2025 LINEUP
FRIDAY JULY 18
Gord Bamford, the Australian-born and Alberta-raised Canadian country music sensation, has solidified his place as a prominent figure in the industry as he is one of the most awarded artists in Canadian Country Music. With a string of accolades to his name, including an astounding twenty-six (26) Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) Awards, JUNO nominations and is the only Canadian to receive recognition 2x from the Country Music Association (CMA) Global Music Artist award. Bamford's determination knows no bounds. Raised amidst the scenic rural landscapes of Central Alberta, Bamford's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for country music's storytelling traditions. From humble blue collar beginnings to international acclaim, Bamford's journey has been defined by his unmistakable voice and unwavering dedication to his craft. With his chart topping singles and critically acclaimed albums, Gord Bamford continues to enchant audiences worldwide, leaving his mark on the fabric of country music.
Young singer-songwriter from Burton, New Brunswick. Surrounded by music from a young age, Riley was influenced by the Country classics being played on his uncle and grandfathers’ guitars at bonfires. Inspired by the power of these songs, Riley quickly gravitated toward the genre.
Picking up his guitar in high school with humble beginnings of bedroom concerts and the odd brazen bonfire jam, he moved on to the bar scene just as he was old enough to get in. Years of hard work gigging across the Maritimes, writing and practicing his craft has earned him a single release through Warner Music Canada in summer of 2022. Riley’s here to prove that good things don’t come easy, but he’s put in the work and is ready to take things to the next level. This single is just the start of a whole lot more left to come for the Maritimer.
Josh Norrad is a country/rock performer from Upper Miramichi, New Brunswick Canada. Josh's latest release "BOONDOCKS", is a fiery, down-home, version of Little Big Town's 2003 country hit. BOONDOCKS dropped Feb 22, and was almost immediately one of the TOP 5 most requested songs on the worldwide "Country Thunder Network" radio! This release follows the tremendous success of his previous single "TO THE WIND" which features country star Dean Brody's award-winning band. TO THE WIND debuted #11 on the iTunes country charts on the day of its release.
Josh has received a total of 6 MNB award nominations, including 2 Country Artist of the Year nominations. Reverbnation named Josh as one of the "Top Ten" country artists in eastern Canada. Josh also has an unstoppable fanbase, having been among the Top 25 to receive the popular vote in Canada for the CBC Searchlight Contest, as well as winning the Country Liberty Cover Contest with record-shattering fan support.
Josh is a seasoned performer, known for his unique energy and ability to connect with his audience. Whether it is a crowd of 50 people or an audience of thousands, Josh repeatedly demonstrates his ability to engage his listeners.
A rising country star from Blackville, New Brunswick, captivates audiences with her soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. In 2023, her debut single, Should Have Listened to Mama, cracked the CBC Searchlight Top 100 and spent 15 weeks on the East Coast Top 30, peaking at number 9. A finalist in the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, Walls has also earned the prestigious Artist Development grant from Music New Brunswick. In 2024, she performed on the Diamonds in the Rough stage during CCMA week, while also playing shows and festivals in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, further establishing her presence in the country music scene.
SATURDAY JULY 19
Boasting 335M+ global streams and 130M+ views on YouTube since the debut of his self-titled album (2020), which holds four GOLD-certified and two PLATINUM-certified singles (“Got Your Name On It,” “Count the Ways”), as well as the title of most globally streamed debut album by an internationally-signed country artist in history, Jade has also landed five #1s at Canadian Country Radio (“Lucky,” "All Night To Figure It Out," “More Drinkin’ Than Fishin’” feat. Dean Brody, “She Don’t Know,” “Telluride”), three GOLD and one PLATINUM-certified track (“She Don’t Know”) from his sophomore album as well as another two GOLD-certified tracks and one PLATINUM-certified track on his third album Do It Anyway.
Since day one Jade has had his sights firmly set on re-establishing neo-traditional country’s place at the top of the charts and hasn’t stopped working toward this goal ever since. In 2017, Jade decided to step away from some of his duties on the family farm to pursue a long-time dream as a country music artist. With the release of his debut single “Got Your Name On It” (2018), Jade was featured as a YouTube Trending ‘Artist On The Rise’ and appeared on the website’s homepage, marking the first time a Canadian-signed artist in any genre has received such an honour. Today, the music video for “Got Your Name On It” has over 96 million views (and counting) and became the first debut single by a Canadian artist to go PLATINUM.
These last few years have been unmatched for the Ontario native. Jade kicked off 2024 with his third JUNO nomination for Country Album of the Year and just recently won Album of the Year at the 2024 CCMA Awards, after being named the 2023 CCMA Awards Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. Jade’s third studio album, Do It Anyway and single by the same name ft. Jake Worthington are available everywhere now.
