anniversary and had a large staff presence to show support. Announced the night before by MC's and Spirit 91.7 FM staffers Doug Rollins and Brian Salmon from the stage at the Julian Austin/Michelle Wright show in Niagara Falls, we figured that the show would fill up fast, so we timed our arrival for as early as possible. Maybe too early, as they were still setting up the admissions stuff and we did have to wait for the cash box to be brought out.

Taking a table near the front we settled in to wait for the first artists to arrive. We were right, it began to fill in pretty quickly and the show began at 12:40 with the appearance of Doug and Brian onstage (they're everywhere!) to host this event too. They are quite a pair. With a ballot box filled by the attendee's they began to award the prizes to those present. This would prove to go on all day with dozens of people filing up to choose from CD's, Spirit 91.7 t-shirts, calendars and the ultimate prize, two tickets for the George Strait show in Buffalo. At one point during the show the pair called on Chance to come up to the stage. Four years old and dressed in complete western wear, the little guy was a real crowd favourite and was announced as the new mascot for the proceedings. Answering yes, he wanted to be a country singer he also confirmed that his favourite singer was Shania, with a look at Doug Rollins that said 'Who else?' in a way that brought a laugh from the crowd.

Steve James & New Country Stone kicked off the show with a burst of energy, bringing your attention to the stage for the first of a number of self-written tunes that showcase the abilities of someone to watch in the future. "Sour Tears" was a slower ballad and was extremely well done by this group from the Niagara area. The aptly titled "Kick Back With A Six Pack" off of the CD of the same name and the relaxing "Dance With Me" finished off their set. The last song is excellent, very much a classically written song that brings to mind a Jimmy Buffett type of sound that will be just as good years from now.

Darin Parise and the Lonesome Fiddle Band were up next, from Welland Ontario. "Guitar Man", written by a band member was beautifully done and was a more traditional sounding tune. The surprise you were in for was the Mandrell-like performance of Darin himself, switching from one instrument to another through one song. I don't even remember what song it was, being so attentive to his amazing ability to go from guitar to pedal steel to mandolin to fiddle and to banjo. Absolutely incredible, he exhibited a range that was impressive under any standards and will be hard to find anywhere. Canadian talent, what more can we say?

Kitchener's own Nick Charles was up next and blasted on stage with an energetic version of "Shake". A very young group that is way too energetic (I got tired watching them) but extremely well put together, they put on a great show with Nick being some dancer in addition to a great vocalist. If you need to get pumped up for any reason, check them out sometime! You definitely won't be bored. "Midnight Drive" was a great tune, executed flawlessly with the follow up song (described by Nick as an "Old Trooper song" that I remember when it was new) being "Here For A Good Time". Self- confessed to being frozen by this point due to the stiff cold wind blowing across the stage the guys put on a fantastic show and long may they play!

Next up was Jacquie Henderson from St. Catherine's accompanied by Linda Williams, both armed with acoustics and providing us with a Mary Chapin Carpenter tune, "I Feel Lucky". With clear strong vocals and excellent acoustic work the pair did an admirable job on all of their selections, "When You Say Nothing At All" getting an added benefit of seamless harmonies. Well done ladies, very nice job!

Nathan Christopher of Hamilton, accompanied by his pal Gary, delivered three of his own compositions for the now substantial crowd. The acoustic set by the pair leaned toward the traditional and was handled quite well, with a lot of support in evidence from the younger ladies present.

Randy J. Martin provided a polished set including a song co-written by Jamie Warren. With strong vocals and very smooth delivery he was a real crowd pleaser.

Lindsay's Mark Ekins has a new CD coming out soon and provided us with a few selections that were very well done, with nice vocal work with lots of feeling in evidence. Tight band and very personable, they are definitely worth checking out if you get the chance, with "Pretty Pretty Please" being a winning song in my opinion. A crowd favourite if the line up to meet him afterwards is any indication he's a very down to earth performer and I would like to see him again.

Due West from Niagara Falls did a rousing version of the Kenny Chesney tune, "How Forever Feels" which was followed by a song written that weekend for the showcase (!) that had a kind of rockin twist in a very country way. Excellent vocal work by the guys despite a nasty wind that had blown up during their set.

One of the few to travel some distance and actually make it for the show, Jason McEwan drove the six hours from Pembroke to be there despite not being able to bring his band. This 20 year old, armed with an acoustic, mounted the stage all by himself and delivered the most astounding performance I have ever seen. A storytelling-songwriter who set the scene for the self-written tunes that followed, he had the total attention of the several hundred present. He kept them spellbound for his entire set and that is a talent that is extremely rare, not relying on lights, effects or a multitude of band members to put on a show but just himself, that being all you needed. Jason is the real thing and his is a gift that really should get the recognition it deserves. Thank you Jason for making that long drive, you made the whole show! At 20, you'll be around for a long time, I just know it.

Hamilton's own Homestead lead off with "Lovin You From Here", a song written by lead singer Ryan Stead. Delivering their own blend of family harmonies backed by their always tight band they did put on an excellent show, with "Little White Lies", written by bass player Chris Mancini also getting a good bit of attention despite the total gale during their set. A multi-faceted group that was missing one member, Joe Allain, due to the birth the day before of his new daughter, they got a very good response from the crowd. Joe is always missed when he's unable to make an appearance with his legendary pedal steel playing but we wish his family all the best.

Robyn Pauhl lead off with "Second Chance", backed by some members of Homestead who stuck around to give her a hand. "Tonight The Heartache's On Me", a Dixie Chicks number, got a good crowd response. Surrounded by a halo of blonde hair from the wind this powerful vocalist didn't deliver less than a fantastic performance with the crowd roaring their approval after each song. Finishing up with the Wilkinson penned tune, "By Now" and the Yearwood classic, "I Need A Man" this Hamilton based 16
year old proved yet again that she has what it takes.

