2022 Performers

JESSI ALEXANDER

Nashville – Award-winning Songwriter. Hits include The Climb (Miley Cyrus) and I Drive Your Truck (Lee Brice)

Established Singer/ Songwriter, Jessi Alexander, is the writer of some the chart topping hits on country radio. Alexander has penned five #1’s including “I Drive Your Truck” recorded by Lee Brice which won Song of the Year from the 2013 CMA Awards, 2014 ACM Awards, and 2013 NSAI Awards. Additional #1’s which include Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It”.

JESSI ALEXANDER

Established Singer/ Songwriter, Jessi Alexander, is the writer of some the chart topping hits on country radio. Alexander has penned five #1’s including “I Drive Your Truck” recorded by Lee Brice which won Song of the Year from the 2013 CMA Awards, 2014 ACM Awards, and 2013 NSAI Awards. Additional #1’s which include Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It”.

Alexander’s career skyrocketed with her song “The Climb”. Miley Cyrus recorded the song and it soon became the anthem for her box office hit “The Hannah Montana Movie” and won the 2009 MTV Movie Awards ‘Best Song From A Movie’.

In June 2020 she celebrated a #1 with Scotty McCreery’s “In Between” with co-writers Scotty McCreary, Frank Rogers and Jonathan Singleton, becoming the second-greatest ascent to the top in the Billboard Country Airplay chart’s 30 year history. Also in 2020 Jessi released “Decatur County Red”. The collection finds Alexander at her most honest and vulnerable, looking back on her humble Tennessee roots and tracing her remarkable journey through heartbreak and joy, pain and reconciliation, disappointment and triumph.

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jessialexandermusic.com

CHRIS DESTEFANO

Award-Winning singer/songwriter for #1 hits including Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl", Rascal Flatts' "Rewind", and Jason Aldean's "Just Getting Started". Chris is also a 3x CMA Triple Play Award winner

Hear from Chris

Chris DeStefano is a singer/songwriter, producer/mixer and multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, TN.  He is a 3x CMA Triple Play Award Winner and has co-penned over 20 hit songs for artists like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chase Rice, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, Dan+Shay, Miranda Lambert, Chris Young and Morgan Evans.  Chris also is the President and CEO of Winsongs Music focused on developing songwriters and artists.

CHRIS DESTEFANO

A native of Mt Laurel, New Jersey, Chris DeStefano is a singer/songwriter, producer/mixer and multi-instrumentalist. Chris began singing at a very early age in the acclaimed Academy Boys Choir of Philadelphia. At age 13, he acquired his first guitar and remembers writing his very first songs shortly after. Driven by his passion for music and knack for picking up new instruments, DeStefano’s talents lead him to Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music where he studied film scoring.

Upon graduating, DeStefano followed the natural migration for many aspiring film score composers and moved to Los Angeles, California. However, what he discovered in LA was not the soundstage, but his gift for songwriting and producing. Setting his sights on the Country Airplay chart, Chris began splitting time between LA and Nashville, collaborating with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters and artists. The transition was seamless and in early 2012 Chris charted his first country single with Jana Kramer’s “Why You Wanna” which peaked at #3 on the Billboard chart. Right on the heels of this success, DeStefano achieved his first Country chart topper #1 with the song “Good Girl” recorded by Country superstar Carrie Underwood.

Chris' #1 songs include Carrie Underwood ("Good Girl”, “Little Toy Guns”, “Smoke Break”, “Something in the Water”, Super Bowl LII and 2018 Olympic Games Theme Song “The Champion"), Dan + Shay (“From the Ground Up”, “Nothin’ Like You"), Jason Aldean (“Just Gettin’ Started”), Billy Currington (“Hey Girl”), Brett Eldredge (“Don’t Ya”), Luke Bryan (“That’s My Kind of Night”, “Kick the Dust Up"), Miranda Lambert (“Somethin’ Bad” [w-Carrie Underwood]), Chris Young (“Losing Sleep”), Morgan Evans (“Kiss Somebody”) and Rascal Flatts (“Rewind”), Tyler Rich “Leave Her Wild” (XM The Highway #1) and Chase Rice ("Eyes On You").

