Country Music Week boasts free FanFest, pre-show for CCMAs

Saskatoon will soon sound a lot more country.

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards take place at SaskTel Centre on Sunday, Sept. 10.

On Tuesday, the host committee announced the final artists who will perform during the award show: Chad Brownlee, High Valley, Madeline Merlo and international guest Brett Young.

These acts join Gord Bamford, Jim Cuddy, Dean Brody, Tim Hicks, James Barker, Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick, Jess Moskaluke, Dallas Smith, The Washboard Union and Blake Shelton.

Fans also have plenty to enjoy leading up to the big show. PotashCorp Country Music Week starts Thursday, Sept. 7, and is offering free events for people to take in – and even meet – their favourite stars.

Sirius XM FanFest

Details were announced Tuesday for the Sirius XM FanFest at Prairieland Park on Sept. 9.

The event is free and fans will be able to meet, greet and have their photo taken with 14 Canadian artists who will be doing back-to-back performances:

Gord Bamford
Chad Brownlee
Cold Creek County
Tim Hicks
Brett Kissel
JoJo Mason
Madeline Merlo
Jess Moskaluke
Meghan Patrick
Aaron Pritchett
The Road Hammers
Dallas Smith
The Washboard Union
Bobby Wills

Doors open at 10 a.m. for the free event that runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TD Countdown Concert

Die-hard country fans will be able to soak in more sounds right before the 2017 CCMA award show goes live.

Some of this year’s nominees will take the stage after walking the John Deere Green Carpet at SaskTel Centre.

Alee, Cold County Creek, Aaron Goodvin, David Davidson, Aaron Pritchett and JJ Shiplett will perform during the free event on Sunday, Sept. 10, between 1–2:30 p.m.

A schedule of performance times will be announced closer to the event date.

A complete list of industry and fan events for the 2017 CCMAs is available online.

Saskatoon last hosted the CCMA awards show in 2012.