2018 Schedule – The Next Country Music Star

May 5th , 2018 Finals: Performance Schedule

7:30-7:45 pm Rob Donaldson Band
8:00-8:15 pm Stephanie Dauncey
8:30-8:45 pm Jess & Tay
9:00-9:15 pm Doc Yates

10:00-10:15 pm Patrick James Clark
10:30-10:45 pm Augusta Ray
11:00-11:15 pm Cory James Mitchell
11:00-11:45 pm Jessie T

Guest MC: DAVE BUSH

Local musician Dave Bush is the one to call when looking for help in producing musical shows. With the assistance of some of his musical friends, he has created evenings of music and fun for many of Northumberland County community events including the popular Water Buffalo Festival. More recently he‘s added the Sterling Front Porch Shenanigans Festival to his line-up of events he hosts.
His musical journey is different than most. Five years ago Dave was given a guitar for his birthday, and without the help of internet or more conventional teaching methods, he practiced and played, making up words to songs, and eventually entered open mic evenings. He has captivated the audiences with his stage presence and humour, since then he has been rewarded for his hard work by opening for Deric Ruttan at the Sterling Country Fall Fair, and by closing the 2017 Havelock Country Jamboree. If you missed him last year, he’s returning to the 2018 Havelock Country Jamboree

Dave Bush simply sums it up by saying “I love an audience and I love making people laugh”
https://youtu.be/rSEC7r2M8SQ

Guest Performers:

JORDY JACKSON:

The Jordy Jackson Band is an up and coming high-energy country party band from Kingston, Ontario.
Best known for their original music, fan favourite covers, and electric live performances, the band has earned their way into such country festivals in Ontario as the Tweed Stampede, Trackside Music Festival, and the Havelock Country Jamboree.
The Jordy Jackson Band’s original music is best described as fun, upbeat, and relatable. With a rocky twist on a traditional sound, it makes for a truly original experience and has even landed them the odd spin on local country radio stations.
Find the Jordy Jackson Band on all social media outlets for live show announcements and new music releases!
www.JordyJacksonBand.com

DUSTIN BIRD:

Born in Belleville, Ontario, twenty year-old Dustin Bird is rising in Canada’s music scene. Dustin has created his own unique musical style that takes pop-style melodies, combined with country/blues-style guitar riffs over pop/jazz progressions, and ties it all together with his powerful vocal and a rhythmic backbeat. Not stopping at being a singer/songwriter, Dustin recently graduated from the Music Industry Arts program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario. There, he studied the art of the music business, audio engineering and mixing, music production, and much more.
At age fifteen, Dustin completed his first single entitled Break Of Dawn. At 16, Dustin began performing live around Belleville and its surrounding area, headlining and opening for acts such as The Record Company and Neverest.
Dustin continues to grow in this industry and shows no signs of slowing down. Although he is primarily a singer/songwriter, Dustin has not only written and performed, but also engineered and produced his newest titles, such as his EP “Gratification” and it’s lead single “Just Dance”. With the talent, knowledge and skills that he has in this industry, the future is looking very bright for Dustin Bird.
https://dustinbirdmusic.com

Judges:

MIKE DENNEY, President MDM Recording

An active member of the North American country music community, a proud member of the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) Board of Directors and the 2014 CCMA® (award) Record Person of the Year, Mike Denney, President of Toronto-based MDM Recordings Inc. (MDM; an independent Canadian country music label, distributor, publishing and artist management company), believes in his artists and is prepared to invest whatever it takes, as long as it takes.

A 25+ year veteran of the music industry, Denney’s core business mantra is work hard-play hard, and he aspires to work with and represent talent who are willing to give 110% of their efforts to their musical craft. He in turn meets this with the same level of commitment to his MDM “road family”.

Affectionately known as “Denney” he is a man with a smile and a vision, acknowledged as a fervent champion of the Canadian music industry. He has proactively built his team of like-minded individuals who share his passion to amplify industry activity, celebrating the rich artistic talent and opportunities in Canada, including Jess Moskaluke, David James, The Lovelocks, Bobby Mills and Charlie Major and Chad Brownlee as part of his country music roster.

