Category Archives: Music

And the winner of the CCMA for 2012 is…

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Canadian Country Music Week is always an absolute honour to attend, and 2012 was certainly no different!  It is an awesome chance to catch up with our industry friends and partners, recap the year we have had, and work on new and exciting ideas! It’s also an incredible opportunity to hear brand new music and see the best in Canadian country music talent.

We were also lucky this year to come home with two exciting awards.

 

 On Friday morning at the Industry Brunch, the Calgary Stampede was awarded with “Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year”. 

 I was very nervous to make my acceptance speech…but I think I pulled it off okay! After 2 days off meetings and music, we attended the Gala Awards on Saturday night. 

Programming Manager, Roderick Tate, and I were awarded the “Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year” award.  This was a huge thrill as we have never had the honour of accepting this award before! 

Roderick Tate and I after accepting.

We were very very excited to share this award with Ed Harris, Entertainment Consultant, and Dan Finely, COO of Stampede Entertainment. It was a very happy, exciting, and surreal moment for the Calgary Stampede!

To round the weekend out, we attended the broadcast taping of the Canadian Country Music Awards on CBC. These shows are always a blast! This year, there were even a few country greats from across the border performing, including Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, and Pistol Annies.  There were some incredible Canadian performances by Dean Brody, Johnny Reid, Chad Brownlee, Terri Clark, and the list goes on!  Taylor Swift was there to present and accept an award.

All in all, it was an incredible week for Canadian Country music, and of course, the Calgary Stampede!

Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous

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For your entertainment, I am sharing a few insights about the notable people I met during my Stampede experience.

 

Paul Brandt.

He’s down-to-earth. Instead of small talk and taking a quick photo, Paul made a point to ask his fans questions about their personal life. From his questions to his “thank you’s” he did not rush, truly appreciating that we were thrilled to meet him. It was amazing to see how Paul truly cared about who his fans were.

He graduated from Mount Royal – just like me! While talking, we realized we had something in common – our love for Mount Royal. He graduated from Nursing in 1992, and was hoping to eventually become a doctor – but then a record deal showed up!

He is ridiculously good looking.  (okay… maybe I already knew that!)

He loves his wife. When talking to Paul, I told him how I loved seeing his wife perform with him at the Saddle Up event. His eyes lit up at the mention of her. He expressed how he was thankful and excited he was to have her on stage with him. So cute.

 

Aaron Pritchett.

He parties hard. With singles such as “Hold My Beer” and “Let’s Get Rowdy”, I think this is quite obvious. But you need to see him perform to truly understand his love for partying – including shot-gunning countless beers on stage. Impressive.

He loves his band. I’ve never seen a performer engage and announce his band members as many times as he did. He also did not fail to let the ladies know his buddy on the keyboards was single. (Good to know!)

He is passionate about Canada. Born in British Colombia, his love for his country is obvious. The song he performed most passionately? “Oh Canada”. And he got the whole crowd to sing it with him.

He could be a comedian. My stomach hurt from laughing the next morning. This could be a great back up if his singing career doesn’t work out (yeah right!)

 

Terry Grant (previously called Man Tracker).

He volunteers. We met Terry when hanging out with the Racetrack Maintenance crew during the Chuckwagon races. He is a part of the Chuckwagon committee, and was busy overseeing the flow of the chuckwagon races. It was warming to hear about his passion for the Chuckwagon committee.

He’s not as scary as he looks. While many think he is mean after seeing him in his television show, Man Tracker, I am sure it’s staged. We saw a different side of Terry. He is a truly nice guy: calm, collective, and eloquent with his words.

 

Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

He’s not just a mayor, he’s a celebrity. It was hard to get a word in with Nenshi before and after the Century Zipline. Why? He was being bombarded with people who wanted to talk to him or get a photo with them. Calgarians love him.

He has fears. Before jumping on the Zipline, Nenshi shared with us a few fears. Yes, he was scared of the height of the Zipline, but most of all, he was afraid of getting stuck in the middle of it. That would have given us a good story (and laugh), but lucky for Nenshi, it never became an issue. 


Mike Casey. (pictured above)

He’s cool.  Picture this. A 60-something-year-old man who goes by Mike (not Michael nor Mr. Casey), who does not blink when it comes to Ziplining 180 feet over crowds of people. How cool is that?!

He can make friends with anyone. His charm can capture anyone’s attention as he chats with every single person he came across. Days after meeting him, he saw us milking a cow in front of a small crowd and made a point to say “hi!”.

