Country stars take in Saskatoon ahead of CCMA awards

There’s no telling what can happen when country artists come to play in the city.

Saskatoon is hosting Country Music Week – ahead of the 2017 Canadian Country Music Association Awards Sunday – and already dozens of Canada’s best acts are taking in the Bridge City.

“It’s beautiful here. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem that a lot of people don’t get to see,” said Vancouver artist Chris Buck.

Musician Ty Baynton said he’s had déjà vu all week. The Ontario solo act told 650 CKOM he’s having fun remembering all the venues – and the restaurants – he enjoyed when the CCMAs were last in Saskatoon five years ago.

“The thing I love about Saskatoon is that every single restaurant here is amazing. I have not found a place where the food has not been incredible in,” he said. “The Rook and Raven – I remember that from the last time I was here.”

Baynton said Saskatoon is a great host city for the CCMA events, as all the venues are close and people come out to appreciate the music.

“The fans have been great. Every time we come out when we’re doing showcases and shows, it’s usually packed in the venue,” he said, before noting the most memorable performances of the CCMAs often happen out of the blue – and out of the public eye.

“We always wind up in someone’s hotel room at the end of the night, and normally get a noise complaint at three or four in the morning,” he said laughing.

Most of the CCMA acts are staying at the Delta Bessborough this weekend and for some, the iconic hotel will be a spooky reminder of Country Music Week.

“Apparently the Delta is haunted so, you know, that’s a good way to sleep at night,” said singer-songwriter Krissy Feniak. “They said, ‘It’s okay though, it’s only the third floor.’ And of course I’m staying on the third floor.”

Most of the musicians who spoke with 650 CKOM said they’re hoping to get some time on the Meewasin trails before leaving Monday.

New duo Abby Stewart and Beamer Wigley are taking in their first CCMA awards together. The teenage couple live apart – Stewart in Kingston, Ont. and Wigley in Penticton, B.C. – and are planning a date in downtown Saskatoon.

Okay these 2 are adorable. Abby & Beamer met at last year's CCMAs, and are now a long-distance duo. They're planning a date in #yxe pic.twitter.com/mWRGq0alPu

— Daniella Ponticelli (@Ms_dponticelli) September 8, 2017

Meanwhile Brandi Caroline, with Alberta group Nice Horse, has family in the Bridge City and makes an important stop each time she’s in town.

“I go down to Village Guitars. They let me play and sit in there – this city has so much to offer musicians,” she said.

New album from @nicehorsemusic who are taking in their 2nd @theCCMAs! #yxe pic.twitter.com/U9CInKQ9id

— Daniella Ponticelli (@Ms_dponticelli) September 8, 2017

For Ches Anthony, Country Music Week is a homecoming.

The Saskatoon musician was invited to join Ontario group Cold Creek County about eight months ago, after his now-bandmates saw a YouTube video of him singing Tennessee Whiskey.

Anthony said he’s looking forward to meeting fans and playing at the free CCMA Fanfest Saturday at Prairieland Park.

“It’s going to be good to see a lot of my friends, and I have some family out,” Anthony said, adding his brother and parents will be watching the show at SaskTel Centre Sunday.

Some of the boys of @coldcreekcounty. It's a homecoming for Chess Anyhony (middle) from #yxe, his family will be at @theCCMAs Sunday. pic.twitter.com/lUotMSIsSe

— Daniella Ponticelli (@Ms_dponticelli) September 8, 2017

Meanwhile, Canadian country icon Gord Bamford is making all efforts to take in this week’s CCMA events.

He was in Saskatoon Thursday, spoke with media Friday morning and then hopped on a flight to play a show in Oshawa that night. He returns first thing Saturday for Fanfest.

“I’m a big fan myself,” he said. “Canadian country music now is as strong as any in the world. It keeps a guy like me on my toes to make good music.”

Before taking off, Bamford told 650 CKOM about his connection to Saskatchewan.

“My wife’s a Saskatchewan girl so we know how great it is to be in Saskatchewan and the fans here are unbelievable,” he said. “Those Saskatchewan girls, they keep you grounded.”

Country Music Week continues through to Sunday, culminating with the nationally-televised CCMA awards show starting 5 p.m. at SaskTel Centre.