A musical soul fed by a country music sweet spot, Denney’s infectious enthusiasm manifests through his work ethic, a driving force behind the MDM team.

BRANDON SCOTT: Singer, Songwriter, Performer

He’s toured North America, performed on some of Canada’s biggest stages, and been nominated for multiple awards. Now, Brighton, Ontario’s Brandon Scott is making his next big move – stepping into the light as a solo artist.
With his debut single ‘Noise’ available Brandon is very excited to release new music as a solo artist
Previously the lead of multiple CCMA and JUNO nominated group Cold Creek County, Scott has been at the top of the country genre since 2014. Performing on Canada’s biggest stages such as Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Calgary Stampede, Dauphin Music Fest, BMO Field, The CNE, and the CCMA Awards show, his voice has become a staple to fans across the country.
Sure to be a staple on every summer playlist, the release of ‘Noise’ is only the beginning for Brandon Scott. Be sure to keep a close eye on his social pages for all further updates – something tells us he’ll be making a lot more noise throughout 2018.

PAUL FERGUSON, Music Director, Cool 100 Radio, Belleville:

Winning awards for long-time radio jockey Paul Ferguson is personally satisfying, but his goal is to help Starboard Communications, where he has been a successful voice for many years, deliver the best of Canadian country music to its audience. In September 2015, Belleville’s Cool 100’s Program Director received his second consecutive Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) award as a Music Director of The Year. His achievements have been further honored when he accepted a directorship with CCMA. More kudos and recognition were earned by accepting both the Country Music Association of Ontario Radio Station of the Year, Medium Market award as well as the Canadian Country Music Association Music Director of The Year (Medium or Small Market)Award in 2017.
Some may think being recognized is a testament to his talent, dedication and passion, but Paul modestly attributes his success to the vibrancy and health of Canadian country music. Paul Ferguson sees in Canadian country music the best format in the world, a dynamic family to which he is proud to belong.

STEVE WILKINSON: Singer, Songwriter, Performer

Born in Belleville, Ontario, Steve’s interest in music started when he bought his first guitar at age 13. He grew up loving the music of Hank Williams, Hank Snow and Johnny Cash, as well as The Beatles, Paul Simon and James Taylor. A self taught guitarist and songwriter, he found the courage to move the family to Nashville. That move resulted in international number one hits, gold albums, Grammy® recognition, multiple Canadian awards and a popular CMT television series for The Wilkinsons, the Canadian country music trio consisting of lead singer Amanda Wilkinson, her brother Tyler Wilkinson, and their dad, Steve Wilkinson. Last summer The Wilkinsons returned to the road touring western Canada after a 6-year hiatus for an unforgettable intimate “Evening With The Wilkinsons”. This summer, to the delight of country fans everywhere. they are returning to Havelock Country Jamboree.

STEVE COADY: Vice President, Radio Promotion, Warner Music Canada

A 25-year veteran of the Canadian Music Industry, Steve Coady has been the Vice President of Radio Promotion at Warner Music Canada for the past 16 years. In his role, he helps guide the careers of iconic Canadian artists like Blue Rodeo and Billy Talent, along with rising stars like Juno-nominee Scott Helman and CCMA winners Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick and The Washboard Union.
In the past few years, he has won several industry awards including International Major Label Executive Of The Year (Worldwide Radio Summit), Record Company Person Of The Year (Canadian Country Music Association) and Industry Person Of The Year (Country Music Association of Ontario).
Prior to joining the Record Industry, Steve worked as a touring musician. His professional achievements are complemented by his commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism. He has served as Marketing Chair for the Juno Awards, as a board member of the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund and is a member of the Advisory Board of several industry organizations, charities and events.
In a nutshell, it’s Steve’s job to get musicians played on the airwaves, and he does it very well.