His passion for the Calgary Stampede and Calgary is contagious. Mike beamed when he talked about Calgary, as well as the Calgary Stampede. He was excited about the Stampede’s centennial and everything it was bringing to the city. I left feeling warm and bubbly about Calgary and the Calgary Stampede.

 

Garth Brooks.

He is in love. (and oh man, is he ever!) I was touched by the love that Brooks and Yearwood had for each other. I love love. I found myself singing (to the tune “I wanna love like Johnny and June”): “I wanna love like Garth and Trisha!”

He is incredibly humble. He was so very grateful for the crowd’s energy and warmth. His positive reactions towards the crowd after each song made me want to cheer louder for him (unfortunately my voice wouldn’t let this happen).

His family is his number one. Garth constantly mentioned his wife and his daughters. He even hinted that he may come out of retirement once his youngest daughter graduates (she is currently 16). I think she should do everyone a favour and graduate early…

 

Sophie Sumners.

She can make anything classy with her accent. Not many can say “I don’t want anyone to see my naughty bits”, “bloody hell that is terrifying!” or “my! you’re a legend!” and sound as elegant.

She is terrified of heights. We dragged the poor girl to the Zipline, on many midway rides, and to the Flowrider. Was she emotional and horrified? Absolutely. But she smiled the whole way through.

She is always up for an adventure. As I mentioned, we brought her on some extreme rides. She didn’t miss a beat, sparkling whether or not the rides scared her.

She’s real.  Sophie showed me that despite fame, one can be genuine and kind. We had a great connection and were able to talk about things that really matter in life.

 

 

Dragonette.

Martina is goofy. Lead singer Martina was all smiles when people oohed and awed over her. The positive upbeat about her and her silly comments eased the tension of some nervous fans during the meet and greet.

Dan & Martina are in love. The exchanges of glances, smirks, and a back massage (that we accidentally walked in on) made that connection quite obvious. Too cute.

 

 

Scooter Korek.

He’s not just a boss – he is a respected leader. Although an executive at North American Midway Entertainment, Scooter takes the time to say hi to every team member at the Midway. It’s a big team, but he doesn’t fail to generate a big smile from each one he walks by. They love him, treating us like royalty when seeing we were with him. Upon further research, I found out this positive relationship was genuine – he was an instrumental part in the development of the Employee Award Program.

He is gracious. He gave us both his cell number if we wanted to go on rides again – no line, no cover. Days later, we gave him a shout to show Sophie Sumners around the Midway. No problem – he took the time out of his busy day to escort us around.

He started in Calgary. Although he travels with the Midway around North America, his home base is here. He started in the amusement industry 35 years ago with the Calgary Stampede itself!

Canadian UFC Fighters 

They’re terrified of heights. Tough men scared to go down the Zipline? Hilarious.

 

Two Guys & Their Guitars

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Arielle: I’ll admit it – I had that “Garth Guilt” that Mike Morrison has been talking about. I kept my ticket a secret until we were headed to the concert, tiptoeing that we were lucky enough to see Garth Brooks perform. It took every bone in my body to not give up my ticket to friends and family that were dying to see him.

 

When we got there I realized I had goosebumps! The noise in that Saddledome was deafening, the energy electric. To even be a part of that crowd before Garth performed was an experience in itself.

 

Being a hopeless romantic, my favourite part was when Garth’s wife, Trisha Yearwood, surprised us by coming onto the stage to perform with Garth. The crowd was just as welcoming to Trisha as they were for Garth – shaking the Saddledome with cheers. The way Garth and Trisha looked at each other was nothing short of romance – there’s no way that kind of love can be staged. After a few songs and a big smooch, Trisha left to be encored right back, singing “She’s in love with a boy” (to be stuck in my head the entire next day, singing it to strangers when telling them about my experience).

 

Garth was good-natured about the attention that Trisha got from the crowd. Saying: “Just to remind you: you’re at a Garth Brooks concert tonight!” as well as, “I get called Mr. Yearwood back at home”.

 

Our friend, Calgary Stampede President, Mike Casey came onto stage and presented both Garth and Trisha with beautiful Centennial belt buckles. Trisha did not miss a beat – and after some help from Garth – put the buckle on her belt in front of the roaring crowd (a lesson I’m assuming she learned from last year, when Calgarians were disappointed when Will and Kate did not put on their white hats straight away).

 

Other highlights of the concert?

