We’re getting closer to the most wonderful time of the year—August long weekend at the Big Valley Jamboree! And with Christmas coming fast, you might be wondering what to get all your friends and family, but the answer is easy. The gift of BVJ tickets already includes performances by long list of artists such as Thomas Rhett, Alabama, Florida Georgia Line, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Brett Eldredge, Jess Moskaluke, Billy Ray Cyrus, Aaron Goodvin, and Danny Hooper, but that list just got longer as we are pleased announce even more 2018 Big Valley Jamboree artists.
PAUL BRANDT is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history, and in 2017 he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame & Western Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. His 11 career albums have spawned hit singles, multiple Album of the Year awards, gold, platinum, and multi-platinum performances. Paul is also the most played Canadian Country artist on Country Radio in history and has had 26 top ten songs on Canadian Radio. In addition to his long list of musical rewards, he’s also received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee award, and numerous other national and regional humanitarian nods. Paul Brandt (Calgary, Alberta) will show us why he’s a country legend Friday, August 3rd on the BVJ Main Stage.
On the heels of his album, Lifted, earning critical acclaim, commercial success, and an armful of Juno and CCMA Award wins and nominations, DALLAS SMITH continues one of the most talked about journeys in Canadian country music with his latest album, Side Effects. The album showcases Smith’s incredible range and confirms this is an artist who knows which lane he wants to be in – pushing forward and soaring ahead. Armed with one of the best voices in Country music, Smith has amassed international appeal since making his country debut and received dozens of Juno, CCMA, and BCCMA awards and nominations. On Saturday, August 4th Dallas Smith (Langley, BC) will share that voice on the BVJ Main Stage.
With gritty, grizzled vocals, brazen songwriting talent, and a dynamic live show, LUKE COMBS stormed onto the country music landscape as a force to be reckoned with. In 2017, Combs earned nominations for CMT Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year, CMA Award New Artist of the Year and MusicRow Breakthrough Artist/Writer of the Year. After college at Appalachian State, Combs, a true road warrior, built his avid fan base, developing his trademark through delivering rowdy, hold-nothing-back shows. By 2014 he had an army of fans behind him, three self-released EPs and a set list full of songs that are true, authentic, and demonstrate his signature modern throwback sound. Luke Combs (Charlotte, North Carolina) will join the legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the Thursday Night Kickoff Party on August 2nd.
The life and career of hit singer-songwriter CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON has been a steady climb to the top, as she remains a staple in the country music industry nearly 20 years after setting out to pursue her dreams in Nashville. Over time, Johnson’s focus shifted back to what drew her to Nashville – her love and passion for songwriting. Johnson’s unique way of expressing words has made her a writer in town that aspiring newcomers hope to shape their own careers after. To date, Johnson has racked up 17 CCMA’s, including 5 times over, Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as being crowned the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist in 2002. On Friday, August 3rd Carolyn Dawn Johnson (Grande Prairie, AB) will share her passion on the BVJ Main Stage.
Tyler and Amanda of SMALL TOWN PISTOLS have been professional musicians half their lives. They formed Wilkinsons in 1997 with their father and released four studio albums before disbanding in the late 2000s. Tyler and Amanda came back together in 2012 to form Small Town Pistols and generated four hit singles on their self-titled debut, including “Living On The Outside”. Now they’re back with the follow-up, Pistology, an album that is personal and sometimes edgy, covering everything from parenthood and family values to vices and rivals. Small Town Pistols was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2014 Juno Awards and won Group of the Year at the 2014 CCMAs. Small Town Pistols will play the Main Stage on Sunday, August 5th.
EMERSON DRIVE has been a part of the country music scene since they signed their first record deal with DreamWorks Records Nashville in 2001. The band's first two singles, "I Should Be Sleeping" and "Fall Into Me," peaked in the top 5 on the Billboard charts and quickly became fan favorites but it was the career-changing song "Moments" that gave the band their first #1 single in the USA. Emerson Drive has been honored with awards and nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Canadian Country Music Association, CMT, Dove Awards, Grammy Awards, Inspirational Country Music Association, and the Juno Awards. Emerson Drive will keep the party rolling on Saturday, August 4th at the Coors Banquet Saloon.
AARON PRITCHETT’s authentic desire to connect with his fans, whether it be onstage, via his digital platforms, in person or through his music, has sustained and grown a robust and loyal fanbase for well over a decade. Pritchett has charted anthems like “Dirt Road In Em”, “Let’s Get Rowdy,” “Hold My Beer,” and also appealed to the softer side with powerful hits like “Done You Wrong,” and his recent top 5 smash, “When A Momma’s Boy Meets A Daddy’s Girl.” In 2017, Pritchett was welcomed back to the nomination circles with a Juno nomination for Country Album of the Year, as well as multiple CCMA Award nominations, including Male Artist of the Year. Aaron Pritchett will be playing his party anthems at the Coors Banquet Saloon on Friday, August 3rd.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, LEAVING THOMAS is made up of singer/songwriters Annika Odegard and Bryton Udy. This energetic duo has a captivating stage presence that is truly one of a kind. With their digital debut launch, Leaving Thomas is picking up momentum with no sign of slowing down. Leaving Thomas will play on the BVJ Main Stage Friday, August 3rd.
From small town Standard, Alberta to Nashville, DREW GREGORY knows every step of the road from obscurity to stardom. His first recording was an EP for his Mother’s Christmas gift in 2009, and his latest, I Was There, earned him the 2016 ACMA Album of the Year award and the Male Artist award at the inaugural 2016 YYC awards. Despite a burgeoning career, Gregory remains firmly rooted in the community he was raised in. He remains an active member of the local Ag Society, local hockey and baseball team, and continues to assist on the family farm. See Drew Gregory at the Coors Banquet Saloon on Friday, August 3rd.
NICE HORSE is what happens when four bold, brilliant and badass women get together to raise a little hell—and play a little music at the same time. Alberta natives Kaley, Katie, Brandi, and Krista are out to turn the tables on the country music world and show the guys that they can rock—and party—just has hard. The growing buzz surrounding Nice Horse led them to be named a CMT Fresh Face Feature Artist, accompanied by a world premiere of the video for “Pony Up.” The genuine bond the ladies share comes across even stronger in the video, which also showcases their high-energy live show. The bottom line? If you’re looking for a good time, then Nice Horse is more than willing to take you along for the ride! Nice Horse will open on the Coors Banquet Saloon on Saturday, August 4th.
Tickets and camping are on sale now! Prices increase after January 31st!