April 28th , 2018 Semi-Final Performance Schedule

4:00-4:15 pm High Court County
4:30-4:45 pm Brett Kingswell
5:00-5:15 pm Patrick James Clark
5:30-5:45 pm Jess & Tay
6:00-6:15 pm Cory James Mitchell

7:30-7:45 pm Jessie T
8:00-8:15 pm Jamie Pounder
8:30-8:45 pm Wendy Whelan & The Rubber Band
9:00-9:15 pm Rob Donaldson
9:30-9:45 pm Shane McNulty

10:15-10:30 pm Stephanie Dauncey
10:45-11:00 pm John Anderson
11:15-11:30 pm Colleen Skeard
11:45-12:00 am Doc Yates
12:15-12:30 am Augusta Ray

April 28th Guest Judges:

ROGER BECKETT

Roger Beckett is a Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, artist-manager and community builder.
His songs are a blend of folk, pop, country and rock with jazz, latin and world influences.
Roger was the moderator of the Songwriting 101 panel at IndieWeek 2017 held in Toronto, Canada.
In 2014, Roger was a finalist in the Country Music Association of Ontario, Best Of DemoRama LIVE Showcases having been selected from auditions across Ontario, Canada.
In 2013 he was awarded the “Performing Songwriter Award” at Ontario’s Durham Region, Songwriters at the Waterfront Festival.
He has performed twice on Dave Wood’s “In the country” radio show performing his songs, “Can Hardly Wait” and “Woman of my life”.
He is the coordinator of the Toronto Chapter of the the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and is also on the organizing committee for NSAI Toronto’s annual Tin Pan North songwriter’s festival.
Roger is also the coordinator of the Toronto Chapter of the Songwriters Association of Canada.
He is an active member of the Canadian Country Music Association, Country Music Association Ontario, Songwriters Association of Canada, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Greater Toronto Area community.

http://rogerbeckett.com/

KANSAS STONE

Kansas Stone’s Brian Vain and Matt Davey grew up with a major country influence from the likes of Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and more… add the rock & roll edge that came from listening to Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, throw in their own personal touch, and you end up with the music we’re all about to hear a lot more of soon.
Since the day Brian and Matt started working on country music they have been putting in the work every artist before them has put in to make their mark.
Kansas Stone brings a mix of catchy melodies and well-crafted original songs to the stage, and it’s clearly appreciated with glowing show reviews, and country music fans always anxious for more music from the duo.

https://www.facebook.com/kansasstonemusic/
www.kansasstone.ca/

DAVE WOODS:

In The Country – hosted by Dave Woods – began broadcasting online in March 2009. Each show features one Country artist or group and their music. Listeners get to hear about the guest’s start in music, musical influences, stories behind the songs, career highlights, latest projects and more. “I’m as curious and as interested as my listeners are about Country Music – the artists, the songs, the history,” says Dave. “I cover as many areas of the guest’s musical life as I can so listeners can learn something new and be entertained at the same time.” Along with being a lifelong Country Music fan, Dave is a songwriter and monthly columnist for the Country Music Association of Ontario Newsletter. He studied radio broadcasting at Centennial College in Ontario and worked on-air at a Country station in Northern Ontario for over 10 years.

http://www.inthecountryinterviews.com

GREG WILLIAMS

2017 Winner of The Next Country Music Star Talent Search and 2010’s Most Entertaining Fiddler Award Winner, Greg Williams is a Country Singer-Songwriter and Musician based out of Toronto, Ontario. Influenced by artists and writers such as; Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, The Eagles, and the Zac Brown Band, Greg succeeds in presenting his own brand of country music with a twist in his exciting and entertaining shows each night.
Born and Raised in Dorchester, Ontario, Williams got his start in music at the age of 7 when he began fiddling. Seventeen years later, he still considers this the best decision he has ever made. Since then he has had the pleasure of being on stage with artists such as Canadian Country Icon George Canyon, and Grammy-Nominated Country Band Confederate Railroad.
Williams has entertained across North America – performing at festivals such as the renowned Havelock Country Jamboree, Boots and Hearts Country Music Festival, The Trackside Music Festival and the Palmer Rapids Twin Musical Festival. He has cut his teeth on the country music scene playing bars across Ontario and has the honour of performing at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville Tennessee and on the Waterfront Stage located in Downtown Disney World – Orlando Florida.
Greg Williams is currently writing music for his first release due for the end of summer 2018, and he is looking forward to a year of endless possibilities.

