MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doc Walker’s Chris Thorsteinson confirms for Bluebird North
Icons square off at Tuesday night concert event
(Winnipeg, May 13, 2010) It’s a “country meets kids” mash-up at the next Bluebird North songwriters’ showcase at Winnipeg’s Park Theatre on Tuesday June 8, 2010.
On the card for the next Bluebird North concert event are some of Manitoba’s biggest icons, packing huge musical muscles, incredible vocal chops and formidable talent. It is THE main event to attend on June 8.
What: BLUEBIRD NORTH feat. Chris Thorsteinson, Bryce Pallister, Fred Penner and Phil Deschambault
When: Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Park Theatre (698 Osborne Street)
Bluebird North: Where Writers Sing and Tell is a songwriters' showcase presented by the Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.). Every show features a different line-up of talented Canadian songwriters, who take turns sharing songs and stories in an informal, acoustic atmosphere.
In Winnipeg, Bluebird North is produced by Chris Burke-Gaffney for the S.A.C. This event also takes place in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and St. John’s. Bluebird North is sanctioned by the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee.
Admission is $12 at the door (or $10 for S.A.C. and Manitoba Music members).
For more information on the S.A.C.’s mandate, activities and membership programs, please visit www.songwriters.ca. Media inquiries can be directed to Lisa Saunders at 204.799.4641 or
lisa@soundstrategy.ca.
ABOUT THE CONTENDERS:
Chris Thorsteinson is the front man for country rockers, Doc Walker. The multiple award-winning band (Canadian Country Music Awards and the Western Canadian Music Awards)
is originally from Portage La Prairie, and signed to Open Road Recordings/Universal. They are known for such Canadian country mega hits as "Rocket Girl", "The Show Is Free", "Get Up", "That Train", and “Beautiful Life”. In 2009, they released their fifth album, GO, to critical acclaim. The album was nominated in the category for Country Recording of the Year at the 2010 Junos. Among the hits written for Doc Walker, Thorsteinson has also penned hits for acts such as The Higgins ("Real Thing"), Deric Ruttan ("California Plates") and Willie Mack ("Blacktop Time"). The band frequently tours across North America and is currently writing songs for their next album.
Juno award winning songwriter and children’s entertainer Fred Penner has been performing for over 20 years, gently entertaining three generations of families. Fred has released 12 CDs, done countless energetic live shows, presented 13 seasons of the Fred Penner’s Place television series (CBC, Nick Jr.), composed music for YTV’s Tipi Tales, and acted as the keynote presenter at numerous early childhood conferences. Fred has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family entertainment scene. Fred has won two Juno Awards, four Parents’ Choice Awards, is a spokesperson for UNESCO, World Vision, UNICEF, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, has two Honourary Doctorate Degrees, and one of the highest honours a Canadian can receive; Fred Penner is a Member of the Order of Canada.
It’s somewhat difficult to reconcile the soft voice of 22-year-old country musician Bryce Pallister coming down the phone line from his family farm in Portage la Prairie with the commanding, rich vocals emanating from the tracks of his debut recording, “RDY 2GO”, released in March 2009. The video for single “RDY 2GO”’ has been featured in regular rotation on CMT, and received national radio airplay. Bryce connected with fellow Bluebird North performer, Phil Deschambault (EMI Publishing) to create the 11 songs on the album, and uses both guitar and piano when he’s composing. The influences of Bryce’s favourites Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, the Allman Brothers and K.D. Lang inspire his songwriting process. Pallister is represented by Paquin Entertainment.
Phillippe Deschambault is a songwriter, producer and artist. His music has been featured in major motion pictures, commercials, and television, and on the Olympics 2010 coverage. Phil’s latest full-length CD with Ash Koley will be released internationally on Nettwerk/Sony Music. Deschambault has a long history as a singer/songwriter and guitarist in stellar Winnipeg bands such as Jonah Stone, Not Going to Vegas, and Vanderveen; all of whom garnered critical acclaim for their songwriting excellence and dynamic live shows. Phil’s work with artists like Koley, Bryce Palliser, Heather Longstaffe, Danalee, Tracy Bone and Jordan Leech have made him one of the most sought after and respected session producers.
The S.A.C. gratefully acknowledges the support of The SOCAN Foundation and the Government of Canada through the Creators' Assistance Component and Support to Sector Associations Program of the Canada Music Fund.
