St. Albert country singer Jessy Mossop, 21, is lining up to become a rising star on the international music scene.
Mossop won a spot to perform at the prestigious North American Country Music Association (NACMAI) competition at Pigeon Forge, Tenn. But here’s the rub.
Although an entry fee is paid, Mossop must dig into her pocket for flight and hotel costs. To further her dreams, she is hosting a concert fundraiser at O’Maille’s Pub on Feb. 27.
“It’s so exciting. I always dreamed of going and to have a chance is so surreal. It’s going to be an amazing experience. I know so many people who have said it’s the trip of a lifetime,” says Mossop.
Recognized for powerful vocals and a stylish stage presence, Mossop was runner up at the 2014 Global Country Star Search, a feeder organization to NACMAI. The weeklong competition hosts competitors from across the continent and runs March 10 to March 16. Mossop competes March 14.
“I’m hoping to get experience. I’m not worried about competing against other people. I want to hear what judges have to say,” says the Visionary College voice and piano instructor.
In addition to going head to head with continent’s cream of the crop, Global Country participants also attend industry workshops and tour iconic Nashville landmarks such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluebird CafĂ©, a preeminent listening room where chart-topping artists drop by to perform acoustic music.
In past years Global Country was able to foot the entire bill. However, due to the phase-out of certain grants and granting process changes in other areas, Global can no longer afford to pay airfare and hotel bills.
“This is the first year we’ve operated on no grants. A lot of it seems to have dried up, however, we’re still chasing after sponsorship,” Global president Maryanne Gibson says.
The St. Albert music scene has jumped in to help Mossop with a multi-discipline variety show. Visionary College pianist and musical theatre director Curtis LaBelle is dropping by to tickle the ivories.
The distinguished Darrell Barr, noted for his regular Tuesday night open jams a LB’s Pub, has added his country, rhythm and blues, soul and rock vocals to the program.
Martha Livingston, owner of Visionary College, is stepping into the spotlight with her jazzy rock stylings and MaryLou Drachenberg is partnering with Mossop for a jazzy duet.
Kurt, Drachenberg’s son, is slinging his guitar for a round of alt-folk music and Johnny Marona, Mossop’s guitar player has a series of originals and covers on track.
The fundraiser also includes a silent auction and door prizes. It starts at 7 p.m. A ticket for the door prize is $10.
“I hope lots of people can come to the fundraiser and wish me luck in Nashville.”
Mossop is competing in the 18- to 29-year category. A second St. Albert singer, Julia Nicholson, was the Junior Winner of Global Star Search competition and she will sing in the 13 to 17 category. Nicholson is not involved in the fundraiser.