  • How Garth kept basking in the love the crowd gave him. He was grateful and humble, displaying happiness through and through to be up there performing for us.
  • Garth saying he doesn’t sing the third verse of “Friends in Low Places” anymore. The crowd had no problem belting it out for him.
  • Along with his band, Garth ensuring that the entire crowd was involved. He performed at every edge of the stage possible: singing behind, to the side, and at the front.
  • The sweat Garth kept throwing off his face. The cameras captured it perfectly so that the crowd could see the true intensity of his performance.
  • The second encore. After the first encore finished, we just hadn’t had enough. All the lights went back on, but the crowd was still going wild, coaxing Garth back onto stage for a third time.

The next day my ears hurt from the noise, my mouth hurt from smiling, and my voice hurt from screaming. That’s confirmation in itself that Garth Brooks was perfect.

 

 

Jovita: I’ve been looking forward to Brad Paisley’s concert for ages. Long before I won the Ultimate Intern contest, I had purchased tickets to see him perform. The wait was worth it. If I thought nothing could top Garth Brooks, I was wrong. (This statement might get me in trouble with some of the Garth fans, but for me, Brad is in a whole different category).

 

The show started with light shows blasting through screens and some of the best effects I have ever seen. There were many cheers when Kimberly Perry from The Band Perry came to accompany on “Whiskey Lullaby” and even more when a digital Carrie Underwood appeared to sing “Remind Me”. The tour lived up to its’ name, “Virtual Reality”.

 

Brad’s skill on the guitar is something I have never witnessed before, with him running through the crowd while not missing a chord. He was deft at changing guitars almost every song without ever knocking his cowboy hat off. Before the encore, Brad exited the stage by jumping into a pool after the tune “Water”. There was a quick meet and greet. I was too smitten to say anything more than “Hi!”, but got a photo out of it!

NGC Twitpic Contest: Day #7 – Win Johnny Reid Tickets!

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Good Morning Calgary!

It is day 7 of the Calgary Stampede and that means it is day 7 of our Next Generation Committee Stampede contest.

Today you could win Johnny Reid tickets for Friday, July 13th!

How?!

Well it’s easy!

We are looking to add a Stampede Midway Stuffed Animal to our time capsule. If you have this item and are willing to contribute it to the Calgary Stampede’s Centennial Time Capsule please send us a twitpic of it!

Be sure to include our Twitter handle, @CS_NGC and the hashtag #CSTimeCapsule with your photo and you will be eligible to win. Entries will be accepted until 10:00pm tonight. So please have us your entry by then!

Winners will be notified at the end of the day by direct message (so make sure you’re following us!). From there we will ask for your email address (so make sure you check your messages!).

Good luck cowboys and cowgirls!

For more about the Time Capsule Project check out our website.

For more information about the contest check out this blog.

Square dancing, Tequila shots, Chicken Poop Bingo & Old Time Rigs

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On Tuesday, we were up bright and early to join a mini parade, blocking downtown with Old Time Rigs (which are antique horse drawn carriages). We were with the Downtown Attraction Committee (DTA), about to enjoy some downtown festivities in the hot sunshine. What’s the DTA’s background? This group started in 1947 with a group of square dancers, travelling downtown in the back of a rig, dancing. Sounds like a party and the DTA today reflects just that.

 

We hopped off the Old Time Rig and walked to Olympic Plaza. Here, we enjoyed a chuckwagon sandwich: pancakes & bacon.

 

Next up: square dancing on Stephen Ave. The excitement from the Fluor Square Dancing Team was contagious – I was quickly thrown into dancing. Either I was born to square dance, or Wilson is quite the coach. I found myself confidently square dancing a storm smack in the middle of Stephen Ave. I’ll never look at this street I walk down during my lunch break the same. (Note: the Fluor Square Dancing team is on the lookout for more young, male square dancers to keep the tradition alive. Guys: trust me on this one – women dig men who can dance.)

 

After quick recuperation from the heat with water and shade, it was time to meet the Hosting Committee at the Royal Canadian Legion Calgary #1. Steps in, we were greeted and offered drinks. Now when I am offered a free drink, I always suggest shots of tequila.  But the group did not know me well enough to realize I was kidding. Well… turns out the Hospitality Committee poured us double shots of tequila. Yuck. But we shot them; had some good laughs, a hilarious photo, and the end result wasn’t too bad either (like they say, it’s five o’clock somewhere).

 

A big source of excitement for the DTA is their pet chicken, Buffy. Chicken poop bingo (“which square will Buffy do her business on”) could quite possibly be a reason why they love Buffy so much. As soon as we realized what was happening, Jovita whispered to me: “I could get into this kind of gambling”.

