OTTAWA, ON – Top notch performers from across Canada are sure to thrill Canadian Forces (CF) troops stationed in Afghanistan this coming May.
Performers who have signed up for this CF Show Tour, provided by the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency, include Michelle Wright, Julian Austin, The Wilkinsons, Diane Chase, Amanda Stott, Maritza and Richard Wood. Comedian and show tour veteran Kenny Shaw will serve as emcee.
The music-packed tour follows on the heels of a busy and difficult period for the troops serving in Afghanistan. Drawn mainly from CFB Edmonton, Alberta and Shilo, Manitoba, this is one audience that is certain to raise the roof for this group of entertainers.
Michelle Wright has drawn rave reviews for her powerful voice and her distinctive style. With roots in Motown and R&B, her brand of country music has broad-reaching appeal. Ms. Wright has sold over 2 million records in the US and Canada and has stockpiled twenty-five top ten hits.
Country music singer Julian Austin is one of the Canadian Forces biggest fans.
“The feeling I had being over there with the fine men and women of our Canadian Forces is unexplainable,” says Austin of his last show tour, “I hope to make a great ambassador for our CF one day.” To commemorate this desire he has written “The Red & White”, a song dedicated specifically to the CF community.
Amanda Stott’s new album, ‘Chasing the Sky’ is rich in its musical simplicity. Amanda is a proud Canadian who has performed on many CF Show Tours before and she is looking forward to returning one more time.
The Wilkinsons’ combination of strong lyrics, tight harmonies and deep family roots make them one of the top country acts in North America, which is sure to go hand in hand with this type of tour.
Sudbury native Diane Chase, with her latest release ‘In the Middle of Something’ earned a top 10 on the Canadian Country Charts and a top 10 for video on Country Music Television.
French-speaking troops will not be forgotten as Quebec’s chart topper Maritza heads out on her second show tour. A graduate of Quebec’s wildly popular TV show, “Star Academie”, Maritza made waves with the release of her first album entitled, “Comment J’Feel”.
Richard Wood, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, rounds out the show. His stomping Celtic fiddle music is infused with contemporary rock. On previous show tours, his dance moves and raging music have consistently brought the troops to their feet. Says Richard of the experience, “bringing our country to them means more than you could ever imagine.”
The show tour will be a huge morale booster in this dangerous and hostile environment. It is an opportunity for CF members to unwind with the sounds and feelings of home.
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Note to editors: A photographer will be following this show tour to support imagery requests from the media.
Contact:
Lyndon Goveas, Photographer, CFPSA, (613) 995-9081 goveas.lyndon@cfpsa.com
Brigitte Smiley, Communications Manager, CFPSA, (613) 996-6393 smiley.brigitte@cfpsa.com