ACCOLADES AND NOTEWORTHY:

  • 3x CMA Triple Play Award winner.
  • 3x Award Winning Projects - Carrie Underwood - “Something in the Water”, “Somethin’ Bad”(w/Miranda Lambert) and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” Album.
  • Formed Winsongs Publishing along with Kirby Smith in 2018 to develop songwriters and artists, signing hot young talents Emily Shackleton and Eric Van Houten.
  • Has the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors of NSAI.
  • Recently graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy 2018.
  • Currently an active Emergency Backup Goaltender for the NHL/Nashville Predators Hockey Team (2019-2020 Season).
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ALAN FREW

Toronto — Grammy nominated, Juno Award winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter, Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) & Someday (Glass Tiger)

Hear from Alan

Alan Frew is a multi-platinum selling songwriter, public speaker and author of the best-selling book ‘The Action Sandwich-A Six Step Recipe to Success by Doing What You’re Already Doing’. His work with Glass Tiger has garnered him five Juno Awards, a Grammy nomination and five Canadian Classic Awards in recognition of songs that have been played in excess of 100,000 times on Canadian Radio.

ALAN FREW

Alan Frew is a multi-platinum selling songwriter, public speaker and author of the best-selling book ‘The Action Sandwich-A Six Step Recipe to Success by Doing What You’re Already Doing’. His work with Glass Tiger has garnered him five Juno Awards, a Grammy nomination and five Canadian Classic Awards in recognition of songs that have been played in excess of 100,000 times on Canadian Radio. Additionally, he co-wrote, ‘I Believe’ (the theme song for CTV's coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games) performed by singer(s) Nikki Yanofsky and Annie Villeneuve ( en Francais). The song became an iconic hit with Canadians from all walks of life who helped it reach the status’s of 5-times platinum and in doing so, it made Yanofsky the most “downloaded” Canadian artist at that particular time. Alan also co-wrote the title track from Johnny Reid’s Juno-Nominated album “Fire it Up”, which was, coincidentally, also recorded to platinum status in Germany, by the legendary singer, Joe Cocker. Frew has toured with massive headlining artists including, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and Fleetwood Mac. He also loves to support, visit and perform for the Canadian Armed Forces and their allies and has done so, many times in far-off reaches such as Bosnia, Israel, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Never one to “settle” Alan is presently working on a new book, a movie script, and a pilot for a potential new TV show. He splits his time between his homes in Toronto and Italy. You can find him on his Instagram show FREW the Looking Glass : @alan_frew

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alanfrewworld.com

TEIGEN GAYSE

Chetwyn, BC – Popular, BC-born, singer/songwriter. Recent singles and Country Music Chart hits include “I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love Anymore” and “Blame the Wine”

Hear from Teigen

Teigen Gayse is a Metis singer-songwriter whose music is fresh and familiar, hitting on deep and relatable topics.  She grew up in Chetwynd, BC.  A small town of 3000, affectionately known as “Little Prairie”.  Music was her escape from the forestry, oil & gas, mining and ranching environment she was surrounded by.  This singer/songwriter’s lyrics and melodies are catchy.

TEIGEN GAYSE

Teigen Gayse is a Metis singer-songwriter whose music is fresh and familiar, hitting on deep and relatable topics. She grew up in Chetwynd, BC. A small town of 3000, affectionately known as “Little Prairie”. Music was her escape from the forestry, oil & gas, mining and ranching environment she was surrounded by. This singer/songwriter’s lyrics and melodies are catchy. Gayse’s sweet, raspy voice delivers a fun, effervescent sound that draws her audience in and explains the undying support of her hometown always believing that she was “going to make it”.

After moving to Kelowna to pursue an audio engineering degree and continue her music aspirations, Teigen recorded “I Don’t Want to Fall In Love Anymore” which was quickly recognized by Stingray Radio and recently won their Trending Track competition. Teigen released her debut album during the pandemic which presented major challenges. With a tough spirit and immeasurable moxie, Teigen stuck to her path and continued to write and record new music for radio, and fans she’d amassed on social media, music streaming platforms and TikTok. The proven commitment resulted in that same song. “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love Anymore” registering on the Billboard Country Music charts top 50.

Teigen hopes her musical journey will inspire girls everywhere to chase their dreams. To step into their power and take life by the horns.

On a recent visit to Farmhouse Vineyards in Texas, Teigen was inspired to write her new single, “Blame The Wine” which can be heard on country radio and all streaming platforms.

