He's more Mellencamp then Merle

He's more Mellencamp then Merle. His lyrics champion the 'Blue Collar Hero' in a manner that resonates of Springsteen and other roots rock legends, but it is in the country music format that Charlie Major finds his home.

Rising to the forefront of the Canadian Music scene in the early to mid-nineties, Charlie had a heyday at radio as he became the first Canadian artist in history to score six BDS #1 hits off of his debut album. Nine more chart topping hits would follow, and Charlie would crisscross the world headlining tours and connecting with his fans at fairs and festivals.

But as the old saying goes "fame comes with a cost" and it wasn't long before a major US label signed Charlie, moved him and his family to Nashville. The head of the label told Charlie his sound needed to change and become "more country." The marketing department thought his records might sell better in the US if he appeared on the album cover in a Stetson, and added more fiddles and steel guitars to his edgy songs. What the label did not know was that even though Major might sell out concerts, he was not the type of guy who 'sells out' his career. Charlie's integrity to remain true to his fans, himself and his music was immovable and so he relinquished the dream of the big US record deal and returned to his homeland where he continues to be embraced.

Over a decade later Charlie is as successful as ever, he headlines his own tours and pairs up with the likes of ZZ Top to rock arenas full of fans from coast to coast. He has sold nearly half a million records in Canada alone and won 3 Juno Awards and 7 CCMA's, but you wouldn't know it to meet him, and he would not tell you. He wears the cloak of humility, just like the hardworking folks that he represents in his music.

Truly a Canadian legend and one of the accomplished 'nice guys' in the game, Charlie would not have it any other way.

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C-Weed

Four Decades of Music

With almost four decades of music under his belt, including nineteen albums and counting, Errol “C-Weed” Ranville has been a stalwart figure in Canada’s country music scene. After spending the 70s perfecting his craft in small clubs, Ranville slid onto the nation’s music scene in 1980 with his cover of The Band’s “Evangeline.” The song would hit number one on the Canadian Country Music Charts, and Errol and his ever-evolving C-Weed Band have shown no signs of slowing since.

A string of quality albums in the 80s, highlighted by tracks like “Bringing home the good times” and “Magic in the Music” would lead to back-to-back Juno nods for Country Group of the Year and several Manitoba Country Music Awards. But Errol has never really played for the accolades. C-Weed’s brand of country music has always been flush with honesty, with lyrics indicative of his proud aboriginal heritage.

Today Ranville is enjoying touring his latest album “Forever” with the new six-piece C-Weed Band in Aboriginal communities across Canada. The album’s been another showpiece for Errol, its first single “Can this be love” hitting #1 on the National Aboriginal Top 40 Countdown.

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The Asham Stompers

Electrifying Entertainers

The Asham Stompers are a fun, high-energy jig and square dance group, whose mission is to recapture and preserve the history of the Métis people through the Red River Jig mixed with traditional square dance routines now known as the Red River Dance.

Since they formed in 2002, the Asham Stompers have performed over 100 times per year. They have danced for audiences at the Winnipeg World Curling Championships, the Indian Summer Festival in Milwaukee, WI and at half-time shows for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. From Vancouver to Nova Scotia, their performances have received standing ovations.

Their unforgettable history is brought to life by an unforgettable performance.

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Sagkeeng's Finest

Getting jiggy with it

Light on their feet, Sagkeeng’s Finest will grace the Stomperfest stage with their faststepping jigging routine which took Canada by storm this year, ultimately leading them to be crowned winners of Canada’s Got Talent. Hailing from the Sagkeeng First Nation, Vince O’Laney, 17, and brothers Brandon, 18, and Dallas Courchene, 17, all began dancing in their community only a few years ago.

While the young men had already been winning competitions and taking stages around the province, including performances at Asham Stomperfest, they formed the trio known as Sagkeeng’s Finest last year to participate in the largest national talent contest in Canadian television history. Their blend of traditional jigging blended artfully with modern, clogging and tap styles has created a unique and infectious style of upbeat dance.

After being cast in Winnipeg in September 2011, they participated in the live semifinals of the competition the following April against eleven other acts ranging from circus performers to beatboxers to opera singers. In their final performance, the trio danced to a mash-up of Raghav’s “Fire” and Metro Station’s “Shake It” with their fusion of styles.

Their intricate footwork and enthusiasm earned them the title of “Most Improved” as well as “Biggest Risk Taker” from the Canada’s Got Talent judges.

On May 14, 2012, Sagkeeng’s Finest was named the winner of the first-ever contest. They took home the grand prize of $100,000, a brand new Nissan GT-R, tickets for an allinclusive trip to the island of Tobago, a spot in CityTv’s New Year’s Bash and a chance to perform in a Las Vegas show.

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Michael Cardinal

World Jigging Championships

While at Stomperfest, be sure not to miss the Michael Cardinal WORLD JIGGING CHAMPIONSHIPS! This competition will feature individuals from different age categories vying for the world title in the mastering of the famous Red River Jig! Come sit back and watch the most mind blowing, high stepping, toe tapping performers on the planet as they showcase their unique steps while practicing timing and creativity. This prize winning contest will demonstrate the absolute finest jiggers from abroad and it all happens over two days, on one stage!

The audience is encouraged to cheer loud and proud for their favorite performers as crowd participation is an element in the judging factor.

See you at the World Jigging Championships – where the world’s best proudly display the originality and pride of the Red River Jig!

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Michael Cardinal

World Square Dance Championships

Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the Michael Cardinal World Square Dance Championships while at this year’s Stomperfest! This exciting competition showcases talented couples from different age groups, all striving to be crowned world champions of traditional square dance. This prize-winning contest will demonstrate the best square dancers from around the globe!

Grab a chair, and just try to sit still while the dancers on stage promenade, weave and dosado with perfect timing to fast-paced, upbeat music. Toes will be tapping and the audience is encouraged to cheer loud and proud for their favourite performers as crowd participation is an element in the judging factor.

See you at the World Square Dancing Championships where the world’s best proudly display their unsurpassable talent and passion for square dancing!

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