 

While the crowd was cheering on Buffy, I looked and saw, to my horror: decapitated mascots. The DTA has 10 mascots, including: a pig, goose, beaver, cow, horse, bear, cowboy, moose, racoon, bull, Jack, and (a very promiscuous) Jackie. These mascots are a part of this community through and through, and took off their mascot heads to enjoy the fun (nonetheless scared me)! After some good laughs, I tried a mascot’s head on. It’s not as fun as you would think… I think claustrophobia was kicking in.

 

This team is full of energy and warmth. After finding out there are over 325 volunteers in this committee, I know there is a lot more happening behind the scenes. Thank you to the DTA team and DTA sponsor, Fluor Engineers Constructors, for creating such free excitement downtown. Your graciousness does not go unrecognized.

The Friendly Faces of Stampede: Volunteer Profile – Jodi Wilson

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Jodi Wilson is the Chair of the Downtown Attractions Entertainment Sub Committee, whose full time job is Legal Counsel at ARC Resources Ltd.  Luckily, her company is very supportive of community minded volunteering, as are so many in Calgary.

They have a lot of fun events at Fluor Rope Square (AKA Olympic Plaza) every morning, but the two that stand out most for Jodi this year are the Lammle’s Hat Stomp on Wed, July 11th for tickets to the sold out Brad Paisley show, as well as the Deric Ruttan concert, which will be at Rope Square on the Friday, July 13th at noon.

 

1)  What year did you become a Stampede volunteer and why did you decide to get involved? 

I became a volunteer in 2004.  I was given the opportunity to get involved through friends on the Rope Square committee and jumped at the chance!  I’m from small town Saskatchewan so grew up very community minded and loved the cowboy way of life!

2)  What are one or two of your favorite Stampede memories? 

Standing behind the chutes at the Rodeo, going to the barn parties after the Chuck wagon races and answering questions for visitors to our city about what to see and do during Stampede.

3)    What Stampede experience or event are you looking forward to the most this year? 

Tails!  Garth Brooks!

4)    What’s your favorite midway food? 

Corn on the cob.

 5)  What’s your best advice for a fun Stampede? 

Hydrate and pace yourself!

 

If you have any special memories of volunteering at the Calgary Stampede we’d love to hear them! The Next Generation Committee is collecting your best memories and moments to include in the #TimeCapsule.  Please email yours to: calgarystampede.ngc@gmail.com.

 

For more information on Calgary Stampede volunteer opportunities please click here.

Wanna Beat This Heat? It’s Time to Hit “The Beach”

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Since I moved to Calgary the thing I miss the most (besides my family) is the ocean.  There’s nothing quite like hanging out at the beach, especially on these plus 30 days we’ve been having recently!  Fortunately, this summer the Stampede is bringing the beach to Calgary.

The Stampede Market (BMO Centre Hall A) will host a brand new entertainment and retail zone “The Beach,” that features real sand, palm trees, tiki huts and tropical island-themed shops. It will also be home to the exciting FlowRider Surfing Simulator, where you can go to watch professional surfing demos, or grab a board and catch a wave for yourself!

You can’t bring a beach to Calgary and not invite the Beach Boys, so you’ll be happy to know that the Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series will present the original Beach Boys at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wed, July 11th.

The hugely famous American group boasts the most Billboard Top 40 chart hits with 36. Come on down and see Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks, who have all reunited for the first time in 20 years for a 50th Anniversary Tour.  Calgary is one of only three lucky Canadian cities on the tour.

We’d love to hear your favourite Stampede concert memory, or any other special Stampede memories you might have!  Please email them to the Next Generation Committee at calgarystampede.ngc@gmail.com and your submission may be included our Time Capsule.

Win Tickets to Garth Brooks!

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Here is your chance to get tickets to the sold out Garth Brooks show on July 12th! Starting on Saturday, July 7 – Wednesday, July 11, all you have to do is tag yourself in one of our Facebook Cover Pictures  and leave a comment with your favourite Garth Brooks song!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.365700690131329.90463.104371842930883&type=3

The winner will be announced the morning of July 12, 2012 at 11 a.m.

2012 Calgary Stampede App !

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Howdy!!

I’ve just downloaded what might be my fave new app, it’s the official app of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Let’s Turn 100 Together! Make the most of the Centennial Calgary Stampede by building your own schedule – customized to suit whatever YOU like. Are you into music? Love contests? Looking to buy rodeo tickets? Want up to date info on everything Stampede via Twitter, Flickr, or Facebook? This app has you covered, friends!

