By Adam Eisenbarth
The strength of Alberta country music was on stage at the Hoadley Hall May 8.
The annual Alberta Men and Women of Country Music show was another success, but this year’s event was importance because of a special tribute.
Diane Brandson, a founder of the show, died in early March and the show revolved around a remembrance of her.
“She was just a wonderful person. She was always smiling and friendly,” says Brenda Cipperley, who performed in a tribute to Brandson.
“I think especially to the singers, (she’ll be remembered for) her organization, her smile and just being a genuine, wonderful person.”
Cipperley says it was difficult to battle emotions on the stage but it was an important part of the day.
“To me it was a very special tribute. I just loved her. She probably had lots of things to complain about but she never did. It was a real honor to be able to do a tribute.”
Shirley Hartman, who took over the organizing duties from Brandson three years ago, says the event needed to be a special one.
“This was a tough show for me. It was very emotional because I wanted it to be a tribute to her and I wanted it done properly. So we had eight weeks to get it together that way and I think it was very successful.”
While tributes to Brandson ran throughout the day, the annual awards were also presented.
Pete Hicks and Joanne Myrol received lifetime achievement awards. Recipients must be in the music industry for 30 years to qualify for the award.
Myrol is part of a duo with her daughter and Hicks is the host of “Country Classics” on CFCW radio.
Brandson’s name will live on in the event with the Diane Brandson Memorial Rising Star Award. Charlotte and Sarah, aged 14 and 11 respectively, form the Command Sisters and they won the award.
“They’re wonderful performers. The girls write all original music and accompany themselves with the guitar, mandolin, piano and fiddle.”
Aside from the award named after Brandson, an announcement was made of a memorial fund with the money going to young rising stars.
“She envisioned a grassroots platform and really that’s how it started and she was very interested in rising stars,” says Hartman.
In its 10-year history, the event has been held in Winfield, Rimbey and now in Hoadley for its third year. Hartman was happy with how the day went.
“Absolutely outstanding entertainment. Some of the people that went up and played for other people, they’ve been showcased on our show over the years so that was kind of fun to see them come back and play for other people. That was fun.”
With the lifetime achievement awards and the top-notch performances throughout the day, Hartman says the event is taking off.
“It’s not just another concert. It’s an established event and when you say Alberta Men and Women of County Music, the fans know what it’s about. There are people who come year after year after year.”
The event always takes place on the Saturday before Mother’s Day.