Canadian country music stars Emerson Drive will launch the Fraser Valley’s Canada Day festivities this year as they headline the Canada Day Kickoff Concert at the Abbotsford Centre on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m.
Joining Emerson Drive will be local country stars Aaron Pritchett, King & Cash, and Beamer Wigley, as well as the winner of this year’s Abbotsford Idol Contest presented by the Abbotsford News.
For well over a decade, Emerson Drive has been a staple in the country music community, known for being a band to crank out the hits, deliver electrifying stage shows and wow audiences across North America.
The Canadian band has scored numerous hits such as I Should Be Sleeping, Fall Into Me, Last One Standing, Moments and their latest chart-topping hit, Who We Are.
Emerson Drive has racked up numerous nominations in the U.S. at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards and in Canada, where they have picked up multiple trophies for Group or Duo of the Year from the Canadian Country Music Association.
It was their 2007 hit Moments that pushed Emerson Drive over the top in country music.
Pritchett (in photo below) is acclaimed for bringing “rock energy” to country audiences, and continues to hold the title of one of the most sought-after artists in the business.
His passion and intensity for his art overflows on stage and spills into his unwavering dedication to his fans.
Growing up in small-town northern B.C., Pritchett drew his earliest musical influences from 1980s rock, which has had a major influence on his sound with hits such as Big Wheel, Hold My Beer and Let’s Get Rowdy to his latest Boat on the Water, Hold You Like My Whiskey and Wake You With A Kiss.
Following on the heels of a cross-Canada tour, 2015 will see the release of a much anticipated greatest hits album for Pritchett.
King & Cash is composed of Dan Arnold and Pritchett’s son, Jordan. The younger Pritchett is no stranger to success, having experienced six years of international fame in the pop rock band Faber Drive.
Beamer Wigley, 12, was inspired at a young age by the singing and guitar playing of Keith Urban. He will perform an acoustic set featuring original songs as well as covers of songs by the artists he looks up to.
Leading up to the concert, the Abbotsford News will run a four-week talent contest to crown the next Abbotsford Idol at Finnegan’s Pub and Grill starting on June 2.
At stake is the opening spot in the concert lineup and other prizes.
