The talent coming to the Hoadley Community Hall next week is an impressive mix of seasoned entertainers and young rising stars.
And while they all bring their own special brand of music, poetry and story telling to the stage, they all have one thing in common. They are as Albertan as the wild rose.
Alberta’s Men & Women of Country Music will be at the Hoadley Community Hall on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This year’s lineup is to include many of the well-known names from Alberta, all of which promise to keep the day’s entertainment at a lively pace.
“Every year when the show comes together the talent that walks on that stage is amazing and wonderful,” said coordinator Shirley Hartman.
She said lifetime awards will be handed out to Lou Paul from Red Deer, who is known for his musical abilities and sense of humour.
He has performed across Canada, U.S.A. and enter- tains in Mazatlan, Mexico.
Lifetime awards are presented to entertainers who have been in the music industry for 30 years or more.
A rising star award, given to young people 16 and under, will be presented to Sydney Mae from Cochrane.
Mae is a young lady who is proving to be a powerhouse in Alberta’s music industry, said Hartman.
“She is the youngest performer to play on the main stage of the Big Valley Jamboree and has won many talent shows and always keeps her community in mind.”
The rising star award is presented in memory of Diane Brandson who began the show several years ago.
“This was her passion, to get Alberta talent together, to showcase experienced artists and give younger talent a stage to perform on,” said Hartman.
This year’s lineup includes award winning cowboy poet Doris Daley.
“If you want to know the west, listen to Doris Daley,” said Hartman. “Her gift is unique and her appeal is irresistible.”
Brianna Lizotte, a 14-year-old old time fiddle player and Charlie Ewing who sings about cowboys, Indians and wide-open spaces will also be part of the star studded show.
Adele Johnson, who sings at her own sold out performances, Randy Glen, who adds a unique twist to his music with his own version of the songs, and The Gordie West Band who promotes the Calgary Stampede complete the delightful round up.