https://www.gregwilliamsmusic.com

April 28th Guest MC:
KRIS BARCLAY

Entertainer and songwriter from Ajax, Ontario, Kris Barclay, is looking to be on the road as much as possible this year, performing and promoting new music! Over the past year, he has brought the energy and engagement of his show to several festivals and events, opened for some of Canada’s top Country artists, and has left crowds wanting more wherever he goes. Recent accomplishments include Host/MC/Performer at The Havelock Jamboree 2017 and 2018 , performer at Canadian Music Week 2017 and 2018, performer in Calgary during The Calgary Stampede , direct support for artists such as Brett Kissel, The Road Hammers, Gord Bamford & more!
The Junior “A” and University hockey player turned Country Music recording artist and entertainer had a busy 2017, spending most of it on stage, as well as the studio. Kris’s original song and acoustic video on YouTube “Good Wine, Old Vinyl & You” has gotten him traction with writers both in Canada and in Nashville, where he makes several trips to pursue his songwriting as well as his live performance. Most recently, Kris celebrated a major label co-write with The James Barker Band called “Living The Dream”. With more time being spent in the studio, look out for his new music coming soon!
Kris is always looking for a way to do something to push his limits or take his show to a new level saying, “If you’re going to buy a ticket to see us play, I want you to see the show, not just hear it”, and credits Garth Brooks and Eric Church for their stage presence and energy as a lot of his inspiration. Kris Barclay delivers a very engaging performance showing several sides to today’s country music.
As Kris continues to perform any chance he gets, his goal is to continue recording and take his original music to radio and all online platforms with the hopes of joining a tour and really taking his show on the road! Look out for exciting updates and news in 2018!

https://krisbarclay.com

April 21st , 2018 Performance Schedule

7:00-7:30 pm Michaela Hetherington
7:45-8:15 pm Kevin Parrish
8:30-9:00 pm Stephanie Dauncey
9:15-9:45 pm Rick Knowles
10:00-10:30 pm Jess and Tay
10:45-11:15 pm Jamie Pounder
11:30-12:00 pm Tami J Wilde

Guest Judge: Roger Beckett

http://rogerbeckett.com/

April 14th , 2018 Performance Schedule

7:30-8:00 pm Nicholas Campbell
8:15-8:45 pm Colleen Skeard
9:00-9:30 pm Jess and Rei
9:45-10:15 pm John Anderson
10:30-11:00 pm Tami J Wilde

Guest Judge: Kansas Stone

https://www.facebook.com/kansasstonemusic/
www.kansasstone.ca/

Guest MC: Dean James

Dean James is an award‐winning Country Singer/Songwriter and Nashville recording Artist. He has been referred to as a walking country music Jukebox with no limits on his performance; from dancing on the bar in his white snake‐skin cowboy boots to his intimate solo acoustic performances.
Dean’s lifelong passion shows through in every song he sings. His energy on the stage keeps people dancing and singing along for hours.
He’s opened for The Road Hammers, Doc Walker, River Town Saints and Cold Creek County. He’s played a Tootsies in Nashville and Panama City Florida, Honky Tonk Central and Rippy’s in Nashville, Hard Rock Café in Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis and Niagara Falls, at the 2016 Havelock Jamboree, 2017 Tweed Stampede, 2017 Scouts Canada Jamboree, 2016 and 2017 Palmers Rapids Twin Music Festival, and many other venues, fairs and events across Ontario.

https://www.facebook.com/DeanJamesMusic/videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=DJ+Rowatt
https://www.deanjames.ca/

April 7th , 2018 Performance Schedule

7:00-7:30pm Outlaws For Inlaws
7:45-8:15pm Samantha Willson
8:30-9:00 pm Evan Farrell
9:15-9:45pm Patrick James Clark
10:00-10:30pm Doc Yates
10:45-11:15pm Augusta Ray

Guest Judge: Catherine Faint

Catherine Faint founded Catherine Faint Entertainment in 1994. Her wealth of experience totals over 40 years in the Canadian music industry, working as an agent, talent buyer, producer, immigration consultant and provider of labour and production services.
Catherine is the recipient of five consecutive Canadian Country Music Awards for Booking Agent of the Year and currently serves as the President for the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO). She also sits on the Awards & Balloting committee for the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA).
Catherine manages artists and speakers while maintaining client relationships across North America. Her dedication to her staff, artists and clients has allowed CFE to expand and create numerous opportunities for musicians, songwriters, producers and the crews working behind the scenes.

