WHAT A CCMA WEEK!
It’s been two weeks since CCMA Week (Canadian Country Music Association Week) and in a way, I feel I am still recovering. Not from late nights staying out late and drinking (I mean, I am 5 months pregnant after all…) but recovering from the mountain top that I was on for five days straight seeing friends from the industry, supporting my fellow artists, and of course, performing for industry members and fans in my hometown of Calgary, AB!
My manager, Mel and I had early mornings and late nights, with lots of fun activities in between. We were constantly hopping from one event to the next one (with an 88-key keyboard in tow, might I add) and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Here are some of the week’s highlights…
Country Music Alberta (CMAB) Showcase
Twenty minutes on stage went by quickly, but I was thankful I was able to perform a few new songs that I had never played in public before. It was particularly special to me because my co-writer, Chris Yurchuck (who had travelled from Nashville) was in the audience and was able to hear some of our songs come to life for the first time!
Somewhere In Alberta Showcase (Songwriter Round)
I loved getting the opportunity to share new songs in a songwriter round at The Unicorn Pub in downtown Calgary and ending the night by singing “Pickup Truck” by Shane Yellowbird to pay tribute to the late artist.
Media Row
Media Row gives artists the opportunity to meet with different media outlets across Canada at one time - but, it’s always an event that takes place very early in the morning! Fortunately, a 5:15 AM wake-up for me was not too difficult. As a mom of a 14-month-old, my body is used to being up before the sun. Honestly, it’s the late night shows that are the challenge for me now!
I was so grateful that many outlets took the time to interview me and learn more about what’s coming next in my music career!
These are a few of the outlets I chatted with during Media Row…
Between interviews, I also attended Music Rescues - an event dedicated to animal adoption and the support of local established animal rescue operations - which meant I got the chance to cuddle sweet little puppies! Can you start a morning off any better?
Diamonds in the Rough Showcase
The latest show I think I’ve ever played…it started at 11:55 PM! Although I had to rally to get out the door (because I’m usually in bed by 9:30 PM these days), once I got on stage, I was so glad to be there!
At this point in the night, most of the bar hoppers had moved on to the next bar, and the people that stuck around for my set were actively listening to my music. It reminded me a lot of my days as a piano bar entertainer on cruise ships - the late night crowd isn’t always the loudest - surprisingly, they are often the best listeners!
HEY GIRL! Showcase
This was a special one. Arranged by my manager, Mel and hosted by Jayme Lynne, this showcase featured women in Canadian Country.
It was so fun to share the stage with such talented ladies!
I was also thrilled to reunite with my friend and a phenomenal guitar player, Chris Bray, who I pulled up on stage to play my unreleased track “Things I’d Rather Do” with me. It was super fun to jam with him again!
CCMA Off Country Music Festival
A beautiful sunny day spent serenading people sipping coffee on a patio? Sounds pretty great to me…and it was!
I loved this show! It was such a fun way to finish off my performances for the week. I was also very grateful that family and friends came out to support me!
CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards
Who doesn’t love an excuse to get dressed up in a gown and go on a date night with the husband?
Spencer was nominated for “Drummer of the Year” at the Gala Dinner Awards and, although he didn’t win, it was really fun for me to be there to support him (especially after he had been my roadie for the week and came to all of my shows!). Love you Spenny! xox
CCMA Awards Show
The highlight of the show for me was seeing Spencer play drums with Brett Kissel on the Scotiabank Saddledome stage AS WELL AS the amazing, iconic 98 Degrees.
If you told my 13-year-old self that the guy I married would eventually be sharing the stage with 98 degrees, I think she would be very impressed.
It was a lot to pack into one week but I am so grateful for the Canadian Country Music Industry, the friends I’ve made, the team I have around me that makes all of this possible, and of course, the gift of live music! (I’m also very grateful that I had a lot of black outfits in my wardrobe because it’s basically the only colour that somewhat hides my baby bump!)
Overall, it was just so great to perform again and spend time with friends from across Canada.
There is more music on its way, so stay tuned for updates!