You can drop a pin on the map and see what is happening around you- real time!  Want to upload a photo from Instagram to share with other app users? No problem! It’s super great and I recommend you go download this free planner now to make sure you’re not left out for this year’s 100th birthday bash for the Stampede. It’s going to be the best yet!

And speaking of the 100th Stampede kicking off, I wanted to remind all of our readers of our Time Capsule project.

Have you got some great vintage memorabilia kicking around in your basement you want to see included in the Time Capsule? We would love to hear about it! Send us an email to ngc.calgarystampede@gmail.com , contact us on Twitter , or leave a comment below. We have some totally AWESOME prizes to give away up our sleeves…think Rodeo & Evening Show tickets, as well as Johnny Reid tix!  Let’s see your items Calgary!

** From June 10th-16th we will be sourcing great vintage photos, stories/newsclips, or poems to include in the Time Capsule. The winner will receive a pair of Rodeo Tickets for Saturday, July 7. So get your entries in yyc, we want to include your treasure in the #CStimecapsule!**

For updates and info on everything Stampede, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede and @CS_NGC, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening on park because- We’re Greatest Together!

 

 

From the 1992 Talent Search to the 2012 Grandstand Show headliner, Paul Brandt and the Calgary Stampede go together!

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Alberta-bred singer Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country music artist in history! This July he will return to where he launched his career 20 years ago to headline the #Stampede100 Grandstand Show. I was lucky enough to catch up with a busy Mr. Brandt for some Q and A. Read below to find out what his favorite Midway food is and advice for young artists following their dream.

This year you’ve had the opportunity to be involved with some great projects close to your Alberta roots including the 2012 World Junior Championship and now the Calgary Stampede Centennial Grandstand Show. How does it feel to be a part of the Calgary Stampede in its Centennial year?  

While these projects are close to my Alberta roots, and that’s important to me, the World Juniors and the Calgary Stampede Centennial feel like they have even more reach than typical regional events. As Canada’s Cultural Capital for 2012, Calgary is recognized for its excellence in producing events with size, scope and significance, attracting a global audience.  As an Albertan, I’m thrilled to be associated with, and proud to see, our dedication to quality, creativity, and hard work paying off on these international stages.

As a former contestant of the “Youth Talent Showdown” at the Calgary Stampede what advice to you have for young artists following their dream?

I’m asked that question a lot.  All I can give advice about is what has and hasn’t worked for me. What definitely has worked is to dream big, and to chase my dream of music and art because it’s what I love to do.  What has never worked for me is spending a lot of time worrying about what people think or say about what I’m doing.  Music has to come from a pure place of inspiration and passion to have any lasting significance.  I think the same can be said about most endeavours.

What is your favorite song you have written and why?

It’s hard to pick a favourite…that’s like asking me to pick one of my kids as a favourite over another… you love them all equally and for different reasons.  That being said, there’s something special about my first #1 song, “I Do”.   I had written the song for a friend whom I had worked with at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and was getting married.  She had asked me to come and sing at her wedding, which I did, and then I kind of forgot about the song.  It wasn’t until I had signed a record deal with Warner/Reprise Records in Nashville that the song re-surfaced as one that grabbed people’s attention.  It went to #1 in the US on October 11th, 1996.

The Calgary Stampede is about tradition; do you have a favorite Stampede tradition or memory to share with us?

I think that the Stampede is a very similar experience for most families.  For us, it’s about the parade, looking at the exhibits, walking through the Dream Home, catching a concert, eating corn dogs, watching the chucks and rodeo, riding rides and seeing the fireworks.  Of course, these things are complicated when you have a career like mine, and you’re playing stages at the Stampede, or shooting documentaries on the grounds from time to time, but you’d be surprised at how well I can blend in…

What is your favorite midway food at the Calgary Stampede?

Gotta go with the corn dogs. With mustard.

What is your favorite midway ride and/or midway game at the Calgary Stampede?

Couldn’t pick just one, have to ride/play them all.

What can fans expect to see from you and the Young Canadians this year at the Grandstand Show?

There is definitely an element of risk in this show that I’ve never experienced on stage before. The elaborate stage set-up, rigging, even the interaction between acts from scene to scene are all new for me, but I’m very excited about it.  Everyone involved with the show has a handle on the importance of this year’s Grandstand show.  The intensity and excitement is palpable.

