There’s a note of sadness in Maryann Gibson’s voice as she announces that the 15th annual Global Country Concert taking place this Sunday, June 23 at Festival Place will be the last.
“There’s a glut of country shows out there. Now you can go to a different country show each week and we just can’t sustain it,” she states.
This year ticket sales are going slower than anticipated, even though the main feature act is Lisa Hewitt’s popular Little Ole Opry, a gentle parody of Nashville’s traditional glitz and glamour shows.
It’s a bittersweet parting for Gibson.
“Part of me feels relieved. It’s run its course.”
In the early years of the concert, she remembers staging it at the Winspear to accommodate the 1,200 to 1,800 fans who attended.
“CMT filmed it the first time. CISN was there. CFCW was there. It was a celebration all around. There was a lot of hype, but the show started to taper eight or nine years ago.”
Gibson acknowledges that country tastes changed, radio stations’ formats altered and personnel in decision-making positions moved.
Danny Hooper and CFCW manager Jackie Rae Greening, who were the concert’s inaugural emcees, once again take up the last concert’s duties.
“I still remember the first show. Maryann put together a huge script and of course Danny never follows a script. Before going 12 seconds into the show, Danny was off-script and after that we winged it,” chuckles Greening.
As the featured headliner Hewitt is a talent who is recognized throughout the industry for her versatility, hard work and traditional roots, Gibson says.
“She’s been with us every year for 15 years. She’s been very loyal.”
Some of the decade’s popular favourites are also returning in a family style format. Kenny Hess from Mission, B.C. makes a celebratory stop and will introduce his daughter Becca, also a recording artist.
CCMA Hall of Famer R. Harlan Smith makes an appearance accompanied by his grandson Mitchell Smith, one half of the recording duo The Orchard. Global Country Star Search winner Kasha Anne, the other half The Orchard, will also perform a duet with Smith.
And keeping in tune with the next generation of country stars, Krysta Scoggins, who just released her second album Shine, will perform with her 11-year old daughter Shelby.
“It’s our last Country Global Concert so come out and don’t miss this music show. We showcase a lot of Canadian talent, so bring the young and the old.”
The concert starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.ca.
