Combines for a Cure

Times Contributor

 

Combines for Cures held its first concert, with four star performers including local artist Drew Gregory, up and coming star Codie Prevost from Saskatchwan, the band Hey Romeo and female artist Crystal Shawanda who played for enthusiastic country music fans at the Strathmore Ag Grounds Aug. 2.

As part of the Combines for Cures Concert, the “Man Van” made its first appearance in Strathmore this past weekend. The van is a mobile unit that is trekking its way across Alberta in hopes to make an impact on early detection of prostate cancer in men.

So far in 2012 it has been recorded that eight men die every week in Alberta from the effects of prostate cancer. Support from various local and province-wide agencies are making it possible to create a healthier future for all men in Alberta. A simple blood test is all it takes to possibly save a life. The Prostate Cancer Centre in Calgary deems the cancer a family issue and not just a male issue.

By enlisting some popular Canadian country music talent and aligning themselves with Strathmore Heritage Days the group was able to target a large group in one location for awareness. They were joined by Calgary’s Stampede Queen, Candice Lee, and two Princesses, Dani Gariepy from Rockyford and Jessica Manning, Miss Rodeo Okotoks Nicole Schlaak and Miss Strathmore Stampede, Becca Walters. They were all happy to be able to participate in this event preceding the third largest rodeo in the province and help raise awareness for the project. 

Drew Gregory, a local from Standard, gave a fantastic performance and has gained quite a following over the last few years. He continues to put out new music and has made his way to Nashville several times. Drew is commonly known for his recent popular album “Country Hurricane.” For more information check out Gregory’s schedule and up coming events on his Facebook page. 

Codie Prevost hails from Saskatchewan and is up for a Canadian Country Music Awards Association nominee as an up and rising star this coming fall in Saskatoon. His set included a single from his new album being released in 2013 called “Last Night, All Day,” a song he wrote two and a half years ago in Rose Valley called “I’m OK,” “Honky Tonk Groupie,” and “Someday.” 

Prevost was excited to be a part of the concert saying, “We’re all in this lifesaving fight together.” 

For more information check out the new website www.codieprevost.com.

Country music group Hey Romeo entertained the crowd with their lively, toe tappin’ music and would have preferred the crowd could join them in two stepping on the rodeo grounds themselves. 

The last performer for the evening was Crystal Shawanda, the 2009 Canadian Country Music Association’s Female Artist of the Year. Her latest album “Just Like You” hit stores in April and features the singles “Closer” and “Down on Broadway.”

The fun night wrapped up beautifully with a spectacular fireworks display.

For more information please contact the Prostate Cancer Centre located in Calgary or Google “Alberta’s Man Van” to find locations for the mobile unit in Alberta.