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Backstage Sammy commented, “We have received nothing but first class treatment since arriving in the country and in Fisher River. You guys have obviously done this before.” On his website he writes, “Country music is not a formula. It is music with its own soul and I am all about saving that soul.” His current album “Honki Tonk Boots” promises to be a much anticipated first step in that salvation. These are powerful words from a man who has picked, written and sung a lot of hits.

 

Often referred to as the heir apparent to the legendary voice George Jones, Sammy Kershaw helped make the 90’s a shining decade for country music. The audience got a glimpse of that voice when he sang the George Jones’ classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today”. For a moment, if you closed your eyes and just listened, it sounded like George Jones performing up there. Many people later would say how much they enjoyed his rendition of the all time favorite country classic.

When he wasn’t fishing, Sammy spent the rest of the time relaxing in his luxurious tour bus. He would often come out to share a story backstage or just talk. We found out he is a devoted Sopranos and CSI fan.

 

The conclusion of Sammy’s concert marked the end of the 4th Annual Community Celebration but signaled the beginning of what would be one of the biggest fireworks shows in Manitoba in 2008. Once again, Fisher River’s own preeminent fireworks guru Mr. Lloyd Cochrane was responsible for this year’s spectacular show. In the words of OSEDC vice-chairman Simon Murdock, “This year’s show truly did blow your mind.” Lloyd is the mastermind behind the Big Child Fireworks Company.

The 4th Annual Community Celebration was another enormous undertaking. This year’s success was accomplished by team work and successful partnership between the OSEDC Board of Directors Alvin Amos, Simon Murdock, Dion McKay, Walter Sinclair Sr., and Delaney Mason, the Fisher River Cree Nation Chief and Council, OSEDC staff George Crate, Rob Selkirk and Rhonda Williams, the Fisher River Healing Centre, the concert canteen staff, and finally the LCM Centre maintenance crew of Darren Williams, Brendan Alexander and Bradley Cochrane. The imminent benefits to the community were a driving force behind their dedication.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the sponsors who participated in the “Friends and Sponsors Campaign 2008” - South Beach Casino, Jim Gauthier Chevrolet – Rick Therrien, Culture Heritage & Tourism, Dr. Sullivan, Holukoff Chiarella, Wallace and Wallace Fencing, Celebrity Limousine, J.R. Cousins, and Beatoes Productions.
Also, a special thanks to Loretta Lynn’s Catering and the staff for taking care of all the celebration food requirements. All the entertainers commented on the timely delivery and superb quality of the meals. Also, a special thanks to Darlene Cochrane of “Big Mama’s” restaurant for providing those delicious meals for our guests and entertainers.
On behalf of the Corporation and the LCM Centre staff, I would like to thank all the volunteers and security staff whose willingness to lend a helping hand did not go unnoticed.

We would like to thank Steve and Natalie Reeves, owners of Celebrity Limousine, for their first class treatment of our guests. As the official provider of Limousines for the Community Celebration, they made sure our entertainers arrived safely and on time.
Also, we would like to thank the Radisson Hotel Winnipeg-Skyview for their incomparable treatment of our guests. As the official hotel provider for the Community Celebration, they made certain our guests were comfortable and had an enjoyable stay.

For those of you who attended, we hope you enjoyed the 4th Annual Community Celebration as much as we did. Please join us next year as we once again open our doors and hearts to visitors from near and far coming to share in the spirit and celebration of community. Plans are well under way for the 5th Annual Community Celebration to be held on August 2, 2009.

This free script provided by
Dynamic Drive

4th Annual - Sammy Kershaw

Sunday, August 3, 2008

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The Ochekwi-Sipi Economic Development Corporation, in cooperation with the Fisher River Cree Nation, held the 4th Annual Community Celebration at the fabulous Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitor Centre on August 3rd.

In his opening remarks, OSEDC Vice-Chairman Simon Murdock said, “On behalf of the board of directors I would like to first of all welcome you all to the community and to the Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitor Centre. Secondly, I would like to thank the OSEDC staff for all their hard work and dedication in making this annual celebration a huge success. We have an excellent line up of entertainment for you to see and enjoy. Also, make sure and stick around until after the show because we have a spectacular display of fire-works - that will blow your mind. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the day!”

After a fun filled week of Treaty Days, the community caught its collective breath and was partaking in a well deserved rest. Early, on the morning of Sunday, August 3, unbeknownst the community, Sammy Kershaw’s tour bus arrived under the cover of darkness. The staff at the Fisher River Healing Centre once again played host to this year’s country music stars. Kershaw’s early arrival in Fisher River marked the beginning of another highly anticipated community celebration.

After a restful stay at the Healing Centre, Sammy and his entourage arrived at the concert area earlier than expected. As we worked with the stage manager to discuss and arrange the technical and stage requirements for the show, Sammy spent the day fishing near the concert area. An avid angler, he enjoyed the challenge and the serenity. A big thanks to Wrightman McKay for letting Sammy use his fishing gear for the day - he really appreciated that. He loved the river and the location so much, he later enquired about the possible purchase of land somewhere along the water.

The celebration was held outdoors at the Visitor Centre’s beautiful log frame amphitheater. The day turned out to be beautiful, bright and sunny. The event was hosted by OSEDC Director George Crate. This year’s celebration offered a captivating afternoon of music and side-splitting comedy. The fabulous weather continued on into the evening, as world class entertainer and Grand Old Opry star Mr. Sammy Kershaw took to the stage.

