Portage Industrial Exhibition Association, which is in its 140th year, has big news in store for those looking forward to taking in this summer’s line of entertainment.

Organizers are announcing Portage band Doc Walker will be returning to the fair as a headliner performer on Sat., July 7.

“It’s great,” said Ray Askin, who is head of the PIEA entertainment committee. “They actually approached us and wanted to come back to Portage because they hadn’t been here for a couple of years. They have a new CD out. So we are happy to have them.”

The band will be playing inside the PCU Centre for the event. Tickets can be purchased at the PCU Centre box office starting Monday. Prices for tickets are $30 to $35. Ticket prices include fair admission.

“I’m sure they will be playing their old favourites and some of their new stuff as well,” he said.

There will also be an opening act for the Doc Walker show also — Kevin Johnson from Langruth.

The midway will also see some entertainment during the Portage Ex.

There will be a young a cappella group from Calgary called Hoja will be performing during the exhibition.

“On Saturday and Sunday they will be on the midway stage,” said Askin.

The Portage Ex, which runs Sat., July 7 to Mon., July 9, will also have its usual fun activities such as the petting zoo and the horse show, and of course the excitement of the midway. There will also be an opportunity to take in all the 4-H activities as well as the 4-H Grand Champion steer sale, always a highlight of the fair.

abrown@cpheraldleader.com

Congratulations to our Open Road family, High Valley and Jason McCoy on their 2012 Juno nominations.

For a full list of 2012 Juno Award Nominees visit http://junoawards.ca/nominees-winners/

’16 & 1′ Track Listing

1. Are You With Me Tonight?
2. Baby, Do It Again
3. Never Letting Go
4. Where I Belong
5. Country Girl
6. Hard Act to Follow
7. Get Out of Denver
8. Do It Right
9. I Think I’ll Disappear Now
10. Tailgate Revolution

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EMC Entertainment – Havelock -Legends, chart-toppers, Grammy artists, Canadian Country Music Association award winners and some brilliant newcomers filled the stage last year at the 22nd annual Havelock Country Jamboree and there’s more on the way this summer with the return of Rita Coolidge, Thompson Square, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Canadian stars Doc Walker and Jason Blaine.

The Jamboree is continuing to build its entertainment list for this summer’s big four-day festival which includes former One Trick Pony lead singer Heidi Newfield who’s hot on the charts with the song Stay Up Late.

Also on their way to Havelock this August, with more performers to be announced, are Montgomery Gentry, Randy Montana, The Partland Brothers, acclaimed songwriter Becky Hobbs who has penned songs for luminaries like Loretta Lynn, Alabama and Glen Campbell, Leroy Van Dyke and up-and-coming Canadian duo The Stellas who caught the eye of Johnny Reid and opened for the singer during his last tour including a break-out show at Massey Hall.

And with best wishes to country music fans around the region the Jamboree is looking ahead to another musical party in 2012. Stay tuned for some big announcements.

This week, they discuss the changes over the years, including working with a massive hit songwriter in Nashville, a special cameo from CRASH TEST DUMMIES lead singer Brad Roberts, and managing their family life while on the road.

They wrap up the interview with a killer acoustic performance of their latest smash hit, “Do It Right”.

CISN Country:
http://www.cisnfm.com/Blogs/mikemcguire/Home.aspx

Country 105:
http://www.country105.com/VideoChannel/MikeMcGuire/Channel.aspx

iNews 880:
http://www.inews880.com/Blogs/mikemcguire/Home.aspx

Dave Wasyliw of Doc Walker was nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award for the Gomie single Everything Will Be Alright. The awards will be handed out in Toronto on Mar. 25, 2012.

Dave Wasyliw of Doc Walker was recently nominated for a 2012 Canadian Radio Music Award for his solo work as Gomie.

The single ‘Everything Will Be Alright’ was nominated in the country genre. The awards recognize new artists who have been introduced to Canadian radio.

“I think I was the last to know. One of Doc Walker’s managers actually called me or sent me a text congratulating me that I was nominated. Then I went and searched on the internet and found that I was,” said Wasyliw.

Wasyliw said the nod was a surprise.

“It was pretty unexpected I guess. The single that I’m nominated for did really well for me. That was another fantastic surprise,” said Wasyliw.

Fans can expect 2012 to be a busy year for Wasyliw with both Gomie and Doc Walker projects coming up.

“I’m writing right now for the next Doc Walker record and I’m also writing for the next Gomie recordings,” said Wasyliw. “I released two albums last year, one Gomie record and one Doc Walker record, and this year will be the same thing.”

The Canadian Radio Music Awards will be handed out in Toronto on Mar. 25, 2012.

Go to www.gomie.ca for more information.

Watch it online:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/canadalive/