Embracing his Scottish heritage and teenage years in Canada, award-winning country singer Johnny Reid will take the stage at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games on Aug. 7.
The concert will launch the three-day festival weekend, which runs Aug. 8 to 10.
Nashville-based Reid has been nominated for Country Recording of the Year for the 2008 Juno awards, set to air in April. He has also received multiple Canadian Country Music awards in 2006 and 2007, including Male Artist of the Year. His most recent album, Kicking Stones, was recorded live with Mark Knopfler’s touring band. It was released in 2007 to numerous accolades. The single Darlin was a top 5 hit and reached number 1 in the CMT Chevy Top 20. Missin’ an Angel and You Still Own Me, from the 2005 release Born to Roll, were also top hits.
Reid recently stated, "I’m so honored to be performing at the Fergus Highland Games. I look forward to having the chance to share and celebrate my heritage, culture,and my music.”
This festival marks the third year producing a Thursday night concert to kick off the Highland Games weekend. Great Big Sea performed in 2006, and 2007 featured Jann Arden. Openers for this year’s show include fiddler Ben Rutz, Fergus’ Honourary Chieftain Stuart Cameron, and The Town Pants, the very best in West Coast Celtic music.
“To have a Scottish-born, Canadian-raised entertainer of Johnny Reid’s caliber perform at our Games is a true delight and honor,” said Fergus Scottish Festival president Bill Rowe.
The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games has been listed in Festival and Events Ontario (FEO)’s Top 50 and Top 100 in the past few years. It is committed to celebrating Scottish culture and roots, and features Champion Supreme pipe band competitions, highland dancing, Celtic music, heavy events competitions, and its esteemed military Tattoo.
Tickets for the concert, festival day, and weekend passes are available online and at the Festival office in downtown Fergus. The concert starts at 7pm and age of majority is required. Further details regarding the event can be found at www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
