Awesome, Arkells, Boots and Hearts, Brett Kissel, Canadian Country Music Association Awards, Dean Brody, Garth Brooks, High Valley, Jess Moskaluke, JJ Shiplett, Sam Hunt, Tebey, WayHome Festival Entertainment, Music
2016 was a long, hard year for many of us. Personally, and in the music industry, we experienced loss and heartbreak - BUT, in the midst of all of that, we also had some great moments and we have to remember that!
So, to celebrate what was good about the year, here are 5 of my best memories and highlights of 2016...
Arkells at WayHome
In July we hit WayHome for year 2 and enjoyed the hell out of the weekend, but the lasting memory of the weekend for me will probably be the Arkells on Saturday.
In the afternoon we sat down in the woods with Max and Mike for a pre-show interview that had a super laid back vibe, was a fun little connection, and gave some insight to the direction that the band has taken on stage and on record in the Morning Report era.
And then (after a quick and awesome braid appointment in the VIP salon) we watched the band hit the WayBold stage - where they proceeded to kick ass and take names. From start to end the energy was hot, the horn section and backup singers were on point and a great addition to the show, and the crowd was on fire. Check the videos from the performance and see Arkells at your very next opportunity. I would live that day again right now if you'd let me.
Music Video Debut - Tebey: Old School
We knew that Tebey and his team were shooting for a new video when they were at Boots & Hearts ... but I never expected to see myself in the official Old School music video!
At 0:11 and 1:32 you can see my Toronto Raptors hat turned around backwards in the summer heat as I sit with Tebey for our pre-show interview. It was a fun vibe while we were hanging out, and an even cooler surprise when the video premiered and I saw myself on the screen.
Let's not be confused, this isn't a starring role, but a cool little moment to remember from the year.
It's also cool seeing Trish in the pit at 2:02 mark snapping the pics that ended up in our post from the show.
Introducing My Mom To Jess Moskaluke And High Valley
For Christmas 2015 my mom wanted High Valley music. So, I picked up a CD, and in her card I told her that we would try to catch Brad and Curtis the next time they played in the Toronto area.
Just our luck, High Valley and Jess Moskaluke came to the CNE in Toronto just days before my mom's birthday at the end of August, and we were in the crowd to see the show together. BUT, even cooler for us was the chance to bring my mom backstage during our interviews with both Jess and High Valley.
I owe so many thanks to everyone for being so kind and gracious with their time before the show, and for being so sweet to my mom. I was a really cool night, and a memory that I'm happy to have.
Garth Freaking Brooks was freaking awesome!Garth Brooks In Hamilton, ON
Near the end of March we drove to Hamilton, ON to see the man, the legend, and the reason there's a website I'm posting on right now... Garth Brooks.
We didn't have press passes, Trish wasn't in the photo pit, I had three browser tabs open while I tried to buy tickets to the show - and it was all worth it. We sat in the crowd, packed in with Garth fans that were eagerly awaiting the show. And not a single one of us was disappointed.
Hit after hit blasted from the stage, and Mr. Brooks showed us all that he's still got it. He is still the man at the top of the mountain, and everyone else is tasked with building their career to get as close as possible to what this man has done in the last 25+ years.
Canadian Country Music Week & The CCMA Awards
For the first time we hit Canadian Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Awards in London, ON... and it was awesome!
The days were a blur of amazing people, parties, performances, interviews and a little bit of sleep. We got to talk to a heap of artists. We got to reconnect with friendly faces. We had the chance to make new friends. And all of it was against the backdrop of the biggest weekend of the year.
On awards night we had an amazing opportunity to take in all of the action. Trish and I both got to hang out at the green carpet to see everyone make their entrance. And during the show Trish was inside with her camera and I was in the media tent with the chance to see the CCMA winners just moments after their big moments on stage.
It was awesome, and we both hope we get to experience that again.