Rising Country Star Elyse Saunders is a multi-award winning artist and recently took home FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards. With nearly 5 million streams to date, Elyse carves her path with powerhouse vocals, memorable live shows, and impressive songwriting.
Her recent breakout hit, “Never Have I Ever” landed top 30 on Canada’s Country Billboard charts & had a skyrocketing radio debut at #6 on Australia’s National Radio Airplay Charts. Songwriting between Nashville & Canada, Elyse signed her first publishing deal with Arts & Crafts Music Publishing earlier this year. Her music videos receive regular rotation on CMT Australia including features on CMT Nashville, she’s done hundreds of media interviews across Canada, US, Australia & Europe with multiple TV performances on Canadian & U.S news outlets and she’s been the face-out cover photo artist for multiple playlists on Apple Music + Amazon Music.
As one of Bell Media/iHeart Future Star, Elyse has shared festival lineups with artists like Thomas Rhett, Matchbox Twenty, Terri Clark, and Jason Aldean at major events such as Boots & Hearts Music Festival, Sunfest Country Music Festival, and Lucknow Music in the Fields. With her current radio single, “Dirt,” climbing the Australian charts, her new single, “Neon Cowboy,” marks an exciting next chapter in Elyse’s music journey.
The East Coast’s dynamic country band known for their blend of Eagles-like harmonies, Jason Aldean-style rock guitars, and a soulful rhythm section. This unique combination creates the powerful and captivating sound that defines Farewell Town.
The band has performed alongside country stars like Gord Bamford, The Reklaws, The Road Hammers, Jade Eagleson, Nate Haller, and Matt Lang. They've also headlined two nights at the iconic Ranchman’s in Calgary for the official Country Thunder Calgary After Party. Their debut album earned a nomination for Country Recording of The Year at Music Nova Scotia.
As a backing band Farewell Town's members have supported both emerging local artists and nationally known acts such as Chris Buck, JoJo Mason, Aaron Pritchett, Andy Bast, Ben Chase, and Riley Taylor. In early 2020, these talented session musicians united their skills and passion for music to form Farewell Town in Halifax.
After a year of writing, recording, and honing their sound, they released their first single, “Let’s Be Crazy,” in April 2021. This track featured on their debut four-track EP released in October 2021, which went on to receive a Music Nova Scotia Award nomination. Farewell Town continues to make waves in the country music scene with their energetic performances and heartfelt songs.
Local legend, Steve Maillet always draws a crowd. Playing hits from accross several genres and song choices that stretch accross ages, he’s a no fail showman that never disappoints.Steve has thousands of shows under his belt and has played hundreds of bars, restaurants, weddings, festivals across the Maritime provinces.
Sean Michael Ryan is a singer-songwriter from Canada's rich East Coast country music scene. Sean launched his professional music career back in 2002, while in his early 20s, as a country-folk, solo act performing showcases primarily in Atlantic Canada and Ontario.
Sean's musical roots are far stretching. They cross a number of genres, but strong family ties keep pulling him back to a particular passion for contemporary country. Growing up, Sean found inspiration from the many country entertainers with whom he met through his father, a program manager with several country radio stations. The likes of Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn, Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakman, Clint Black, and others.
Sean also has spent time in Nashville under the mentorship of several music producers and songwriters.
His dedication to family saw Sean step away for a bit from touring to devote time and attention to raising his two beautiful daughters. Nevertheless, he still has managed to carve out time to continue writing and recording.
Sean Michael Ryan's new country single, "Tongue Tied", represents an exciting relaunch of his music career with a renewed focus on pop country.
A sip of sweet tea with a little added spice is one way you can describe Taylor Jensen's style of Classic country storytelling mixed with modern country pop influences. The songstress’s first record, “End the Road,” showcased her undeniable vocal talent and landed her a spot on Spotify editorial playlists “New Music Friday Country” and “Fresh Finds Country.” Her follow-up single, “OVER,” is set to release on November 1st, 2024, and showcases the versatile and growth of herself and her storytelling.
Immediately sinking into the colorful twangs of country chords, Taylor effortlessly interweaves modern timbres to craft a seamlessly sensational song. Writing from the depths of her heart, Taylor focuses on creating evocative and captivating music which leaves you feeling like you’ve just had a margarita with your best friend. Her ability to enrapture audiences through her honest and relatable lyricism is a testament to her masterful song writing. Soft yet fierce, vulnerable yet resilient; Taylor’s music is the ultimate soundtrack for those who feel everything a little more deeply and struggle to articulate their true emotions.