Countdown To Kissel – Hamilton

The first major Canadian tour of 2017 will be underway beginning January 12th – Brett Kissel‘s Ice, Snow & 30 Below. Aptly named, The 19-date tour will cover 10 dates in Ontario, 1 in Quebec, 4 in Nova Scotia, 2 in New Brunswick and 2 in P.E.I.

Late last year, Kissel, a Juno Award winner, multi Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) award winner, and reigning CCMA Fan’s Choice and Male Artist of the Year, posted a contest on social media to vie for an opening spot at each venue. In mid-December, the lucky winners were announced. Since we here at Canadian Beats are familiar with many of the selected artists and bands, we thought we would give you a little background on who you are going to see.

Third stop on the tour is the Dofasco Centre for the Arts in Hamilton, Ontario, January 14th. This night will have not one, but two special opening acts; The Abrams and Ashlynne Vince.

In 2016, I was pleasantly reunited with John and James Abrams, after not seeing them for about three years. The Abrams are fourth generation musicians and, they have been creating and performing music for as long as they can both remember.

In 2014, they met Gavin Brown– the Juno award-winning and Grammy nominated producer (Billy Talent, Metric, Three Days Grace), who would produce their latest EP, that was 2-years in the making.

“Working with Gavin has really been about taking all the country, bluegrass and gospel music we grew up playing, and honing it into a sound that’s distinctly us,” notes John Abrams. “Country music is where we feel most comfortable as artists, and on this EP we’re embracing it differently than we have in the past. Although we’re still in our early twenties, we feel our music has never had so much youthful energy before. That’s why we’ve decided to call the EP simply The Abrams. It really does feel like a new beginning.”

The EP, released through Warner Music Canada, has charted two singles at radio – “Fine” and “Champion”. Their harmonies and instrumental abilities are phenomenal. They easily carry the energy from the EP to the stage, as you will truly get the chance to see at the Hamilton show.

With the release of “Champion”, The Abrams started a campaign #My ChampionIs. It’s a feel good promotion for people to share who their champion is. If you have someone that is your champion, why not submit a video or photo and talk about them?

Connect with The Abrams:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

Ashlynne Vince is breaking out into the Canadian Country Scene as an emerging Canadian Country artist dividing her time between Nashville, TN and her hometown of Welland, ON.

In 2015, while in Canada, Ashlynne had the opportunity to perform as direct support to Canadian Idol runner up, Jaydee Bixby, for his cross-Canada summer tour. She also opened for runner up of Britain’s Got Talent, Aliki, at the Scotiabank Centre in Niagara Falls, ON to a sold out crowd. When in Nashville, Ashlynne performs on rotation at the famous Tootsies Wild Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s and Honky Tonk Central mentoring under some of the most entertaining and successful musicians in North America. She also makes occasional guest appearances on the General Jackson Riverboat Cruise, The Bluebird Cafe, Legends, The Stage, and The Palace.

One of the highlights during the 2016 Festival Season in Ontario, was being chosen as a Spotlight Artist at the Trackside Music Festival, in London, Ontario, joining the stage with Florida Georgia Line, Randy Houser, Brett Kissel, and Jess Moskaluke to name a few.

Ashlynne released her brand new 6 song EP, Stupid Love, and her first national Canadian Country Radio Release, of the same name, in October 2016. It was produced by Dean Malton at Groundloop Studios (Deadmau5, EMI Canada).

https://www.facebook.com/ashlynnevincemusic/videos/1514447951915556/

Connect with Ashlynne Vince:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

Purchase tickets for this show here!

Feature Image: The Abrams
Photo Credit: Linda Heldman