Anybody can put on a cowboy hat and play dress-up, but to be really respected you have to earn the spurs.
Alberta-based Gord Bamford, one of the hottest country recording artists on the Canadian scene, has spent 25 years plus building a reputation with honest songs born from blue-collar roots experiences.
As luck has it, Bamford brings his milestone 25th Anniversary Just Gettin’ Started Celebration Tour to St. Albert’s Rainmaker Festival for a performance on Saturday, May 24.
“He’s performing a 90-minute show from his 25-year catalogue filled with kick-butt hits that rock the house,” said Tyler Ames, Rainmaker concert director.
And there are plenty of chart-toppers to choose from: Heroes, My Heart’s a Genius, All About Her, Life is Good, Cowboys Were Kings, Just Gettin’ Started and One Heartbeat from Heaven are among the many.
Ames, a self-described campfire singer, noted the Australian-born, Lacombe-raised icon reminded him of when he was 20.
“Gord has been so popular in Alberta. His soundtracks relate to everyone. He’s a cornerstone of Alberta country music, and he’s paved the way for so many country artists,” Ames said.
One of the most decorated recording artists in Canada, Bamford has released 11 studio albums and won 26 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards as well as multiple JUNO nominations.
Stylistically, Bamford usually stands on the traditional side of the country fence. However, the constantly evolving singer blends in contemporary grooves creating chart-topping hits, nostalgic emotions and an unwavering connection to fans.
Opening for Bamford is singer-songwriter Kalsey Kulyk. Hailing from Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Kulyk is building her fan base one song at a time with bright vocals reminiscent of the classic country era and a knack for vivid storytelling.
“Kalsey is part of Gord’s tour and has proven to be a successful singer on her own,” Ames said.
Kulyk started singing at age four and with each passing year she dreamt of sharing her passion with others. Since growing up in a small rural town with one radio station, her main influences were Shania Twain, Allison Krause, The Dixie Chicks and other prominent female country artists.
She temporarily stopped singing in 2008 when diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After six months of intense treatment, she went into complete remission and felt a renewed desire for songwriting.
Through a mutual friend, she was introduced to Richard Dashut, co-producer of Fleetwood Mac. Despite the 18-year-old was barely aware of the Beatles, Dahsut took her under his wings and taught her basic music fundamentals.
Currently Kulyk has turned out several singles including Big Deal, Ain’t Enough Whiskey and Love Me Like an Outlaw. The latter became her first Top 20 hit on Billboard Canada Country.
Country Night at Rainmaker Festival takes place Saturday, May 24 at the Kinsmen Rodeo Grounds at 47 Riel Drive. Presale tickets are $50 online at rainmakerevents.ca.
