Country Blend’s music appeals to seniors because they enjoy the tunes that were popular when they were young.
From country’s classic songs to gospel and old time, their repertoire appeals to audiences hungry for those old familiar tunes.
They dress professionally — suits and ties for men, gowns for the women — which audiences really welcome and they play at a moderate volume, which fans also appreciate. Old favourites by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves, etc. are always on the playlist.
“Wherever we play, there is somebody listening who wants to book us for their home venue. This time it’s on Vancouver Island. With that one person’s connections, Country Blend can build a tour,” says drummer Cyn (Ken) Lodge
Country Blend is on the road again, as their popularity continues to spread across the country. Since their launch seven years ago, word of mouth alone has widened their reach year by year.
By 2011, they had played their popular country music as far east as Niagara Falls. This month, they’re heading west — all the way to Vancouver Island.
Country Blend tours have evolved, too. One or two fans hitching a ride on the band’s mini-bus soon grew to a second vehicle full of fans, touring the country and enjoying Country Blend’s music each night.
Soon they needed a tour bus to carry all their fans! The largest group of fans on tour ran to 114 on two buses.
Country blend performs Oct. 25 at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from www.sidwilliamstheatre.com or the box office at 250-338-2430.
Breaking new ground in the tour circuit has demanded so much time that Country Blend has not produced a new CD for a couple of years. Of course, they always have their CDs on tour, and many folks have copies of all ten. Cyn Lodge says they will have to stay home someday to produce another CD.
Press reviews:
“. . . brought a bit of Nashville to town.” Pilot Mound Sentinel Courier.
“. . . contagious.” Oakville Country Crossroad.
“. . . from the first number, the crowd was treated to a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time.” Redvers Optimist.
“I can honestly admit I was not any better entertained at the Grand Ole Opry.” Reston Recorder.
“Besides the group’s usual mix of classic country and gospel, they featured a piano player who did several specialty numbers that entertained and amazed the crowd. The group played two sets over an hour each and received a standing ovation that resulted in an encore number.” Virden Empire Advance
— Sid Williams Theatre