The headliners for this year’s Centerfield Music Festival have been announced, and Troubadour Event Management Keynon Ternovoy is excited to be able to bring some of Canada’s brightest country music stars to small town St. Paul.
The headliners for this year’s Centerfield Music Festival have been announced, and Troubadour Event Management Keynon Ternovoy is excited to be able to bring some of Canada’s brightest country music stars to small town St. Paul.
Kicking off the two-day music festival will be headliner Corb Lund. The Alberta singer/songwriter has released a total of nine albums and has received a number of awards over the years.
His most recent album release was in the fall of 2015, Things that can’t be Undone.
Joining Lund on Friday night will be fellow Canadian musician Madeline Merlo. Merlo received the 2015 Rising Star award from the Canadian Country Music Association and released her album Free Soul in April of 2016.
On Saturday night, another well-known name on the country music scene will take the stage - Gord Bamford. Bamford, who was also raised in Alberta, has countless awards to his name, and released his debut album in 2001. His album Country Junkie (2013) received a 2014 JUNO nomination for Country Album of the Year, along with receiving CCMA awards in 2015. He also has a new album, Neon Smoke, that was just released in 2018.
Also taking the stage Saturday night will be The James Barker Band, rounding off the all-Canadian lineup. The James Barker Band comes from Linsday, Ont., and formed in 2013.
The band released its album Game On in April of 2017, and most recently released the single Good Together, in 2018. The band is also nominated for two JUNO Awards in 2018 - Breakthrough Group of the Year, and Country Album of the Year.
When asked about this year’s headliners, Ternovoy says organizers listened to the feedback they received. It comes down to building a roster that appeals to the demographic, he says, “Which is very diverse and broad.&”
The aim is to put on a show that anyone can enjoy “whether you’re four or 74.&” It’s a balance between what’s hot and in demand, and also bringing something different to the festival - something that’s not being heard on the radio or iTunes.
While organizers aren’t ready to make an official announcement yet, Ternovoy says there will be some local talent featured at the festival.
“There’s so much talent out there, musically.&”
Ternovoy describes the overall show as one that will have “diverse but quality acts.&”
The idea of hosting a music festival in St. Paul began with the Brett Kissel Hometown Homecoming. The event in 2016 featured one day of music, with Kissel headlining the event.
In year two, Kissel returned to the stage as the headliner on the Saturday night.
When asked about Kissel’s obvious absence, Ternovoy noted that while there is “no Brett this year,&” that’s not to say Kissel won’t be back.
“Brett may not be back this year, but I’m sure he will be back again at some point,&” said Ternovoy, adding, “I’m sure you’ll see him again.&”
And as planning continues to move forward for the 2018 event, Ternovoy says he’s excited for what is to come, and to see the community embrace the festival.
“We’re excited to be back,&” he says, adding, there will be additions and improvements to this year’s festival. He notes that the community support show by the Town of St. Paul and also from local businesses has been “awesome.&”
“We can’t be more thankful for that, and excited for what’s going to be an amazing show in June.&”
Tickets for the June 15/16 event go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Early bird tickets will be $92.50 for the two-day event. Tickets can be purchased at Cornerstone Co-op Home Centre, and Kal Tire, in St. Paul. The event will take place at the Jaycee Ballpark.
