Ponoka Stampede’s Stagecoach Saloon’s Showdown Dance Hall will feature eight electric performances.
Brayden King (June 25 at 9:30 p.m.)
Hailing from Weyburn, Sask. and now representing Alberta, Brayden King vaulted his way to stardom after snapping up the ‘Golden Ticket’ on Season 21 of American Idol.
In 2023, he also released three singles that landed in the Top 100 on Canadian country radio.
The talented artist is described as something of a powerhouse poised at the intersection of rock and country, embracing the edgier side of the genre, according to his bio.
But there is no question about where he truly thrives: on the road. That’s where he’s a force, performing for audiences in more than 100 shows every year.
His performances have been described as a high-voltage, in-your-face party — a sonic experience that defines the term ‘energy.’
Whether he’s rocking festivals like Boots and Hearts and Country Thunder or tearing up bars and Honky Tonks, King brings the same non-stop energy to every stage.
Karli June (June 26 at 4:30 p.m.)
Canadian country singer-songwriter Karli June is certainly emerging as one of Canada’s standout country artists.
With a raw authenticity, she’s already garnered more than 2.2 million streams and video views to date.
June spent her earlier years on a farm in rural Listowel, Ont., where she worked on her vocal skills singing in her church choir and performing at several fairs and competitions.
Over the years, she has also shared the stage with a range of artists from Terri Clark, The Washboard Union, and Gord Bamford to Tebey, Brett Kissel, and Dierks Bentley.
She has also been featured at festivals such as the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Boots and Hearts, and Canadian Music Week.
All the while, she is excited to be performing for fans across the nation.
READ MORE: Ponoka Stampede: Big country music names providing headline entertainment
Travis Dolter (June 26 at 9:30 p.m.)
Raised on a farm in Alberta, Travis Dolter is a rising country artist who has caught the attention of audiences across western Canada.
He developed both his confidence and undeniable charisma on stage from a young age, performing with his family band.
It wasn’t long before folks started taking notice of his musical gifts.
He has performed at some of the biggest country venues and festivals across Alberta, including headlining theatre shows, playing at Ranchman’s in Calgary and Cook County Saloon in Edmonton.
His music has made the rounds across Canada and around the globe in such far-off lands as Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States.
No matter who is in the audience or how big it is, Dolter is always in his element, more than happy to share his positive outlook and spread joy through his music.
Martina Dawn (June 27 at 4:30 p.m.)
Martina Dawn is showing fans what talent is all about at the tender age of 15.
She has performed on several stages, including Calgary’s Country Thunder, the ACMA at CCMA Showcase stage, the Horizon Stage at Big Valley Jamboree, and the KDays Talent Competition, to name a few.
Audiences adore her natural and humorous personality on and off the stage, according to her bio.
And she’s comfortable pretty much anywhere; she can entertain large crowds with just her and her guitar but also likes to rock it out with a full band. Both formats come naturally to her as it’s clearly where she shines most brightly.
Olivia Rose (June 28 at 4:30 p.m.)
Olivia Rose puts her emotional truth into heartfelt songs that reflect her feelings, formative experiences, and treasured memories.
Growing up in Elk Point, Alta., Rose was surrounded by the classic tunes of legends like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, along with the more modern, cutting-edge influences of superstars Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift.
She’s also no stranger to landing some pretty impressive gigs.
Performing on the intermission stage for George Canyon led to opening slots for the likes of Paul Brandt, Brett Kissel, Johnny Reid, Tyler Joe Miller, and Meghan Patrick.
Honoured with a Rising Star nomination at the 2020 Country Music Alberta Awards, Rose has also won the Edmonton Music Awards’ Rising Star Award for two consecutive years, and a nomination for Country Recording of the Year in the 2019 EMAs.
According to her bio, Rose has found a means of connecting with fans through her charming nature and unabashed honesty and will continue to show the world what she has to offer with her music.
Hillside Outlaws (June 28 at 9:30 p.m. and June 29 at 4:30 p.m.)
This not-to-be-missed band continues to make its mark on the country circuit, releasing compelling, fresh music and shows no signs of slowing down.
Their song Beer is Essential has been a digital hit garnering over 200,000 streams across online platforms.
Another cut, Something Bout Summer, has made an impression across the country as a top downloaded radio and most active indie on multiple occasions since its release.
The song was also featured on the Casey Clarke Countdown as the ‘One to Watch.’
Local fans won’t want to miss seeing these guys perform live, as their shows have been described as jam-packed with high-octane, electric energy that will have audiences on the edge of their seats wanting more.
Donny Lee (June 29 at 11:30 p.m. and June 30 at 4:30 p.m.)
Donny Lee has been described as a down-to-earth entertainer.
The Canada/Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and performer has been tapping into his musical gifts since singing in the Carson City Band as a young adult.
He still strums and writes tunes with his wife Shauna on the ‘65 Gibson Hummingbird his father taught him to play.
There’s no doubt where his inspiration stems from, with roots running deep in the richness of country music.
His engaging, interactive performances are described as having the power to create memorable experiences for fans, and his solid reviews are a testament to that.
Tommy Charles (June 30 - Post main stage concert at 1:30 a.m.)
Another artist guaranteed to stir up an audience is none other than Tommy Charles, who has brought a classic touch melded with a soulful tone in his single, Last Country Bar.
The tune throws listeners back to a golden era while carrying sounds reminiscent of modern stars like Alan Jackson.
Born in the Montreal area and now calling the Nashville of the north (Calgary) home, Charles also appeared on the hit TV show The Voice.
His acclaim from the popular competition opened the door for him to build a growing and loyal fan base and to play for appreciative audiences across the country.
Charles’ shows are all about having an awesome and unforgettable time revelling in the very heart of country music.
Ponoka News is your source for all things Ponoka Stampede leading up to and during Stampede Week June 25 to July 1. Find more Ponoka Stampede stories here.