Halifax-based twin sisters Jolene and Sharlene create instant fans with their powerful two-part harmonies and wonderful blend of country and pop music. The Keats are quickly becoming known as one of Canada’s most talented new country acts.

Justin Moore is an American country music singer and songwriter signed to Big Machine Records imprint Valory Music Group. He has released one album for the label, the self-titled Justin Moore, which has accounted for four Top 40 singles on the Hot Country Songs charts.

Easton Corbin signed to Mercury Records Nashville in 2009 and released his debut single, “A Little More Country Than That”, followed by a self-titled debut album in March 2010. The song reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts in April 2010.

With five albums to her credit, Sara Evans is on her way to becoming one of the most successful female artists of her generation – a compelling, heart-in-the-throat heir to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.

Since Rascal Flatts came on the country scene over a decade ago, the trio has helped change the face of popular music. The band’s trademark sound of emotive lead vocals and soaring harmonies has become the standard for cutting-edge country.

First up we had Jason Blaine, Canadian country singer-songwriter hailing from Pembroke, Ontario who now calls Nashville his home.

Billy Currington. The title of Billy Currington’s new album, Enjoy Yourself, says it all.  Clearly, his fans have been enjoying Billy’s brand of music with six of his songs charting at number one on the Top Ten list.

Miranda Lambert first exploded onto the scene as a finalist in the 2003 season of the “Nashville Star” television series. Kerosene, her debut album came out in 2005, and marked  Miranda as a major new songwriting talent with fans and critics everywhere.

And of course, the much anticipated Carrie Underwood. Unbelievable! I will write more later.

MacKenzie Porter was raised on a cattle and bison ranch in Southern Alberta. At the young age of four, she began studying piano, violin, and voice. MacKenzie toured for a number of years with a family band including her brother Kalan Porter (2004 winner of Canadian Idol). She is currently writing and recording her upcoming debut album. This summer, MacKenzie won the Nashville North Star competition and has recently opened for Kenny Chesney, Doc Walker, Trooper and the Canadian Tenors.

Speaking of Canadian Idol, next on stage was Tara Oram. Born in Gander, NFLD, Tara’s music is inspired by her family, and is a celebration of her small town roots. She is also influenced by many established artists, such as Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart & Dwight Yoakam.

Tara’s first album, ‘Chasing The Sun’, earned her three top-15 Canadian Country singles, and racked up numerous awards including a 2009 JUNO nomination for Country Album of the Year, an ECMA win for Country Recording of the Year, and the coveted Rising Star Award at the 2009 CCMA’s! In addition, the Newfoundland Herald bestowed Tara with the title of ‘Entertainer of the Year’ in 2008. In 2010, Tara also had the privilege of performing at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Her new hit, “1929” was a crowd favorite, getting the crowds swaying under a cool summer evening sky. Showing why she was an Idol favorite, she closed her set with Twist and Shout, Where The Streets Have No Name and Neil Young’s Rockin’ In The Free World.

A few more photos of Tara are here: http://www.labellephoto.com/?page_id=3258

Doc Walker was up next with crowd favorites “Get Up” and Beautiful Life”.
Over their decade-plus time together Doc Walker have earned the title of ‘the hardest working Country band in Canada’ the old fashioned way, through relentless perseverance – constantly honing their chops as a songwriting and a performing unit.

Hitting every little speck on the map again and again and putting over a million miles behind them in Canada alone, in an effort to forge a lasting relationship with their audience.

And to close things up, the much anticipated Kenny Chesney. Front Page Media was invited on stage just prior to Kenny kicking off his set to get a few shots of the of the estimated 15000 fans. An incredible site to be sure.

As he does in most every concert, Chesney gave it his all. With much help from the audience singing along to every song, “Live A Little”, “Reality” and “Summertime” set the tone for the evening.

A fantastic first night was had by all!