Arts
Meet the artists & win tickets to BVJ 2018! Contest ends July 20th
The Big Valley Jamboree is getting closer and closer and you do not want to miss out!
**THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!**
You’ll be entered to win:
Whether you’ve been heading to BVJ for years or are planning to make 2018 your first-ever trip to Camrose, Alberta for the party of the year, you have to remember three words: ‘Country for Everyone!
So set aside August long weekend (August 2nd to 5th), round up friends and family and make a plan!
Here’s a look at some of this year’s headliners!
Thursday (Kickoff Party):
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Celebrating their Golden (50th) Anniversary together, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music, continues to add to their legendary status.With multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top ten hits such as “Fishin’ In The Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles”, multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, the band’s accolades continue to accumulate.
Today, NGDB (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, John McEuen) continue their non-stop touring in their 50th year together. Recent tour stops included Stagecoach, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and many more. The plans for their 50th Anniversary will be extensive! On September 14th, 2015 they played to a Sold out Crowd at The Historic Ryman Auditorium with some close friends to film a 50th Anniversary Special to air on PBS starting March of 2016.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Thursday, August 2, 2018
Location: Coors Banquet Saloon
Time: 9:30 pm
Luke Combs
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, country singer/songwriter Luke Combs took joy in singing from a young age. During his high school years, Combs split his time between football and singing in local vocal groups, eventually picking up the guitar while attending college at Appalachian State. Taking inspiration from some of country’s leading men like Tim Mcgraw and Luke Bryan, he began writing songs and soon released a pair of EPs in 2014. In 2015, his single “Hurricane” reached the Top Ten on iTunes’ country chart and he quickly followed up with his third EP, This One’s for You, later that year. Over the course of 2016, “Hurricane” continued to gain steam, winding up at number one on Billboard’s Country Airplay charts in May of 2017. The single’s success led to Combs signing with Riverhouse/Columbia Nashville, which released his full-length debut, also called This One’s for You.
Luke Combs BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Thursday, August 2, 2018
Location: Coors Banquet Saloon
Time: 11:00 pm
Friday:
Billy Ray Cyrus
Throughout the course of nearly three decades, Billy Ray Cyrus has achieved international success as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and philanthropist. He has sold millions of albums, charted 35 singles, 16 of which are Top 40 hits and continues to receive critical acclaim as an actor, writer, and executive producer in film and television.
Billy Ray Cyrus BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Friday, August 3, 2018
Location: Mainstage
Time: 5:00 pm
Paul Brandt
Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history. His 1996 debut RIAA certified Gold album Calm Before the Storm went on to sell one million albums internationally, propelled by the #1 single and wedding classic “I Do”. Stateside, his #5 and #1 charting songs “My Heart Has A History”, and “I Do” were the first to chart by a male Canadian Country artist on the US Billboard Top 20 since 1976. His 11 career albums have spawned hit singles, multiple Album of the Year awards, gold, platinum, and multi-platinum performances. According to Nielsen BDS, of the top 25 Canadian Country songs, 6 were released by Paul Brandt, and his song “My Heart Has a History” is the most played Canadian Country song since the chart began. Paul is also the most played Canadian Country artist on Country Radio in history (Nielsen BDS). He has had 26 top ten songs at Canadian Radio.
Paul Brandt BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Friday, August 3, 2018
Location: Main Stage
Time: 7:30
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett is an American country music singer and songwriter who has released three studio albums for Big Machine Records.Thomas Rhett scored his first No. one hit in 2013 with “It Goes Like This,” introducing a sound that mixed the southern swagger of county music with pop hooks, R&B grooves, soulful strut, and the anything-goes attitude of rock. During the years since, he’s become a husband. A father, too. And, thanks to eight chart-topping singles, a headliner of massive arenas. It’s funny how life can change so much in such a short period of time.
Thomas Rhett BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Friday August 3, 2018
Location: Mainstage
Time: 9:00pm
Saturday
Emerson Drive
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/or nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Canadian Country Music Association, CMT, Dove Awards, Grammy Awards, Inspirational Country Music Association, Juno Awards, Music Row Magazine and Campus Activities Magazine. The band has toured with Toby Keith, Shania Twain and Big & Rich among other artists.