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teigengayse.com

MARC JORDAN

Toronto — Multiple Platinum artist/songwriter – Marina Del Rey (Marc Jordan) and Rhythm of My Heart (Rod Stewart)

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Marc was born in Brooklyn NY son of singer Charles Jordan and grew up in Toronto Canada. In 1978 Marc was signed to Warner Music in Burbank California by Steely Dan Producer Gary Katz. Jordan spent 16 years in LA writing songs for and with Diana Ross, Chicago, Kansas, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Loggins, Amanda Marshal, Amy Sky, Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Roch Voisin, Canadian Tenors. Shawn Colvin, Sheena Easton, Olivia Newton John, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Josh Groban, Cher and Rod Stewart including the world wide #1 hit Rhythm of My Heart.

MARC JORDAN

Marc was born in Brooklyn NY son of singer Charles Jordan and grew up in Toronto Canada. In 1978 Marc was signed to Warner Music in Burbank California by Steely Dan Producer Gary Katz. Jordan spent 16 years in LA writing songs for and with Diana Ross, Chicago, Kansas, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Loggins, Amanda Marshal, Amy Sky, Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Roch Voisin, Canadian Tenors. Shawn Colvin, Sheena Easton, Olivia Newton John, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Josh Groban, Cher and Rod Stewart including the world wide #1 hit Rhythm of My Heart. Jordan has won numerous ASCAP, Juno, Socan and Smooth Jazz awards over the years. His songs have been on 35 million CD’s and he has recorded 16 CD’s of his own material which gave us MARINA DEL REY, SURVIVAL, CHARLIE PARKER LOVES ME and SOUL ON SOUL which was a duet with wife AMY SKY. Yet Jordan has always loved singing the American song book. The great songs of the mid 20th century and so finally he’s made that leap. On his new cd “BOTH SIDES “Jordan recorded with the Prague Symphony. Songs like “THE NEARNESS OF YOU” and “WHAT ARE YOU DOING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE” are sprinkled in with Joni Mitchel's “BOTH SIDES NOW” and Lou Reids master piece “WALK ON THE WILD SIDE”. Featuring Randy Brecker on trumpet this cd is both cool and modern and Jordan's voice drifts above it all with some of his best vocal performances ever.

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marcjordan.com

MADDISON KREBS

Okotoks, AB — Canadian Country’s Rising Star. Great new single, Dreamer Kid

Hear from Maddison

There’s a classic timelessness and a sense of poise to Maddison Krebs that you won’t often find in someone of her era. The 25 year old singer-songwriter, native to Southern Alberta, has spent the last 3 years in Nashville honing her musical abilities and song-craftsmanship with intention to create depth, meaning, integrity, and love behind her music.

MADDISON KREBS

There’s a classic timelessness and a sense of poise to Maddison Krebs that you won’t often find in someone of her era. The 25 year old singer-songwriter, native to Southern Alberta, has spent the last 3 years in Nashville honing her musical abilities and song-craftsmanship with intention to create depth, meaning, integrity, and love behind her music. Upon experiencing Maddison Krebs’ music, persona, and performance, you might consider Lana Del Ray with a nod to Dolly Parton. She will leave you feeling moved; as though you, yourself experienced each and every emotion channeled through her songs firsthand. It will inspire you to somehow share that experience and create a meaningful shift in the world around you.

“A clean, simple and classic tone that sounds as if it comes from country music’s beginnings.” - Calgary Herald

“Maddison Krebs has one of those voices you listen to and instantly feel like you've known her your whole life.” - PopDust

Maddison has worked with some of the music industry’s best producers and songwriters including Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks) and Tony Martin (Tim McGraw, Keith Urban). Her single “Real Real Thing: hit Top 40 on the Radio Disney Country Chart and her 2019 self-titled EP gained notable recognition. She has performed at major venues and stages across North America including: The Bluebird Cafe, Canadian Music Week, The Listening Room, Big Valley Jamboree, Folk Alliance International, The Calgary Stampede, amongst many more. And in 2015 she was one of six across Canada nominated for the Canadian Country Music
Association’s Discovery Program. Currently, she has been selected as one of the Top 12 for the prestigious Alberta artist development program: Project Wild where she has the opportunity to win over 100k to go towards her career. Check out her newly released single called, DREAMER KID available on all streaming platforms.

Maddison Krebs is spending this year crafting the songs that will make up the body of her next highly anticipated album.

