It is an embarrassment of riches for live music lovers in Lethbridge this week.
This week I’ve been lucky to talk to musicians playing any and all manners of country music including modern, reality TV powered talent like Jaydee Bixby, Nashville pop country like 
Carolyn Dawn Johnson and roots country stalwart Fred Eaglesmith, plus hungry up and coming country folk musicians like Sweet Alibi, who all play Lethbridge this week. It is going to require some tough choices. It has been an interesting week talking to people playing more or less the same genre of music, but making names for themselves by adding their own unique twist to it. But I was almost moved to tears at how down to earth and friendly each of them were. Fred Eaglesmith called a little late and was in a bit of a hurry but convivially thanked me for doing the interview.
And Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who penned the Chely Wright hit “Single White Female,” which I used to cover in a country band which I played bass for back in the day, called early and talked my ear off for a good half hour. And Jaydee Bixby is always personable, being excited this time about playing for Ronald McDonald House at Essies, April 19. All of them, even the road wearied Fred Eaglesmith can barely contain their child-like enthusiasm for being able to play music for a living in an increasingly difficult business.
Sweet Alibi are yet another folk/ country/ trio of females with gorgeous voices to sprout out of the fertile Winnipeg music scene.
The trio, Jessica Rae Ayre, Amber Neilsen and Michelle Anderson, formed in 2009 and are coming to Lethbridge for the first time to play the Slice, April 18. So if you like groups like the Be Good Tanyas, Oh My Darling and Jill Barber you will enjoy Sweet Alibi.
There will be a five dollar cover for the show.
Jaydee Bixby is best known for Canadian Idol, but he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. So he will be playing a special fundraiser or the Ronald McDonald House, April 18 at Essies.
Tickets for the fundraiser cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door with all proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House.
It’s all about working with good people for Grande Prairie born, Nashville based country/ pop singer Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who comes to Lethbridge April 21 to open for the sold out Lethbridge show for Johnny Reid’s “ Fire It Up, Let Love Live Again Tour, April 21 at the Enmax Centre.
And for people who love the roots and country music, Canadian icon Fred Eaglesmith returns to Lethbridge to play the Slice, April 21.
The long standing Canadian folk/ roots/ country musician, who released his first album in 1980, remains stubbornly independent and is gaining increased popularity all over the world. While he is best known for writing grass roots anthems about trains, truckers, jilted lovers and pretty much anybody living on the fringes, he isn’t afraid to experiment. He was on a bluegrass kick a few years ago, then went in a more gospel direction, then went Caribbean. He appeared on the David Letterman show dressed like a circus ringmaster, but on his latest CD “6 Volts” goes back to his country roots.
The show begins at 8 p.m., April 21 at the Slice. Tickets are $20. Tif Ginn and Bill Passalacqua will also be performing.
Many of the big shows this week take place on Thursday, April 19 including the aforementioned Jaydee Bixby fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House.
The other big event of the week is also April 19 at Average Joes when Canadian classic rockers Prism return to bring a bevy of hits like Spaceship Superstar, Take Me To The Kaptin, See Forever Eyes,” and much more. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door for the show which begins at 9 p.m.
Also on April 19, Winnipeg based bluesman Rambling Dan Frechette returns to the Slice. He is touring in support of his hot new CD “Nothing to Lose But the Blues.” I kicked myself after missing his last appearance here especially after playing a couple great tracks off the CD on my Saturday night blues show on CKXU.
The Lethbridge Folk Club also has a big show on April 21. Vancouver based folk/ roots/ bluegrass trio Willy Blizzard, including John Hough, returns to Lethbridge to play a gig with the Lethbridge Folk Club in the Wolf’s Den. Jean Greer McCarthy opens the show at 8 p.m. sharp. Tickets cost $20 for members, $25 for non -members.
And people who love jazz music, particularly trombone music have a great week ahead of them with The Lethbridge Trombone Festival happening April 19-21. Events take place at Long and McQuade, The Gate and University of Lethbridge. Everything culminates at 7 p.m. April 21 at McKillop United Church for a trombone choir concert which all participants are able to be part of.
Thanks to generous sponsors all events are free to attend.
On April 20 , Lethbriedge rock band release their brand new CD at the Slice, with special gursts Hunger Hush
Last, but not least, The Black Tomato Lounge on the West side celebrates their year anniversary with live music. There will be a big jam session with 10 local musicians on Wednesday, April 18. Another 10 will be playing on Friday, April 20 and Lethbridge bluesmen Paul Kype and Greg Gomola finish off the week at the Black Tomato, April 21. There is no cover to attend.
The Owl Acoustic Lounge brings in James Lamb on April 20 and Lethbridge rock band Planet Telex return April 21
Tonight, April 17, Toques and Beards host the jam at the Slice. Tickets are eight dollars in advance, $10 at the door.
