The Canadian Country Music Awards festivities from Sept. 8 to 12 is packed with a broad spectrum of activities from a charity hockey tourney, a new artist showcase and a songwriters' showcase to a tribute ceremony, a Fanfest and several awards galas.
Wednesday
• Picks and Sticks Charity Hockey Classic
Hosted by Gord Bamford and Brett Kissel, country music's finest such as George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett lace up against several ex-Oilers including Craig Simpson and Dave Lumley.
Activities start at 3:30 p.m. at the Leduc Recreation Centre. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Call 780-980-7120.
Thursday
• New Artist Showcase
Every year the CCMA receives more than 100 submissions to perform at this event. Only eight artists are chosen.
This year's select few are Lindsay Broughton, Leah Daniels, Chad Brownlee, The Keats, Dawson Reigns, Tenille, Wyatt and Six West.
The showcase is held at the Shaw Conference Centre at 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Songwriters' Cafe
It's one of the more popular, laid-back events of the CCMAs. Held at the Shaw Conference Centre, it spotlights a powerhouse of Canadian songwriters including Jay Semko, Hey Romeo, Melanie Morgan, One More Girl, Crystal Shawanda, Shane Chisholm, Gil Grand and St. Albert son Aaron Goodvin.
Friday
• Hall of Honour Tribute and Induction Show
The majestic Winspear Centre is fitting hall to celebrate the lifetime achievements of 12 country inductees — Donna and Leroy Anderson, Willie P. Bennett, Marie Bottrell, Eddie Eastman, Ray St. Germain, Don Harron, Fred McKenna, Wayne Rostad, Joyce Smith, and Hal and Ginger Willis.
Hosts Michelle Wright and Jason McCoy get the evening underway with performances from Jaydee Bixby, Dean Brody, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, and Crystal Shawanda.
Induction starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 and are available at www.winspearcentre.com.
Saturday
• Fanfest
This up-and-close Fanfest is a chance to see 16 performers sing, sign autographs and pose for pictures. It's free and it takes place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at West Edmonton Mall's Ice Palace.
Featured artists are Johnny Reid, Gord Bamford, Michelle Wright, Doc Walker, One More Girl, Emerson Drive, Shane Yellowbird, Victoria Banks, Jaydee Bixby, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Brett Kissel, Aaron Lines, Jason Blaine, Dean Brody, The Wilsons and Jessie Farrell.
Come early. Big crowds are expected.
Sunday
Awards Show
It's a night of nail-biting tension as the music industry's two-hour show at Rexall Place starts at 5 p.m.
The entertainment line-up boasts some of Canada's top talent with multi-award winning roots group Blue Rodeo, Jill Hennessey (Law and Order) and the three-time CCMA nominees The Higgins. Already confirmed are George Canyon, Gord Bamford, Paul Brandt, Corb Lund, Johnny Reid and One More Girl.
Tickets are $35 -$95 at Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.ca. A taped show will be broadcast on CBC and CMT at 8 p.m. MST.