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themaddisonkrebs.com

KIM MITCHELL

Multi-platinum, Juno Award-winning Rock icon and inductee of the 2021/22 Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Hear from Kim

Kim Mitchell is a Canadian rock icon who has sold more than 1.5 million records in Canada, earned 17 Juno Awards nominations, and, in 2021, was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

KIM MITCHELL

Kim Mitchell is a Canadian rock icon who has sold more than 1.5 million records in Canada, earned 17 Juno Awards nominations, and, in 2021, was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Mitchell is one of the most well-known and peer-respected Canadian guitar players and an acclaimed singer-songwriter who has written many classic rock anthems including Go For Soda, Rock N Roll Duty, Patio Lanterns, I am a Wild Party, Easy To Tame and All We Are. These hits have become part of the Canadian musical landscape and earned Mitchell three Juno Award wins for “Male Vocalist of the year”, “Album of the year”, and “Most promising Male Vocalist.”

In 2018, Kim got together with his friends The Barenaked Ladies to record a new version of his Max Webster hit Diamonds Diamonds. Max Webster, and this track in particular, is cited by the band members as being a huge influence for them as musicians. The resulting song and accompanying video were released in 2019. The song and accompanying video were released in 2019 through Ole Media (now Anthem Entertainment)

In 2021, Kim Mitchell dropped his latest album, The Big Fantasize (El Mocambo Records)

This release came together as the result of Kim working with his close friend, Grammy award winning producer Greg Wells (Keith Urban, Adele, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Twenty One Pilots, Michael Bublé), who is also a former band-mate, having been the touring keyboardist for Kim Mitchell’s Rockland tour.

On top of maintaining a busy nationwide touring schedule, Kim also hosted the fan favourite radio show, aptly named The Kim Mitchell Show on Toronto’s popular Q107. Kim’s show ran for 11+ years and became one of the most popular, listened to and highest-rated radio shows for any afternoon drive DJ in Canada.

Kim and his band of accomplished musicians can’t wait to get back to live music and look forward to bringing some much needed cheer to cities and festivals across Canada this summer 2022. Look for Kim dates across Canada for the summer of 2022.

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kimmitchell.ca

TIM NICHOLS

Nashville — Grammy winner - Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw)

Hear from Tim

Inducted into the 2017 class of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, award winning songwriter, Tim Nichols, has been writing hit songs and entertaining audiences for over two decades. A veteran in the country music industry, he's become one of the genre's most respected and well liked members. He's known for an easy-going, honest manner, creative lyrics and a comedic banter onstage.

TIM NICHOLS

Inducted into the 2017 class of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, award winning songwriter, Tim Nichols, has been writing hit songs and entertaining audiences for over two decades. A veteran in the country music industry, he's become one of the genre's most respected and well liked members. He's known for an easy-going, honest manner, creative lyrics and a comedic banter onstage.

While fans of classic country music appreciate his number one hits for artists like Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Keith Whitley, LeeAnn Womack and multiple others, newcomers are just as thrilled about his recent work. You may recognize songs cut by Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Chris Young or Jana Kramer when he takes the stage in a writer's show. And of course, crowd favourites include record setting hits like JoDee Messina's "Heads Carolina, Tails California", Dustin Lynch's "Cowboys and Angels" and the Grammy Award winning "Live Like You Were Dying" recorded by Tim McGraw. Nichols is a writer, and performer for all ages and never ceases in his quest to move people and touch hearts with his honest lyrics.

When not writing songs or performing, Nichols spends free time volunteering and raising funds for charitable causes such as High Hopes Pediatric Clinic and the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Nichols lives in Nashville with his wife Stacie. They are avid travelers with many of those adventures centering around bringing incredible music to those in far reaching locales.

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timnicholsofficial.com

NEIL OSBORNE

Vancouver – Lead Singer of 54•40 - Hits include I Go Blind and Ocean Pearl

As lead singer and chief songwriter of 54•40, Neil Osborne has achieved critical acclaim, released more than a dozen albums and weathered the fickle music business for more than three decades. He is known primarily as a rock musician but is also an accomplished producer often taking the production reins of 54•40 albums and is also a songwriter of amazing depth and clarity.

NEIL OSBORNE

As lead singer and chief songwriter of 54•40, Neil Osborne has achieved critical acclaim, released more than a dozen albums and weathered the fickle music business for more than three decades. He is known primarily as a rock musician but is also an accomplished producer often taking the production reins of 54•40 albums and is also a songwriter of amazing depth and clarity.

54.40’s body of work is impressive. After thirty years in the musical trenches, the band have varied their sound and earned proven commercial success via impressive record sales from thirteen studio albums, numerous greatest hits packages and a double live album. “One clue to 54•40’s longevity lies in their ability to make music that has a distinctly individual sound yet covers many styles - tender ballads, fiery rockers, provocative political songs, self-confessed lyrically banal romps.” Kerry Doole reported in Impact.

