Canadian country music artists to take to the Strathmore stage
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Once again joining the Strathmore Stampede is a host of country music talent including Chris LeBlanc, Shannon Smith, Joel Ostrom and Lyndsay Butler.
LeBlanc, originally from Shediac, N.B., was introduced to music at just three years of age and followed in his family’s footsteps to take up the art.
His debut album was released in 2007 in Calgary, which was followed shortly by his winning of the 2008 Country 105 and Lammle’s Rising Star contest.
In 2009, LeBlanc was nominated for Country Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards, and was granted the Dick Damron Award at a tribute show bearing Damron’s name.
For over the past decade, Leblanc has toured Canada and the United States to take to the stage. Now, he’s set to appear in Strathmore on July 30 for the Cowboy Cabaret, and on July 31 at 9 p.m. on the Heritage Stage in the Stampede grounds.
Smith is described publicly as a performer with “unbridled energy, dedication and natural talent,” and her performances range from country to classic rock.
Like LeBlanc, she was also a winner of the Country 105 and Lammle’s Rising Star Contest. She also won the Ranchman’s Battle of the Bands in 2020.
Many of her most notable performances were made at venues across Alberta and she’s no stranger to performing among rodeo folk.
Smith will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on July 29 at the Heritage Stage.
Ostrom is a born-and raised Albertan who grew up just outside of Calgary. Though initially he followed in the family footsteps of rodeo, he is described as having found a love of music in his high school years.
His introduction to performing came as a freelance guitarist for country acts across Alberta, which helped to work himself into the local music scene.
Before long, Ostrom decided to front his own band, and was backed up by fellow artists he met while bouncing around the province.
Joel Ostrom and the Tin Star Band are set to perform at 4:30 p.m. on the Heritage Stage on July 30, and at 5 p.m. on July 31 at the Trackside Bar.
Also hailing from southern Alberta, Lyndsay Butler comes from rural origins. Her music is publicly described as “embracing and sharing her historic heritage.”
Butler’s style focuses on traditional, outlaw, and southern rock, with honesty and storytelling worked into her lyrics.
Highlights of her career include a Top 12 participation in Alberta’s Project WILD in 2019, as well as musical features on streaming services and Canadian Radio.
Butler was awarded the Global Country Star Search in 2014, the Calgary Stampede Nashville North Star in 2013, and as Ranchman’s Rising Star in 2012.
She is set to perform at the Trackside Bar on July 30 at 5 p.m. and on the Heritage Stage on July 31 at 5 p.m.