Clint Dutiaume, nine time Canadian instrumentalist of the year, and his band opened the show with their usual vivacious performance. The Dutiaume band also provided back-up for the showcase of talent, which included a special guest performance by aboriginal recording artist and 2007 NCI Jam “Single of the Year” award winner, Gabby Taylor. From the St. Teresa Point First Nation, Gabby had two number one hits on the Aboriginal Top 30 Countdown for “Cool Me Down” and “You’re the One”. He also received a nomination for the 2007 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards for his album “Where I feel Alive”. The 2008 Treaty Day champions demonstrated their winning performances in the talent and jigging competitions.

The Gaudry Boys, talented young boys from the St. Laurent area, delivered a rousing performance. They have performed at various venues in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. They also performed at the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian Institution. Their youthful enthusiasm and energy was inspiring as the crowd roared their approval time and time again.

The “Boys” also provided back up for a special guest performance by Grand Chief Morris Shannacappo of the Southern Chiefs Organization. Morris, a self taught fiddle player, kept the momentum going and toes tapping with his flair for fast tempo fiddle playing. His performance of the Orange Blossom Special was highly entertaining, as the crowd demonstrated their appreciation with a stirring round of applause.

Fresh off her Canadian comedy tour, including this year’s Winnipeg Comedy Festival, comedian Dawn Dumont performed next. Dawn, a Cree woman from the Okaneese First Nation in Saskatchewan, is a writer for CBC Radio and APTN, and has performed at comedy clubs all over North America.

Fans of the community celebrations are accustomed to state of the art light and sound. Again, this year was no different. Glen Ranville and his crew from BEATOES Productions were back to deliver the superlative sound and creative lighting we have come to expect. During his performance, Sammy remarked on the lighting of the stage, “This is an amazing backdrop. It is so beautiful. I wish we could pack up this stage and backdrop and take it on the road with us. Congratulations to the community for creating a beautiful facility.” During his break, Kershaw echoed our sentiments from last year, “The ambiance created by the lighting of the stage is reminiscent of some ancient Roman amphitheater – very distinct, very nice.”

Fresh off her first number 1 song and video for “You Can Let Go Now”, Crystal Shawanda arrived at the concert area, much to the delight of the male fans in the audience. At the 2008 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs), Crystal received a nomination for “Song of the Year”. She was also a multi nominee at the Aboriginal Country Music Awards in Winnipeg.

As Crystal took to the LCM Centre stage, the audience acknowledged her with a vociferous ovation. The passion hit an emotional high when she sang her number one song “You Can Let Go”. Many were impacted by the power of her voice and sincerity of the song, as they had tears in their eyes. Crystal said, “This song is truly special. The stories of all my fans and friends remind me what a blessing it is. It is truly healing to those who connect to it. I am so appreciative of all the fans out there and of course right here in Fisher River.”

“This is such a beautiful place. I have never seen anything like this,” she commented back stage. Of course her concert performance might not have happened due to her guitars being lost in courier transit. A big heartfelt thanks to William Murdock for providing her with two of his own guitars for the performance. She was very grateful for that.

Since her performance in Fisher River, Crystal Shawanda has sung her hit single and the title track of the album “Dawn of A New Day” at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. On her MySpace Crystal says, “I am still on cloud nine from that. I was on the show with Jessica Simpson, Patty Loveless and the one an only Loretta Lynn. I was so honored I finally got to meet her and I even spoke to her.”

In music, Crystal found her lifeline - a source of hope, joy, self-expression and salvation - discovered while growing up on a reservation, where hopelessness and poverty were common.

From Crystal’s powerful and memorable performance, it was time for the audience to experience the rib busting humor of comedian Larry Omaha. As an indigenous member of the Yaqui Nation, who now makes his home in Los Angeles, California, Larry has performed in seven countries and every one of the 50 United States. Fisher River was his first journey to Canada.
As the funniest comedian in his price range, he packed an arsenal of jokes that blasted at us fast and furious. The audience howled as he turned “Indian” stereotypes upside down and inside out. His indigenous humor left the crowd dizzy and weak. Larry says, “Some Caucasians laughed so hard and so long at my jokes, they willingly returned lands their ancestors had stolen long ago.” Larry’s insightful view on multi-ethnic North America was an instant hit with the crowd.

This approach to comedy has garnered him numerous television appearances on shows such as the Comedy Central’s hit shows “Mind of Mencia” and “Premium Blend”, NBC’s “Comics Unleashed”, BET’s “Comic View” and NBC’s “Conan O’Brien Show”. His comical stories about his youth were refreshing, funny and universal. Larry’s side-splitting jabs at the hypocrisy of North American society were hilarious. The “rez” dog piece was a classic - you had to be there. At the conclusion of the show, he thanked the organizers for the first class treatment and hopes to come back in the near future.

As the gorgeous summer day gave way to a magnificent star filled night, Sammy Kershaw hit the LCM Centre stage with an elaborate on-stage arrangement we had not yet seen at the Community Celebration. With an extensive career and an arsenal of classic hits that included “Third Rate Romance”, “Cadillac Style” and “Haunted Heart”, he took to the stage with thunderous roar from the crowd. Since his debut on the music scene in the early 90’s, he has remained one of the most consistent power hitters in country music both with a chain of hit records and sell out touring schedules.



 

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