As a songwriter Osborne has penned such fabulous signature 54•40 songs as ‘I Go Blind’, One Day In Your Life,‘One Gun’, ‘Since When’ and ‘Ocean Pearl’’ which have crossed from the realm of rock to a broader base. His lyrics range from the most politically astute observation to the most innocent love song and everything in between.

Neil Osborne has been very active participant in the overall production of every 54•40 album. Osborne has produced several albums for other artists, most notably the award winning Small Glories, Cara Luft, Vince Vaccaro, Hearts and Wires, Paloma, Jets Overhead, Kandle (his daughter). Neil is currently wrapping up production for one of his side projects A Family Curse.

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5440.com

JEFF TROTT

Award-winning writer of If It Makes You Happy & Everyday is a Winding Road (Sheryl Crow)

Hear from Jeff

Trott’s roots are West Coast. He is originally from San Francisco, and his first band was post punk outfit The Lifers. He eventually joined 415/Columbia recording artists Wire Train and, in 1990, subsequently joined the UK band cult favorite World Party playing on their critically acclaimed album Goodbye Jumbo.

JEFF TROTT

Trott’s roots are West Coast. He is originally from San Francisco, and his first band was post punk outfit The Lifers. He eventually joined 415/Columbia recording artists Wire Train and, in 1990, subsequently joined the UK band cult favorite World Party playing on their critically acclaimed album Goodbye Jumbo.

Trott’s roots are West Coast. He is originally from San Francisco, and his first band was post punk outfit The Lifers. He eventually joined 415/Columbia recording artists Wire Train and, in 1990, subsequently joined the UK band cult favorite World Party playing on their critically acclaimed album Goodbye Jumbo.

In 2000, Trott recorded and produced his first solo album Dig Up The Astroturf with Portland electronic whiz kid Keith Schreiner. His reason for making a solo record was to understand “every aspect of making a record. Mastering, artwork, branding and PR in order to know firsthand what an artist goes through during the process of making a record.”

His latest “pet project” is with Canadian producer Rhys Fulber on a new project featuring Zero 7 singer Tom Leonard and songwriting genius Victoria Horn a.ka Lady V.

Currently, Trott records at Atomic Halo Studios in Santa Monica.

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jefftrott.com

PAUL McGUIRE (Host)

Toronto - Award Winning Broadcaster - The Paul McGuire Show

A pop-culture junkie, Paul McGuire spent his childhood devouring movies, TV, comic books and music. Inevitably, he chased a career in the entertainment industry. A few commercials gigs and small TV roles paved the way for a hosting job on a children’s game show that aired on “Canada’s Nickelodeon,” YTV. Paul moved on from YTV to work at Canada’s largest network, CTV, as host and producer of Canada’s first entertainment magazine show, ENow.

PAUL McGUIRE

A pop-culture junkie, Paul McGuire spent his childhood devouring movies, TV, comic books and music. Inevitably, he chased a career in the entertainment industry. A few commercials gigs and small TV roles paved the way for a hosting job on a children’s game show that aired on “Canada’s Nickelodeon,” YTV. Paul moved on from YTV to work at Canada’s largest network, CTV, as host and producer of Canada’s first entertainment magazine show, ENow.

In 2005, he joined CMT Canada where he worked for 12 years hosting the network’s weekly two-hour flagship music show, The Chevy Top 20 Countdown. He also hosted CMT’s original interview series, One 2 One, where he interviewed the hottest names in country music, including Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, Lady Antebellum, Reba, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean.

In addition, Paul became a co-host for ET Canada, a post that continues to this day. Paul has traveled across North America and Europe for ET Canada reporting on music, television and film and is regularly seen anchoring the show alongside Cheryl Hickey and the other studio hosts.

In 2017, Paul was invited to create original content for the YouTube channel owned by ole Media Management, one of the largest independent music publishers in the world with offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and Toronto. In conjunction, Paul launched Paul McGuire’s Country Countdown that can be heard weekly on 21 Stingray radio stations across Canada.

Currently Paul hosts a series called Always A Leaf on Leafs Nation Network. The show features long-form interviews with some of the greatest players that have ever donned the legendary Maple Leafs uniform, including Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, Wendel Clark and Paul Henderson.

Paul was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and grew up in a suburb of Toronto. Today, Paul lives in the city with his wife and two young boys. He continues to host and emcee live events and awards shows across the country.

He also owns a drum kit.

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Legacy Performers