The Stettler and District Agricultural Society brings popular Canadian country-music talent to town Oct. 27.
Julian Austin, along with the sister-act One More Girl, are scheduled to be on stage at the Stettler Agri-plex. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with show time at 7:30.
Austin, renowned in country-music circles, came to the forefront of the industry in 1997 with his No. 1 hit, “Little Ol’ Kisses.” It went on to be named single of the year in 1998.
The 49-year-old Austin began playing guitar at age 13. During his teen years and early 20s, he was involved with rock music before moving to the country genre.
His career went professional in 1994. Austin recalls touring with Michelle Wright and doing 33 shows in 43 days.
This is Austin’s first time to perform in Stettler.
“I love Alberta,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the Alberta fans, country music wouldn’t be where it is today.”
The native of Sussex, N.B., lived in Calgary for six years before moving to Steinbach, in his wife Angela’s home province of Manitoba.
In August, Austin launched his own line of electric guitars; each series has its own unique and radical design.
Austin said he likes “mixing it up” when it comes to concert song selections and adds a medley of timeless classics by the Eagles, Trooper, Queen, Rod Stewart and even the King — Elvis Presley.
A new release is in the works for the new year, and Austin anticipates a “Best of the Bad Boy” album coming out in the future.
“I’m pumped to be coming to Stettler,” he said.
One More Girl features the talents of Britt and Carly McKillip. The up-and-coming stars are working on three songs for their new album, set for release early in 2013. The Vancouver-based singers say they’re splitting their time between Los Angeles and Nashville for the recording of the album.
“We’ve been singing pretty much since we were born — but professionally since we were 14 and 16,” Carly McKillip said.
The siblings have won multiple accolades in their young career, but most notably the Canadian Country Music Association’s “Rising Star” award in 2010.
Their signature song, “When it Ain’t Raining,” charted as their first top-10 hit and was a No. 1 video on CMT.
The girls have expanded their horizons beyond singing. Carly has followed in the footsteps of her father, record-producer Tom McKillip. She began working with her father and now has produced four songs for Aaron Pritchett’s new album.
Meanwhile, Britt’s talent in voice-overs is being utilized in the cartoon series My Little Pony.
The sisters said they’re looking forward to their first visit to Stettler.
“We can’t wait — it will be a fun show,” Britt McKillip said.
Michelle Rangen, one of the event organizers, said the agricultural society is “really excited” to bring big-name artists to town.
“It’s a privilege to enrich the lives of the people in the community,” she said. “With the support of the community, we can continue to put on concerts.
“There is not a bad seat in the house and the sound is marvelous. We simply could not do the event without the support of Alberta Foundation for the Arts.”
Tickets range from $40 to $65 and are available from the Stettler and District Agricultural Society office at 403-742-6288.