Emerson Drive BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Location: Coors Banquet Saloon
Time: 12:00 am
Jess Moskaluke
Growing up listening to, and falling in love with country music, Jess Moskaluke (MDM Recordings Inc. / Universal Music Canada) adored the greats, from Terri Clark and Carolyn Dawn Johnson to her idol, Shania Twain. Today, she is amazed at the road she now travels. Acclaimed as the first Canadian female country artist to have a song in the Top 5 since 2008 (Drive Me Away – #3), and the first female Canadian country artist since [her childhood idol] Shania Twain to achieve PLATINUM single status (with her hit track “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes”), Moskaluke continues to dazzle the Canadian country music world achieving not one, but three Top 10 hits with her respective singles, “Kiss Me Quiet”, “Take Me Home” and “Drive Me Away”. In 2016, Moskaluke had the #1 Most Played Song (“Take Me Home”) at Canadian Country Radio and was the top spun Canadian female artist for the second year in a row.
Jess Moskaluke BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Location: Mainstage
Time: 5:00 pm
Dallas Smith
Platinum selling Country star DALLAS SMITH “has blazed a path across genres in Canadian music” (CBCMusic) for nearly two decades and fans continue to prove they’ll follow him wherever he wants to go. On the heels of a career album (Lifted) earning critical acclaim, commercial success including a multi-week #1 single and an armful of JUNO and CCMA Award wins and nominations, Smith continues one of the most talked about journeys in Canadian country music with the latest marker, his fourth #1 single “SKY STAYS THIS BLUE” from the 2017 JUNO Award nominated and CCMA Awards Album of the Year release “SIDE EFFECTS” (604 Records) released last September (2016).
Dallas Smith BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Location: Main Stage
Time: 7:30
Alabama
It took Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook six long years of tip jars and word of mouth to earn the major label deal they’d been dreaming of, but then seemingly no time at all to change the face of country music. ALABAMA is the band that changed everything. They reeled off 21 straight #1 singles, a record that will probably never be equaled in any genre. They brought youthful energy, sex appeal and a rocking edge that broadened country’s audience and opened the door to self-contained bands from then on, and they undertook a journey that led, 73 million albums later, to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some of the bands songs are among the most memorable in country history.
Alabama BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Saturday August 4, 2018
Location: Mainstage
Time: 9:00 pm
Sunday:
Brett Eldredge
Brett Eldredge is an American country music singer who grew up in Paris, Illinois. His parents bought him a guitar when he was young and by age 15, he was a performer in high demand for local functions. After he finished college, Brett moved to Nashville, relearning the guitar and becoming a singer-songwriter. When Brett broke out on his own, his first three singles charted, with his third, “Don’t Ya,” reached the Top 20 of the Hot Country Songs. The song reached the No.1 spot on the Country Airplay charts in Aug. 2013, the same month he released his debut, “Bring You Back. Brett’s rising success in the music world has led him to tour with some big names. He was on the Red Tour with Taylor Swift in 2013, the 2014 Painkiller Tour with Little Big Town and, in 2015, he joined Darius Rucker for the Southern Style Tour. That year, he co-headlined the Suits & Boots Tour with Thomas Rhett.
Brett Eldredge BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Sunday, August 5, 2018
Location: Main Stage
Time: 7:30 pm
Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line came out of nowhere in 2012 to become the biggest country group of the new decade. The vehicle of their success was “Cruise,” a slick, shimmering ode to the wide-open road that became an unkillable crossover hit in 2013 and, eventually, the biggest country single of all time. After “Cruise” broke through on its own merits, reaching 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, its life was extended thanks to a remix featuring rapper Nelly. This unexpected collaboration pushed the single all the way to number four on the Hot 100, but at that point it was clear that the appeal of “Cruise” lay in Florida Georgia Line’s unabashedly polished pop perspective. Unlike some fellow contemporary country bros, the duo of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard were bright, sunny, and friendly, qualities showcased on subsequent hits “Get Your Shine On” and “Round Here.” Florida Georgia Line stayed on the top of the charts with 2014’s “Anything Goes” and 2016’s “Dig Your Roots”.
Florida Georgia Line BVJ Performance Information:
Date: Sunday, August 5, 2018
Location: Main Stage
Time: 9:00pm
Again, here’s your chance to win your way in!
Just send an email to [email protected] with ‘Todayville BVJ Contest’ in the subject line. Could it be more easy?!
