Dean Brody and Paul Brandt joined forces for the largest Canadian Country Music cross Country Tour. With 22 stops starting out in Western Canada and finishing up in Dean Brody’s new home province of Nova Scotia. I tried to think of two better Canadian Artists that could pair up for such a tour and was not able to think of any. It was a mix of two great artists each with their own styles yet complimenting each other as well.
This is certainly a show, pure entertainment, great music from start to finish. The event took place at the Halifax’s largest stage, The Scotiabank Centre. The night began with PEI native Whitney Rose opening up after being introduced by FX 101.9 radio announcer Russell MacKenzie. I am starting to think Denyse Sibley and Russell MacKenzie never sleep. If they are not on air, they are in the community or hosting many country music events.
Next up was Canadian icon Paul Brandt taking the stage starting off the show with his new single “Open Road” too bad reigning Canadian Female Country Artist, Jess Moskaluke, was not present to help perform the song. Brandt played song after song, from his many hits over the years. Including his hit Convoy in which fans were treated to the biggest yellow rubber duck you have ever seen. Ernie from Sesame Street could not even fit this duck in Big Bird’s bath tub.
I am pleased this tour was called a co headlining tour. Fans were ecstatic with Paul’s performance and it sure felt like we were at his show. Yet the show was not over. Dean Brody would take the stage and perform his own show. Fans were treated to two full shows at one great price. This has been the year of country music for Maritimers with such events as CCMA Music Week, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and the many Country Acts that made appearances at Casino, Nova Scotia.
Dean played song after song as well keeping the audience entertained. Dean sure does know how to interact with the audience and does not shy away from the cameras in the pit. Taking time to make sure they capture some great photos. The only thing missing from this show was the official food of Halifax, the donair. Although I will not confirm or deny having one after the show.
Fans were treated to Dean’s collection of hits including Upside Down which won video of the year recently at the Canadian Country Music Awards. A song inspired by marihuana in which he announced he would not allow his daughter to listen to it until she was 21 years of age. Maybe this can be the official anthem of the Canada’s newest political party in power.
How can I forget about Dean Brody taking out a chainsaw and during his performance of Mountain Men and later chasing Paul Brandt off stage who was dressed up as a large squirrel. This showed contained it all. This tour is definitely tour of the year in my books and all staff involved in making it a great success, deserve a round of applause. One thing is for sure. Both Dean and Paul will need a break. They gave it their all each and every night.
All in all this was one the best shows I have been treated to and looking to many more. Halifax has proven to have a large country music fan base. Let’s hope many more artists decide to take their tours to Eastern Canada as well.