Diana Jade of Brampton made her appearance to this large crowd with the Carlene Carter song "Every Little Thing" and she did an excellent job, with clear well toned vocals and a cracker-jack band. "Fools Rush In" from her CD In My Life followed, giving the crowd a taste of a very accomplished performer. I don't remember what other songs she had in the set, just listening to her excellent vocal quality I wasn't really paying attention. I know she could handle anything she set out to sing, of that I have no doubt.

Kelly Vohnn's radio favourite, "Her Momma's Eyes and Her Daddy's Gun" was a popular choice for this Toronto area beauty. You are treated to an energetic show every time by this crowd pleaser, who could be our entry into the Faith beauty competition (and yes, she can sing too). Hearing her, you know she's going to be getting lots of airplay and seeing her, you know her picture will soon be everywhere.

Kingspeed always delivers a fast paced, heavy sounding, YOU'LL KNOW I'M HERE kind of show and today was no exception. This Hamilton group has a very powerful style that is all their own. Think of the Mavericks or Ricochet only more rockin and a lot cooler and you'll be in the Kingspeed vicinity.

Darcy Rowan of the Ottawa area gave us a smooth, pleasing set held in the now Arctic conditions of Thorold. With a very impressive vocal ability and stage presence I would like to see more of him.

Toronto's Violet Ray has a strong, smooth vocal style that reminds me of Lucinda Williams for some reason. Leading her 4 piece band and back up singer effortlessly through an excellent set she also has a kind of Chrissie Hynde quality, very strong and polished. Very good performer, Ontario should take note of her.

"Best Places to Kiss" was Danie Cortese's first number and she's a very pleasing performer, with a strong delivery and a vocal quality that's reminiscent of Lee Anne Womack. "The Suspense Is Killing Me", a Wendell Ferguson co-written tune is a lovely ballad that was accompanied by Wendell himself on acoustic. They do excellent work together and Danie, usually found with her group the Dejablues, is going to be around a lot this summer so keep an eye out for her.

The last part of the show was the All Star Jam featuring prominent performers John Landry, Diane Chase, Jamie Warren, Colin Amey and Rich Baker. As they lined up on stage on stools, flanked by the accompanying acoustic players referred to by John as "bookend Dave's" they joked around with each other and the crowd, telling things maybe they shouldn't have (Jamie) and teasing each other to the delight of the crowd. Diane Chase, looking beautiful if not a little cold in a piece of Landry-wear probably borrowed for the occasion, was seated right in the middle of the stage full of guys and teased the girls in the audience about her choice seat. They headed off down the row, with John Landry taking first lead with a rousing edition of "Long Gone and Forgotten" with Diane handling the background vocal. "Promises, Promises" by Rich Baker was the next in line with Diane leading off with her current radio hit "Walkin Away With You", which had the crowd roaring it's approval. "What My Heart Don't Know" by Colin Amey and his next single is a definite winner, take it from me. An excellent song which shows his vocal ability to it's best advantage and is very pleasing you really should keep an ear open for it. Jamie Warren's choice of " The Way Love Goes" brought a roar from the crowd as the first few bars were played by the all acoustic gang. Even in the cold the man shines. With the crowd joining in for the chorus and background and with Jamie's encouragement, "Yeah, go on, sing it" the show turned into a big country love-in.

John and Diane joined up for "My Heart Says Yes (But The Hurt Says No)" for the second trip down the line. John says he wanted to sing that because he's always gets to sing with a beautiful woman as he motioned toward Diane. The banter between the group was truly hilarious with Rich, John and Jamie proving that they are incorrigible (ask Jamie about his tattoo). Rich Baker's choice of "That's Gonna Leave A Mark" is a somewhat autobiographical tune born of a remark by his mom about a bike accident
that happened in his youth. By bringing it into adulthood it takes on a different meaning and is a truly classic song. Never have any doubt that this man is quite a songwriter. Diane was up next with "In The Middle Of Something" which was a chattering (by this point) favourite with the guys on stage and the crowd. A high falsetto backup by one of the guys (Jamie again) sent her into a giggle in the middle, an unexpected twist I'm sure. Colin Amey declared that he was "going a little crazy", which prompted another to comment that he himself was already there. With that he launched into his next tune and what a voice! This man is something! If you've never heard him you really should-you're missing a real treat. Colin Amey- go out and get him or call that station and make that request! "Fallen Angel" was Jamie's next song and he is always nothing short of amazing. With this the show was coming to an end and the last song was John's. What had been missing was the one the crowd was requesting and the gang obliged with "Bit By Bit".

We at Opry North would like to thank all of the performers for their excellent work on this show and for providing us with another affirmation that the work we have undertaken to get the sound of their music out into the world is worth every minute we spend on it. Everyone should support these down to earth individuals as the work they have chosen to do to give us enjoyment is not easy, no matter how it may seem and the appreciation they have for their fans is really what keeps them going. We
would like to thank Jerry Carroll of the O.C.P.F.A and Arizona's in Thorold for letting all of us invade your place for one whole day. We would also like to give a big thanks to the coolest station, the Spirit 91.7 FM for their sponsorship of this event and their support of the valuable resources we have in our country artists. Suzanne Rochon-Burnett, owner of Spirit 91.7 FM and her beautiful daughter Michele-Elise Burnett did a fantastic job with their station in one year and we look forward to attending many more of their events. Thanks to all for a fantastic day, we'll never forget it.

reported by Kimberlee Jamieson

photos by Wayne Tozzi

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