MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Co-op and the Co-op Ethanol Complex present “A Night in Nashville,” featuring a captivating songwriters' round with the incredible talents of Damhnait Doyle, Jeff Cohen, and Phil Barton sponsored by River Street Promotions (RSP) and hosted by Joel Stewart this December.
A Night in Nashville promises “an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling” and is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Mae Wilson Theatre with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
“The amazing things that people can expect at these shows include great hit songs written by the people who wrote the song, great singing, great laughs, and great camaraderie,” announced Joel Stewart, the returning host for this year’s show.
“It’s the perfect way to usher in the holiday season,” he added.
The show will include a writer’s round or guitar pull, which is based on a southern tradition where a small group of musicians sit down and take turns playing songs on an acoustic guitar and share what they were thinking when they wrote it.
After meeting Mathiesen through a contest at the CMT TV studio where Stewart used to work, he has now been hosting on and off in Moose Jaw over the past decade.
“Jared kept in touch, kept inviting me out to Moose Jaw, and eventually wore me down. I ended up hosting what we called ‘A Concert for Hope,’ and I have been gladly and regularly coming back ever since.”
A show’s success depends heavily on its host, and Stewart’s role involves the introduction of artists, facilitating the flow of the program, and setting the tone.
“I always hope that an evening like this feels like a bunch of friends gathering in a big, beautiful living room,” he said. “My job is to make the audience… (and) the singers feel welcome. Hopefully I can give the crowd a laugh or two to set the tone,” he added. “It’s going to be a beautiful night.”
Stewart, who is well acquainted with Moose Jaw, said he has “too many memories to choose” one but noted past experiences with Jim Cuddy, Mike Plume, Alan Doyle, and hearing some of his favourite songs as standout moments.
“Mostly though, I always love being able to bring my musician friends to town (and) to show them what Moose Jaw is all about, and to show them why I love it so much.
“Oh, and it’s awesome to be on stage at the Mae Wilson Theatre,” he added. “It’s an incredible venue with great technicians and Moose Jaw is so lucky to have this place.”
A decade’s worth of visits didn’t happen without a few memorable moments, of course.
“I cherish all the good times we enjoyed, but there was one year where Phil and I were on the ice during intermission at a Warrior’s game doing the live action ‘Hungry Hippos’ thing,” Stewart recalled. “The Hungry Hippos part went poorly, but it was awesome.”
Stuart hopes to add a few more Moose Jaw memories this year. “Phil and Jeff are awesome musicians and songwriters, but for me, I always look forward to the chance of getting to hear Damhnait Doyle sing live again.
“In my day job, I have worked with some of the greatest singers in the world — Damhnait is at the top of that list. To have her voice fill the air at that beautiful theatre will be what it’s all about.”
A show like this “doesn’t just happen — I don’t know where else it’s happening,” Stewart shared. “Jared and (RSP) have always provided a unique experience for our performers. Between those great experiences and the awesome experiences they get at the spa — and the great hospitality — well, folks keep coming back.”
Stewart wished to conclude with a message of thanks. “River Street Promotions does incredible work with the school boards in the youth mental health space. We have raised almost $500,000 for that cause in the last four years — so thank you to all the businesses and volunteers who make all of this happen.
“More importantly, I want to thank the community for what they do for me. Doing this work and being involved in events like these, with people I love, is what keeps me coming back.”
For a sample of the show’s format, Mathiesen recommends watching “Music City in Moose Jaw” available on RiverStreetPromotions.com.
Tickets can be purchased now from the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts & Culture at MooseJawCulture.ca, [email protected], or by calling 306-693-4700.
For more information visit RiverStreetPromotions.com or ‘River Street Promotions’ on Facebook.
