Justin Schoening, guitarist Matty McKay, Taylor Deley, and Gord Bamford at the Pincher Creek Community Hall C. Davis photo |
Marilyn Bamford and Manager Kelly Resler C. Davis photo |
Prior to the show Bamford attended a meet-and-greet with some local fans and staff of the local ATB Financial. ATB sponsored this tour, in at least eight communities, with partnering from 4-H.
Tina Wilhelm (third from left), winner of Mountain Radio's "Meet Gord Bamford" contest C. Davis photo |
Gord Bamford with Little Miss Rodeo Pincher Creek Chelsea Stokke C. Davis photo |
ATB Financial sponsored the concert in partnership with 4-H C. Davis photo |
Local chanteuse Alyssa Barbero was once again asked to open for Bamford, having opened for him with Christina Folsom of Hillspring as part of a 'Why 4-H is Great Event" in Killam back in November. "I love working with Gord," said Barbero. "It was short notice, I had one week to prepare three songs, but I was excited." One of those songs didn't work with the program, so "I chose a different song." Barbero performed "The Angels Cried" "Do You Hear What I Hear", and "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music for an appreciative audience. Barbero is looking forward to relaxing over the Christmas season.
Opening act Alyssa Barbero C. Davis photo |
After a brief intermission, Bamford and his crack band took to the stage. The audience was treated to his rich baritone vocals, the smooth professionalism of his band and stage crew, and above all else, the songs. "New Baseball Glove", "Daddy's Beer", "My Daughters Father", "This Crazy Day Job", the hits just kept coming, delivered with an abundance of warmth and personality that demonstrated why the biggest entertainment company in the world saw fit to sign him.
Gord Bamford and band C. Davis photo |
Matty McKay |
Kerae Hendrix and Mark Branconnier |
Gord Bamford tells the crowd a story C. Davis photo |
Justin Schoening and Taylor Deley went home the happy owners of two new signed guitars C. Davis photo |
Bamford invited the kids in the audience to join him in a rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", which they did, somewhat nervously. It was appreciated that this Christmas concert included the kids in such a manner, and it's likely none of them will forget the experience.
The "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" gang C. Davis photo |
As a side note, the sound for this show was impeccable, and the lighting was brilliant.
At the conclusion of the concert, Bamford invited ATB's Wendy Sinclair and "The Gathering" mastermind Eileen McGlynn up to the stage, where McGlynn was presented with two cheques, one from the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation for $1000.00 and one from ATB Financial for $500.00, to go towards the 2012 Gathering in Pincher Creek.
The Gathering gets two big donations Gord Bamford, Wendy Sinclair, and Eileen McGlynn C. Davis photo |
The concession for the show was run by the Pincher Creek and District Ag Society, with the proceeds going towards The Gathering.
Bamford's Christmas tour concludes with one more show scheduled in Hussar, Alberta. That does not mean that he is slowing down. His new single "Is it Friday Yet?" will be released to radio on Tuesday, January 10. It's the title track of his new CD, which will be released in March at the beginning of Bamfords cross Canada tour, which will start in the east and head west.
Bamford is planning on going home for his Christmas holidays. "We have a big Christmas, with a big feast, and an annual hockey game. The whole family plays. Aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces, and now, our kids," he said, showing his paternal pride. "We play on the pond, we have done it there for years. He has a lot to go home to, and a lot to celebrate this Christmas. "It will be good to be home and get a break, it has been a busy year."
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