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THURSDAY,
APRIL 21, 2005
Serving the Bow Valley - ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK
Country’s
Canyon heads for Sunshine
DAVE STOBBE – REPORTER
In
the swirl of instant Reality TV celebrities, George Canyon has
seemingly risen from nowhere as a country music star, but to
call it an instant success would be sorely mistaken.
After
nearly a decade and a half of struggling to be a successful
country music singer, Canyon placed second in the popular American
Idol-like talent show Nashville Star, a reward for years of
hard work and sacrifice.
“My
wife has sacrificed a whole lot for me to have this success.
It’s been going on for 14 years, struggling up and down
hills trying to get ahead,” said Canyon from his home
south of Calgary, adding with excitement, “Boom! In the
last year all this happened.”
And
things have changed. The 34-year-old Nova Scotia native was
signed with Universal South and a management deal with Garth
Brooks’ manager. His latest record One Good Friend won
a Juno award and has picked up several other awards and accolades
from critics and fans.
After
such a lengthy struggle turning into a whirlwind success, there
are some things that still leave the singer feeling like he
is in a bit of a dizzying dream.
“Most
days I wake up and don’t know where I am at, mainly because
I am all over the place,” said Canyon, who keeps an extremely
busy calendar of performances.
While
playing at the Grand Ole Opry is beyond the dreams of most country
singers, Canyon has not only played there but will be playing
there again after his upcoming Sunshine Village concerts.
Yet
he’s still amazed at even the smaller achievements. Having
skied previously at the ski hill and heard bands play on the
outdoor stage, he said he never expected he would be doing a
show there.
Canyon
and his band will be playing there for two days (April 22-23),
a show he said everyone is very excited about, a chance to breathe
“good fresh Alberta air.”
He
is also looking forward to making some turns with his six-year-old
son, a part of his life that he said is of top importance to
him.
The
country singer said there are three things that inspire him
and keep him going: “My faith, my family, and my music.”
This
summer his family will also be able to travel with him. “I
am really shocked that I have been blessed this way. I thank
the Lord every day for what He has given me.”
It
is the first time a country singer has performed at the hill
and Sunshine spokesperson John Ross said he is excited about
the show. He said the show is in response from riders who wanted
a country singer and the hill wanting to support a Canadian
artist.
The
weather forecast looks great for the first outdoor show of the
year for Sunshine Village. The two concerts are free, however
you will need a lift ticket or a gondola pass to see them.
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