You’ll be entered to win:
Alberta
Francesco Ventriglia Praises Alberta Ballet and Konstantin Ishkhanov as A Thousand Tales is Set for Dubai Launch
This coming April 2025, Canada’s Alberta Ballet, one of the nation’s most celebrated dance companies, will be setting out on their first ever tour to Dubai, UAE carrying the flag for Canadian art all the way to the Middle East as they prepare to bring a new production of the lauded contemporary ballet, A Thousand Tales, to the stage of Dubai Opera!
Led by the internationally renowned Francesco Ventriglia, their Artistic Director since 2023, the troupe shall be presenting a restaging of a show that was premiered by Ventriglia himself back in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim. A visually stunning and spellbinding production, A Thousand Tales combines the magic of beloved childhood fairy tales with the grandeur of classical ballet, presenting an original narrative inspired by iconic stories such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Aladdin, Puss in Boots, and The Three Musketeers, amongst others.
Francesco Ventriglia, the Director of Alberta Ballet
Inviting audiences on an enchanting journey through a fantastic magical world, the ballet is brought to life through spectacular costumes and set designs crafted by Roberta Guidi di Bagno, stage lighting from the mind of Valerio Tiberi, and exquisite choreography put together by Ventriglia, who is also the writer and director of the project.
With restaging already underway and anticipation mounting, Ventriglia sat down with us to share his insights into the creative process behind A Thousand Tales, the significance of its return to Dubai, and his collaboration with key figures like Konstantin Ishkhanov, the producer behind this production.
Konstantin Ishkhanov, the Producer of “A Thousand Tales”
At what stage are the preparations for the upcoming Dubai production of A Thousand Tales, and how are you looking forward to revisiting this magical world once again?
“Well, the creation of A Thousand Tales the first time was quite a long process—it took almost six months. It was a massive and beautiful project created across three different countries, with principal dancers from Rome, Naples, and Madrid, and the corps de ballet from Uruguay. This time is different. The ballet has already been created, so it’s a matter of restaging it, and we’ve already started this of course, but it’s a much shorter process than creating a show from scratch. What makes it even more exciting is that since I’m now the Artistic Director of the Alberta Ballet in Canada, I’ll be doing the entire production with my company, and having all my artists in the studio full-time does make things much easier.”
Are you planning any significant changes to the original production?
“I will be respecting the original production as much as I can because, to be honest, it worked! The audience loved it, and it was a success. Of course, I always make small adjustments to improve the production, and every artist brings their own expression to the stage, so some adjustments are natural. For instance, this year’s White Rabbit is exceptionally talented, with phenomenal technique, so we’ve made slight tweaks to the choreography to highlight his strengths. But overall, there won’t be any major changes.”
Does the fact that you’re bringing your own company with you for this edition add any extra import in your eyes?
“Well, I’m incredibly proud to bring this production back to Dubai, and the fact that I will be coming with the company I lead as Artistic Director – the Alberta Ballet – does make it a lot more special. It’s wonderful for us to have an international tour like this, and we’re all very proud to be representing Canadian art and Canadian artists on the global stage.”
Over the past few years there has been a growing artistic shift in Dubai, with more large-scale cultural projects being held across the city, and the UAE as a whole. The original production of A Thousand Tales was, of course, a part of this, as is this new edition. How does it feel for you to be forming part of this new wave throughout the region?
“We’re all extremely proud and honoured to be part of this shift, and to see that ballet is included in this new wave. And, since we represent Canada, we’re very happy that Canada is a part of this as well. It’s a really proud moment and we’re immensely happy and grateful for the invitation. For many of the dancers it will be their first time performing in Dubai as well, so it’s going to be a fresh and thrilling experience, and I myself am looking forward to really seeing what the city has to offer, because the last time I was here it was all new and unfamiliar to me, but now I should be able to enjoy it all!”
Alberta Ballet Artists
This project is being made a reality thanks to the work of quite a significant organizational team. How has your collaboration been with them so far?
“Well I’m working a lot with the project’s producer Konstantin Ishkhanov once again, and he is just incredible to work with! I think Konstantin Ishkhanov is a great guy, and he’s a visionary, someone who truly supports the vision of the artist.
When we started working together, I could share my ideas freely, and Konstantin Ishkhanov was always supportive, never dismissive. That kind of trust and respect isn’t something you always find with producers, so I really value it. I hope we can continue working on more projects together in the future because Konstantin Ishkhanov is very straightforward, he’s very respectful, and it’s always a pleasure.”