March 31st , 2018 Performance Schedule

7:30-8:00pm Tyler Cochrane
8:15-8:45pm Nicole Mastrangelo
9:00-9:30 pm Jade Naraine
9:45-10:15pm High Court County
10:30-11:00pm The Rob Donaldson Band

Guest Judge: Jesse Slack

Jesse Slack is a talented artist with a passion for modern country music, rock and pop.
Hailing from Peterborough Ontario, Jesse has set out to make music that feels diverse, yet direct and personal, echoing the work of artists such as Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban or Tim McGraw, just to mention a few.
His honest lyrics and earthy melodies are a perfect combination of country aesthetics and pop appeal!
This charismatic singer and songwriter has managed to combine stunning melodies with meaningful lyrics and outstanding hooks, in order to create a catchy, yet direct and edgy sound.
Jesse recent release, I Wish I Never Met You, marks a significant step forward for the artist’s career. This song is catchy and easy to relate to, yet disarmingly heartfelt and personal, due to the intimate nature of the lyrics. The new single is taken off Jesse’s upcoming EP, a record titled “Young & Free”, which just hit the music scene on Spotify last week.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/jesseslackmusic
http://www.jesseslack.com/
https://twitter.com/JesseSlack?s=09

March 24^th, 2018 Performance Schedule

7:30-8:00pm Cory James Mitchell
8:15-8:45pm Leah Belle
9:00-9:30 pm Shane McNulty
9:45- 10:15pm Southern Belle
10:30-11:00pm Jesse T

Guest Judge: Cindy Sutch, Catherine Faint Entertainment

Cindy brings over 25 years of business and marketing experience to the Catherine Faint Entertainment ( CFE ) team. Responsible for all Customs and Immigration services, Cindy is the liaison with tour managers, client show leads and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency). She also provides information and services for artists requiring extra support to enter Canada. Cindy has developed relationships with numerous artists who depend on her knowledge to ensure a smooth crossing.

Cindy is also a talent buyer / booking agent and has implemented the CFE New Artist management division. With her extensive background in business, Cindy’s enthusiastic energy in showcasing and booking artists is a huge asset to not only CFE, but to the artists who work with her.

Guest MC: Al Robinson, Great Canadian RV

Al Robinson, owner of Great Canadian RV, has wide variety of recreational trailers on display on their site at Fowlers Corners.
Al has owned and managed three large trailer parks, worked his way through school as a DJ in demand, served as a Toronto police officer for a while and has now settled into managing a highly successful RV dealership.
If you’re looking for a trailer, whether you’re an experienced RV’er or just starting out, visit Al and Stacey at Great Canadian RV and no other place!

March 10th 2018:

7:30-8:00pm Wendy Whelan and The Rubber Band
8:15-8:45pm Brett Kingswell
9:00-9:30 pm County Road One
9:45- 10:15pm Stephanie Dauncey
10:30-11:00pm Joshua David

JESSE SLACK:
March 10, Guest MC

BRUCE FRANCIS:
March 10, Guest Judge

Bruce Francis is a musician for hire. Well known as the bass guitarist for Jericho’s Wall and The Tony Silvestri Band, what is lesser known about Bruce is his versatile talent in all aspects of music, of any style. Bruce has not only performed on the stages of North America but he has also successfully worked as a studio musician, producer and sound engineer, collaborated on recordings with Mike Shootter and been recognized for his 20 year contribution to the dynamic Peterborough music scene as a WIRE nominee and winner.