The GRAND Finale of JRFM's 30th Birthday Bash! Night 3 of 3!!
Date/Time: Jul 3 2016, 9:00 pm to 0:00 am
Vancouver, The Roxy Cabaret
Doors open at 9!
Special performances by Blackjack Billy and Madeline Merlo
Get tickets for all 3 nights for only $25 at ticketzone.com! http://www.ticketzone.com/event/JRFM-30th-Anniversary-VIP-3-Day-Pass/328376
Blackjack Billy: Every band has their unique success formula, for Blackjack Billy it is their combination of talented songwriters, and a drummer with a gift for live performance which led to them to being called the “Rolling Stones of country music.” Often called one of the hardest working bands in the business; when Blackjack Billy takes the stage with their unique blend of Country and Rock, heads turn and people take notice.
After gaining widespread exposure thanks to their 2013 breakout hit “The Booze Cruise,” the grassroots heroes brought their trademark sound back with “Why God Made Summertime.” Now, they hope to show their fans a softer side with their new single “Night Light,” which proves they’re more than just a party band. They’ve shown they can rock an audience; “Night Light” shows their versatility and the gift for songwriting that brought them together in the first place.
The members of Blackjack Billy are as diverse as their sound; hailing from different parts of the country, each brings his unique background and influences to the table: Vocalist Noll Billings is from the boot-heel of Missouri, Jeff Coplan, a guitarist who also handles production duties is a New Yorker by way of Canada. Only drummer Brad Cummings was born and raised in Music City.
Noll Billings and Jeff Coplan moved to Nashville as songwriters and they were soon pulled towards one another in the town’s tight-knit music community. “Night Light” is a return to those songwriter roots. The session that birthed the track was sparked by Coplan’s desire to write a song for his five-year-old daughter, while Billings wanted a love song for his wife and the result is a tribute to their families that shows fans a different side of Blackjack Billy, both lyrically and musically.
The guys play close to 130 shows a year across the U.S. and Canada, and they treasure every Nashville homecoming. “I think everyone can relate to this in some way, whether you’re out on the road, serving in the military, or whatever it is that takes you away from the ones you love,” Billings says. “I want this song to speak to my wife and say, ‘As much as we’re gone, I’m always here. I’m always in love with you.’”
The guys of Blackjack Billy are involved in every step of creating new music. From writing the songs to producing their own record, playing their own instruments in the studio, and even driving their own bus to the hundreds of must-see live shows they perform every year, this self-sufficient band of brothers is sticking to the goals that brought them together in the first place, to write and perform the best country songs they can.
Madeline Merlo: Country music sweetheart Madeline Merlo has had a busy year since the release of her self-titled debut EP in July 2014. From CMT video premieres and BCCMA award nominations to performing for the troops, being featured in a new book and starring in a new movie, there isn't much the girl hasn't done!
Starring alongside Jana Kramer and Sophie Tweed-Simmons (daughter of Gene) in the upcoming film "Country Crush," Madeline Merlo will portray aspiring singer 'Nancy Taylor' who falls in love and learns from challenges along the way in her quest for stardom. Inspired by the Nashville scene and the genre as a whole, the maker's of "Country Crush" are incorporating songs from their roster of artists. 'Country Crush' will be shot this spring and is set for release in early 2016.
Madeline has also been featured in Sparkle: An Inspirational Handbook for Young Girls. Available on Amazon as of March 3, the book includes a series of interviews with successful female artists,entrepreneurs and public figures in British Columbia, Canada.
In January, Madeline was able to join Tim Hicks to travel and perform overseas for men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces. Part of 'Team Canada,' Madeline toured with a small group of Canadian ambassadors from the sports, music and entertainment industries to the HMCS (Her Majesty's Canadian Ship) Fredericton ported in Sicily, Italy and an operations base in Kuwait.
Madeline was blown away by the amount of bravery and humanity she witnessed. "The trip stirred my soul. Looking into the eyes of these brave soldiers for seven straight days was life changing. Their positivity and dedication to our country will stay with me for as long as I live."
A dedicated singer/songwriter early on, Madeline regularly performed at local venues during her high school years. "Mostly at coffee houses for just a few people," she says, "but I never cared how many people were there. I just wanted to sing for anyone who would listen and wanted to hear my music."
She got her break when "Sinking Like a Stone" was picked up by 93.7 JRfm in Vancouver, won 5 consecutive nights in their New Country Challenge and added to rotation. Suddenly, Merlo had the attention of major labels including RGK Entertainment/Open Road Recordings President Ron Kitchener. Once he came to see her play at Vancouver's Railway Club, "it was Madeline's voice that grabbed my attention," Kitchener said, "but after spending time with her I realized that with her confidence, talent and general approach to life, she's destined to go places and we're highly motivated to bring her music to the masses."
When this BC native was signed to RGK Management and Open Road Recordings in February 2013 it was a dream come true. "My father was a musician and I think it's in my DNA to be an artist," Merlo says. "I remember always knowing that was what I wanted to do. It's always been music for me.
The video for 'Sinking Like a Stone' later premiered on CMT Canada the video as part of a "Fresh Face" artist campaign, receiving a great response from country music radio. Both "Sinking Like A Stone" and her second single "Alive" ended up becoming retired champions of JRfm's New Country Challenge. The video for "Alive" was shot in Las Vegas by award-winning director John 'JP' Poliquin and has been popular on both country radio and CMT's music video charts. Following this success, Madeline was nominated for Female Artist of the Year and the Ray McCauley Horizon award at the 2014 BCCMA Awards.
Madeline Merlo has always had an eclectic taste, and in her music you'll hear the influence of classic country of artists like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, R&B greats Etta James and Billie Holiday and modern superstars such as Miranda Lambert. Regardless, Merlo has a style all her own, with chops, spirit and soul to spare, and a unique sound that sets her apart.
Be sure to stay tuned for more shows and music coming later this year…
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