As a veteran of music events, awards shows and festivals, Scott Patrick has some advice for the host city of the upcoming Country Music Week and Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

“Rest up Saskatoon, because it’s going to be a heck of a party.”

Any good party needs good hosts, and while there is a huge committee in place to make sure things go off without a hitch when the CCMAs arrive in the province, in terms of unofficial ambassadors it’s tough to imagine better representatives than Patrick and his band mates in Wyatt.

Patrick and Danny Fortier, who both sing and play guitar in the band, met by chance at a songwriter’s event less than a decade ago. Since then they, along with Cam Ewert (vocals and bass guitar) and Bray Hudson (drums), have taken the local country music scene by storm.

In 2008 they received both the Rising Star and Group of the Year awards from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association. Far from resting on their laurels, they have gone on to win the group award four consecutive times since.

“It’s an honour for us to represent the province and be the group of the year, because we travel around a lot and hopefully put on a good face for Saskatchewan,” said Patrick.

Like any good party hosts, the band will make the rounds during the country music extravaganza as well, with plans to play three or four gigs including the Rock’n Country Cabaret on Friday, Sept. 7.

“There are all kinds of opportunities, not just to play, but to meet up with old friends. That’s what CCMAs are all about, everyone from the industry conglomerates into one place at one time. It’s great,” said Fortier.

The event should also help spread the word about their music to a more national audience. They recently signed with MDM Music, a subsidiary of EMI Canada, and will be releasing the follow up to their debut album If I Had a Dollar in the new year.

“We’ve got everything in place to take that next step, so we’re excited about what’s coming up,” said Fortier.

But before they get too far ahead of themselves, band members plan to thoroughly enjoy the party that’s coming to their hometown.

“I think Saskatoon’s going to set the bar this time around. Future CCMAs are going to try and live up to it.  That is my guess,” said Fortier.

“I’m looking forward to not sleeping for four days,” added Patrick.

Details

In addition to the awards show, which will be held at Credit Union Centre Sunday, September 9, there are several other major events being staged by the CCMA during country music week, which is expected to draw crowds from across the province and the nation:

•    CCMA New Artist Showcase – Sept. 6 at TCU Place.
•    Songwriter’s Café – Sept. 6-8 at TCU Place.
•    CCMA Seminars – Sept. 7- 8 at TCU Place.
•    CCMA Fanfest – Sept. 8  at Prairieland Park.
•    For more information on all events visit potashcorpcountrymusicweek2012.com