New Artist Showcase Announced for Country Music Week 2009
August 12, 2009
New Artist Showcase Announced for Country Music Week 2009
Eight of Canada’s hottest emerging artists to perform
(Toronto, ON) August 12, 2008 – The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced today the artists chosen to participate in the New Artist Showcase during Country Music Week 2009 (Sept 10-13) in Vancouver, British Columbia. They include: Shane Chisholm, Jaida Dreyer, Mike Gouchie, Heather Longstaffe, Darren McGinnis, Arlen Park, Whiskey Jane and AJ Woodworth.
“We are so pleased to announce the Canadian country class of 2009,” said Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors, Jackie Rae Greening. “In the past, we have seen New Artist Showcase participants like Shania Twain and Paul Brandt go on to become huge international stars, so I can’t wait to see and hear what the future has in store for the Canadian country music scene.”
All eight of the artists were selected through a submission process and a two-tiered jury process composed of industry members from across Canada. The showcase will take place Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 10 PM at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, BC Ballroom and will be hosted by BC’s favourite musical family, The Higgins. For the first time in 2009, a secret panel onsite will be adjudicating the performances and the best in show will received the 2009 New Artist Showcase Award. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
New Artist Showcase (set times to be confirmed)
Shane Chisholm
Five-time CCMA Award Nominee, Roots Country Artist, Singer/Songwriter, Producer, Gentleman Musicaneer and Claresholm, Alberta resident Shane Chisholm has become a tour de force. Whether it’s his BMX style acrobatic tricks on the upright Gas Tank Bass or chanting anthems back and forth with an unsuspecting audience, Shane will have you at attention from beginning till end. www.myspace.com/shanechisholm
Jaida Dreyer
A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jaida Dreyer has been writing about life’s adventures from a very young age. Now living in Nashville, Jaida won the multi genre "Get Rich" talent show, sponsored by John Rich in 2008 and was voted the 2008 Artist of the Year by Nashville Hype. She is currently in the studio with producer Byron Gallimore working on her debut release. www.myspace.com/jaidadreyer
Mike Gouchie
Mike Gouchie is a lot of things: single father of four, seasoned songwriter and vocalist, steadfast survivor, and soon enough, household name in the world of country music. Mike is primed to take all that he is as an artist and a human being and put it on stage for the world to see. www.myspace.com/mikegouchie
Heather Longstaffe
Heather Longstaffe knew from a very young age what she was meant to do. In 2008 she won the Astral Media Manitoba Country Star Search and used the awarded studio time to record her original song “Just Because I'm Blonde.” In the last year, Heather has been back and forth to Toronto and Nashville on writing trips, opening for Jaydee Bixby and Emerson Drive. www.myspace.com/heatherlongstaffe
Darren McGinnis
Born and raised in Sussex, NB, Darren McGinnis quickly learned that he suited the “Simple Life” of a small town. In 2005 he was chosen as New Brunswick’s Next Country Star and since then has opened for The Road Hammers, Doc Walker, Aaron Pritchett and Duane Steele. Darren has recently released his debut album entitled “What’s Your Story”. www.darrenmcginnis.com
Arlen Park
Arlen Park (a descendent of the Shuswap nation) was born and raised in a small village called Clinton, in the heart of the BC interior. Arlen is currently in the process of pursuing publishing for his growing catalogue of original songs and is planning and writing for his solo project that will be off and running soon. www.arlenpark.com
Whiskey Jane
Formed in 2006, this Vancouver based band has quickly become a fixture in the West Coast country scene. Featuring Natalye Vivian, Amber Locker, Kirby Kaye, Donny Ducharme and Rafe Haines; their Album “Things Left Unsaid” reflects the band perfectly. Great song writing and hooks, awesome Vocals and goes from traditional country to flat-out Rockin” New Country! www.whiskeyjane.com
AJ Woodworth
West Vancouver’s AJ Woodworth found herself in the pop music spotlight in 2002 as the lead singer in the pop group New School, resulting in the hits ‘Alright’ and ‘Misunderstood’. She has since realized her love for the country genre and has now completed a collection of songs realizing her expanded talents. www.myspace.com/ajwcountry
The four-day Country Music Week conference will be capped off with the 2009 CCMA Awards on Sunday, September 13 at General Motors Place. Tickets for the CCMA Awards are on sale now and range in price from $20 - $125. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 604.280.4444 or at any Ticketmaster location. Confirmed performers for the September 13 show include Reba McEntire, Johnny Reid, Martina McBride, George Canyon, Doc Walker, Jessie Farrell and Aaron Pritchett. The show will be broadcast nationally on CBC Television at 8pm (8:30 NT) with encore broadcasts on CMT.
For details about Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards, visit www.ccma.org or www.countrymusicvancouver.com.
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For more information:
Brandi Mills
Canadian Country Music Association
(p) 416.947.1331 x:211
(e) bmills@ccma.org