What are you hoping that audiences will take away from this production?
“I hope audiences can fully enjoy the journey. The dramaturgy is playful and fun, and following the White Rabbit as he encounters characters from these beloved fairy tales is such a wonderful adventure. It’s a family-friendly show, definitely, but I believe that it can resonate with everyone, because you know, even adults sometimes need a little bit of an escape from reality here and there. Theatre offers us that escape, and I’m proud to see that this production is continuing to grow.”
Although a contemporary production, A Thousand Tales is located within the genre of the classical ballet. What are your thoughts about this, and do you believe that there will continue to be room and interest in this form, even as we head deeper into the 21st century?
“Yes, absolutely! Classical ballet will never die, I truly believe this. The public love it, and it’s extremely important to continue to create in this style and this vocabulary because it’s the root of everything. Without classical ballet, we will not have contemporary new creations. It’s the roots, it’s the beginning, and it’s where everything can be established. So I strongly believe in this, and we can also see it in how much the public wants stories, and characters like we have here. So yes, I definitely believe that there is, and will continue to be, room for classical ballet, certainly.”
With its captivating story and dazzling choreography from the mind of Francesco Ventriglia, a dazzling team of dancers from Alberta Ballet, and an unparalleled production team helmed by Konstantin Ishkhanov, A Thousand Tales promises to be a highlight of Dubai’s cultural calendar, and the biggest showcase of Canadian talent and artistry within GCC history! Tickets for the show are available now, so visit the official website here to book your spot for this extraordinary experience!
Article contributed by “A Thousand Tales” Press Office
Quick Hit:
President Trump has appointed Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson as “special envoys” to Hollywood, aiming to restore a “Golden Age” and challenge the industry’s entrenched liberal bias. According to RealClearPolitics’ Ethan Watson, the move highlights the necessity of reclaiming cultural institutions from leftist control.
Key Details:
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Trump’s Truth Social post described the trio as his “eyes and ears” in Hollywood, advising on business and social policy.
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Hollywood’s leftist dominance, as seen in Disney’s political agenda and the cancellation of Gina Carano, has alienated conservatives.
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Watson argues that Trump understands “politics is downstream from culture” and that influencing Hollywood is vital to shaping American values.
Diving Deeper:
President Trump’s latest move to reshape Hollywood has the entertainment industry buzzing. By appointing Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson as his “special envoys” to Tinseltown, Trump is signaling that conservatives no longer need to cede cultural institutions to the left. As RealClearPolitics’ Ethan Watson writes, “Donald Trump understands something many right-wingers haven’t for a long time: It’s time to take back institutions.”
Trump, who has long criticized Hollywood’s liberal slant, sees the entertainment industry as a battleground for shaping public opinion. “Although studies have shown that many Americans, particularly younger people, are unaware of the biggest news story of the day, nearly all of them consume media produced by Hollywood,” Watson notes. This cultural dominance, Watson argues, has been exploited to push a left-wing agenda, alienating conservative voices.
The case of Gina Carano exemplifies Hollywood’s intolerance toward dissent, Watson writes. The former “Mandalorian” star was fired by Disney in 2021 after posting a historical comparison on social media. “In truth, her cancellation was most likely due to her mocking pronoun virtue signaling and COVID-19 precautions that were essentially an entrance fee into the upper echelons of Hollywood,” Watson states. The politicization of entertainment didn’t stop there—Disney executive Latoya Raveneau openly admitted to inserting a “not-at-all-secret gay agenda” into children’s programming.
Watson pushes back against the idea that conservatives should simply “build their own” Hollywood, arguing that the industry is too integral to American culture to be abandoned. “Casting it aside would be like trying to create an alternative to Mount Rushmore or baseball – it’s irreplaceable,” he writes. Trump’s decision to highlight conservative-friendly stars like Stallone, Voight, and Gibson sends a powerful message: conservatives in Hollywood no longer have to stay silent.
Trump’s envoys are a step toward restoring balance in an industry that has become a one-party echo chamber. “Hollywood, along with social media, has become the ‘town square,’ the medium by which Americans share ideas,” Watson explains. With leftist cancel culture stifling dissent, Trump’s initiative is not just about entertainment—it’s about ensuring freedom of expression in America’s most influential industry.
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