The five nights of concerts on the main stage at the 2024 Ponoka Stampede are sure to have boots tapping and crowds singing along.
Gord Bamford
Things kick off in a big way on June 25 with Gord Bamford.
Bamford is no stranger to success, or to landing a load of accolades that celebrate his artistic skills.
Over the years, he has taken home 26 Canadian Country Music Association Awards and multiple Juno Award nominations.
He released his 10th studio album, Diamonds In A Whiskey Glass, in 2021, followed by the Diamonds In A Whiskey Glass (deluxe diamond edition) in 2022.
More recognition was to follow this landmark recording.
He was nominated for the 2022 CCMA Awards for Ford F-150 Album of the Year for Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass and Video of the Year for Heaven On Dirt.
Besides his music, Bamford is known for his extensive charitable work.
The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation has generated nearly $6 million over the years, and even during the pandemic, he found ways to support communities.
He was presented with the CCMA Humanitarian of The Year, MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award (MIMAA), and the 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award.
Meghan Patrick
Since making her stunning debut with 2016’s Grace and Grit, Meghan Patrick, who hits the Ponoka Stampede stage on June 27, has been a back-to-back CCMA Female Artist of the Year whose honours include 18 CMA Ontario Awards.
Her latest project, The Greatest Show On Dirt, is, “anchored in the powerful vocal work she’s brought to the stage as support for legends like Dwight Yoakam and top artists including Keith Urban, Old Dominion, Kip Moore, Brothers Osborne, and more,” according to her bio.
Patrick said it’s always been important for her to be completely honest in her music.
“But I think this is the first time I’ve had the bravery that it takes to get to a place where you can be 100 per cent open about every aspect of yourself — the good and the bad, and not just the parts that you hear about in songs on the radio,” she said.
“I want to make music that has real longevity, and the only way to do that is to peel back the layers and be unapologetically yourself.”
Randall King
Hailing from west Texas and a self-described ‘old soul,’ Randall King has never wavered in his ‘honky-tonk allegiance’ — in fact, according to his website, he’s worn it like a badge of honour, proudly growing into a leading voice for today’s traditional country music.
He performs on June 28.
King has certainly struck a chord with audiences. Amassing over 300 million streams with tunes like You In A Honky Tonk, Hey Cowgirl and Mirror, Mirror, he’s definitely kept the twang alive in the mainstream while also garnering acclaim through EPs such as 2020’s Leanna, and his 2022 major label album debut Shot Glass.
His influences run the gamut from Keith Whitley and George Strait to Alan Jackson and John Anderson, but he’s also been inspired by folks like Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan.
Of course, being on stage is what it’s all about for King.
He has built a solid grass-roots following on the strength of his electrifying live shows.
His success has also vaulted him to the status of being an international headliner landing at shows across the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Craig Moritz
Craig Moritz has been described as a natural performer who makes sure that every fan and audience member is going to have a super time and feel like they are part of the show.
A lover of life, animals, people, travelling, music, and nature, he connects with his fans on many levels beyond his lyrics, according to his bio.
His show runs on June 29.
“Although I think recognition can be very gratifying, I’ve never been one to chase awards or base the success of my career on winning or not winning awards,” he said, adding that what fires him up is turning ideas into songs, bringing those songs to life in the studio, and landing the chance to perform those songs live.
Seeing those tunes become part of people’s playlists, whether they’re road-tripping, on a beach, around a campfire, at a party, or wherever also means the world, he said.
“It’s a pretty damn good feeling when that happens and that’s what keeps me going. Not to mention all the cool experiences, friendships, songwriting collaborations, shows, and travel destinations.”
Jade Eagleson
Jade Eagleson, who performs on June 30, has indeed made quite the mark on the international country music scene.
Since the start of his journey, he’s had his sights set on re-establishing a neo-traditional country’s place at the top of the charts and hasn’t stopped working toward that goal.
In 2017, he decided to step away from some of his duties on the family farm to pursue a long-time dream as a country music artist, according to his bio.
And it wasn’t long before folks started to notice his talents.
With the release of his debut single Got Your Name On It in 2018, he was featured as a YouTube trending ‘Artist On The Rise.’
He also appeared on the website’s homepage, marking the first time a Canadian-signed artist in any genre has received such an honour.
“He kicked off 2023 with his second Juno nomination for Country Album of the Year and more recently, Eagleson was named the 2023 CCMA Awards Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, also taking home the award for Innovative Campaign of the Year during Country Music Week 2023.”
Ponoka News is your source for all things Ponoka Stampede leading up to and during Stampede Week June 25 to July 1. Find more Ponoka Stampede stories here.