There is a sense among everyone involved that a show like this only happens once in a hundred years, and I think that is going to make it an unforgettable celebration of everything that the Stampede stands for.  Specifically, I’ll not only have my hand in performing some of my original music, but I’ll weave in and out of the story throughout the night, eventually bringing the evening to the grand finale fireworks display.  The scope of this year’s finale has never been seen.  Ever.  It’s going to be spectacular.  Our goal is to form a show that represents the Western Heritage and values of the Calgary Stampede in a way that does Calgary, Alberta, and Canada proud, and entertains audiences from around the world.

 

 

Love to sing? In front of 20,000 people during the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby?

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SHHHHHH it’s a secret! In celebration of the Stampede Centennial we are assembling a 100 voice choir to participate each evening of the Calgary Stampede singing the national anthem! You will receive a pass to get you onto Stampede Park and into the Grandstand for each evening. We will also provide you with one pass for one evening to bring a family member or friend and a photo of the choir on stage!

The anthem takes place prior to the Chuckwagon races which start at 8:00PM (call time TBD). Of course you are welcome to stay and watch the races and Grandstand Show from the tarmac as many nights as you would like.

If you are interested in participating, please reply to, Linda Bakken, linda@grelin.com and provide the following information:

Name
Email address
Best phone number for contact
If you are: Soprano / Alto / Bass / Tenor

At this time, the following dates have been established that you must be available for, to be a part of this project:

Saturday June 2: Casting Call
Place:    The Calgary Dream Centre 4510 MacLeod Trail South
Time:     10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Saturday June 9: Rehearsal
Place:    The Calgary Dream Centre
Time:    TBD

Sunday June 24/Monday June 25: Recording Session
Place/Time: TBA

Wednesday July 4: Tentative Rehearsal  
Place: The TransAlta Grandstand Show Stage
Time: TBA

Thursday July 5 – Sunday July 15: The Calgary Stampede – the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

The number of spaces is limited so reply now with – Yes! Please send me an application to participate in this most exciting event!

If you have any questions, include them in your response to:

Linda Bakken, 2012 O’Canada Production
Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Committee
linda@grelin.com
403-863-7412

Living under a rock? Get the latest #Stampede100 announcement here!

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This past Thursday, May 24th the Calgary Stampede announced the 2012 Coca-Cola Stage line up with two top secret band performances at Flames Central!

Let me recap.

Opening the evenings live music festivities were The New Cities, Montreal-based band with several hits I found myself singing along to. After The New Cities performance there was a break in the music and Flames Central served up mini cups of poutine and sliders as the crowd speculated who would be the secret headliner. I had no idea.

The New Cities perform to a surprised crowd at Flames Central. 

 

Finally the big announcement, the 2012 Coca-Cola Stage line up was set  and the head liner for the night was announced. Ladies and gentleman please welcome The Sheepdogs! 

I still had no idea. Clearly, I have been living under a rock.

The crowd loved The Sheepdogs and it did not take me long to figure out why this band was so popular. They put on an amazing show and they have an awesome story!  Did you know they were on the cover of  The Rolling Stone last year? I recommend you check them out July 11 on the on the Coca – Cola stage.

Courtesy of www.RollingStone.com

  

       The Sheepdogs lead singer at Flames Central.

The Coca – Cola stage will welcome some pretty amazing acts this year, the full roster of artists and schedule can be found here.

The Sheepdogs Are Ready to Rock Stampede 2012

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There are few things in life these days that are free, let alone free AND awesome, but the Calgary Stampede has hit the nail on the head with their 2012 Coca-Cola Stage. This year’s lineup includes a little bit of everything from rock to rap and the best part is that all of the concerts on this stage are included in your Stampede gate admission!

Last night at the Coca-Cola Covert Concert for the official launch of the Coca-Cola Stage lineup some serious talent rocked the stage at Flames Central.

New Cities got the crowd warmed up and then we were treated to a surprise performance by Saskatoon rock band The Sheepdogs.

The Sheepdogs became the first unsigned band ever to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine in August of 2011 and if you’ve ever heard their music you know why.  They are unbelievable live performers!

The rest of the lineup is very impressive, as well as diverse.  We can look forward to Big Sugar, Our Lady Peace, Dragonette, George Canyon, Mother Mother, The Trews (last year’s headliner), Simple Plan, AWOLNATION, New Cities, Seether, Makeshift Innocence, Carly Rae Jepsen, Raghav, K’naan, Danny Fernandes, Victoria Duffield and Karl Wolf.  So get ready to rock Calgary!

More info available here.