WESTLOCK — Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys performed in Westlock Nov. 3 as the opening act in the Westlock Cultural Arts Society's 2023-2024 concert series.
Vaadeland, a self-taught singer/songwriter originally from Saskatchewan, performed a series of original songs accompanied by his bandmates: electric guitarist Joel Rohs, banjo player Jaxon Lalonde and bass player Stephen WIlliams.
The young singer has previously received four 2022 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, including Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Alternative Country Album of the year and Emerging Artist of the Year. His album Retro Man also finished No. 2 in fan voting for the Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2021.
According to the group's Facebook page, their single "I Ain't Going Back to Nashville" was recently added to the Sirius XM Top of the Country on Channel 171.
The next performer in the series will be singer/songwriter Andrew Allen, who is set to perform in Westlock on Friday, Nov. 24. Allen has been on the music scene for over a decade, having score five Top 10 hits in Canada from 2009 to 2016.
His benchmark single, "Loving You Tonight," got Allen signed with EPIC records and put him on tour with musicians like Bruno Mars, Train and the Barenaked Ladies.
After that, Alberta musician Travis Matthews will take the stage on Jan. 12, 2024, followed by jazz and classical singer Tina Hartt on Feb. 2.
Travis Dolter will play the last musical concert of the series on Feb. 23, but will be followed soon after by magician Chris Funk on March 6.
