CAMROSE, AB – The Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta is getting closer every day, and we have a whole new batch of performers to announce to make that wait just a little bit easier. From kick-off to closing night, our schedule is shaping up quick.
Dallas Smith
Making his BVJ debut, the first addition to our Thursday night RE/MAX Kick-Off Party line-up is one of the newest stars to the country scene, Dallas Smith—but this lone ranger is no stranger to the stage. Before his debut solo album in 2012, Dallas was lead singer to the group Default. Now he’s using his gritty, powerhouse voice for something a little more honky-tonk, but every bit as right for a party.
The Del McCoury Band
With a long and storied history, the Grammy-winning The Del McCoury Band knows enough bluegrass between them to play through the whole long weekend, but they’ll be putting on their best in a single set when they hit the BVJ stage. Their wheels have been turning since 1967, and they’ve learned more than a few things along the way.
Ian Tyson
Returning to the Big Valley Jamboree for the first time in almost 20 years, country legend Ian Tyson will be singing the stories of a true Canadian and a real cowboy. His long career as a solo artist and as half of the duo Ian & Sylvia landed him in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989, and it’s bringing him back to the BVJ in 2015.
Chris Young
Chris Young won the title of Nashville Star in 2006, and he hasn’t stopped winning over fans since. When he takes the BVJ stage this summer, we’ll hear his personal style of feel-good, honest country, and he’ll add a few more loyal fans to his ranks in the process.
The Lovelocks
Canadian country duo The Lovelocks will also be making their first ever BVJ appearance this year. These multi-instrumentalist queens of country are still working on their first full-length album, but they’ll still have more than enough music to get your boots stomping on the August long weekend.
Beverley Mahood
Formerly of the band Lace, and a superstar in her own right, Beverley Mahood is the next artist to join the BVJ roster. Her heartfelt songwriting and passionate voice have cemented her place in country culture for years to come—and hosting a number of CMT programs hasn’t hurt either.
The Washboard Union
The next addition is a seven-piece outlaw band that has spent the last four years touring extensively—so they know how to throw a hoedown. The Washboard Union will be taking the BVJ stage for the first time to share their energetic and down-to-earth style of contemporary bluegrass and country.
Coming together to form one of our best line-ups yet, the artists above will be joining Reba, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Lee Brice, and Corb Lund.
Along with this round of line-up additions, we’re happy to announce that ordering tickets online is easier than ever with our new online ordering system. Be sure to order before the early-bird deadline closes after January 30th!
About the BVJ
In 1992 the owner/operators of Big Valley jamboree, Craven Saskatchewan were looking for a location to host a second festival in Alberta. Big Valley, Alberta was chosen as the original location; name and geography being one of the main deciding factors.
In September of 1992 the promoters hosted a weekend rock concert headlined by Bryan Adams. Mother nature unleashed her fury and a freak snow storm devastated what was to be a spectacular event. Although the site location had a spectacular view, road access, services and amenities were not available to handle the potential crows expected for an annual event. The spring of 1993 saw the promoters once again searching for a new home for the country music festival.
The Camrose Regional Exhibition (CRE) was in the process of resurrecting the annual summer fair; moving from its original city centre location to what is now the exhibition grounds on the east end of the city. The BVJ promoters approached the CRE with the idea of taking over the annual fair weekend; brining International and national artists to the community. After much deliberation, the CRE Board of Directors voted to cancel the production of the “Camrose Country Fair” and work with the BVJ promoters offering a facility and community services to accommodate a high profile music festival.
So there is no big valley, no hills, no river, but the Big Valley Jamboree name has significance and history. It’s over 20 years later, the festival has been named CCMA Country Music Event of the Year 5 times since 2011 which would indicate that the original promoters had a valid idea; Alberta is a great place for a country music festival. And Camrose is proud to be the city of choice!