Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue: Best of the West Weekend preview part II

Randy and Rai Smith
C. Davis file photo

Janet Barkwith, Best of the West

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Great advice for brides, but event organisers have also taken this well-known motto to heart!

Something old: former bronc rider Ed Brown will be joined by Matt Robertson, Dusty Dee Litchfield (a winner of the old Gathering's Up 'n' Comer contest) Randy & Rae Smith, Mariya Stokes/Soetaert, Sid Marty and Jared Klok (another of the Gathering's Up 'n' Comer winners). All these are accomplished singer/songwriters enjoyed before at Pincher Creek. And never to be forgotten is local band Silver Saddles – rockin' and rollin' crowd-pleasers Noel Burles and Bob Davis.

Matt Hicken

Dr. Barry Heath will entertain again with his hilarious tales; Matt Hicken and his wry wit will also be the Open Mic host, and “Camel” Dave Howell is back again after his popular sets last year at the old Gathering. Returning too, is Morrie Goetjen. Welcome back you guys! Dusty and Mack are also event organising committee members, and emcees during the weekend. Oh – and Mack's another Up 'n' Comer winner. Returning as Evening Show emcee will be Bob Westrop, who surely needs no introduction in Pincher Creek!

Jim Green

Something new: lots of new Western talent coming Pincher Creek's way in June, from Cliff and Mary Caldwell to JohnPaul Smith of the Coal Creek Boys. On the way we have Mariel Buckley, her brother T (Tim) Buckley, Rod Gschaid, Jane Hawley, Matt Patershuk, and Bradley Tucker. Talented singer/songwriters to a man (and woman) all of whom will delight the audience with their fresh new music and different styles; and storyteller Jim Green is coming home to Pincher Creek from the Northwest Territories. A wonderful First Nations storyteller rounds off the list of newbies. Another of our emcees will be CKUA deejay Allison Brock, leaving her highly acclaimed Saturday morning programme Wide Cut Country to fend for itself that weekend!

Rod Shade

Something borrowed: our new layout has meant that two borrowed flat-deck trailers will form the stage in 2014, and something blue? Well, the sun will shine on Pincher Creek June 13th to 15th, bringing brilliant blue Alberta skies to Pincher Creek!

Related link:

www.bestofthewestweekend.com