Country music legends recording Hall of Fame album in Kelowna this week

KELOWNA – Some big names in Canadian country music are in the Thompson-Okanagan this week to record a first ever Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame album.

Ian Tyson, Michelle Wright, The Good Brothers and more will be at Arc House Studios in Kelowna May 3 for six days of recording songs that will be released as part of Country Music Week 2018 in Hamilton, Ont.

A media release says the collection of songs recorded will highlight some of the incredible Hall of Fame artists who have made an impact on the Canadian country music scene.

The compilation album will feature CCMA Hall of Fame inductees like Sylvia Tyson, Wendell Ferguson and Murray McLaughlin, performing their biggest hits as duets with some of today’s top names in country music.

The album will feature music and vocals by Brett Kissel, Aaron Pritchett, The Washboard Union, Jess Moskaluke and many more.

"This is an important project for the region because it highlights the role that country music plays in the Thompson Okanagan and that we are home to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in Merritt,” CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Glenn Mandziuk says. “While here, the artists will also be taking the time to promote the region through various events and social media channels.”

Recording sessions will also be video recorded and released as part of a behind-the-scenes series later this year.

Each video will capture the magic found within each duet group, demonstrating what continues to be the foundation of Canadian country music — family, friendship and collaboration. 

“The Hall of Fame is a central part of Merritt's title of Country Music Capital of Canada, along with the Walk of Stars and the many murals of country music artists,” Ron Sanders, President of Walk of Stars says. “With this album, we hope to increase awareness and financial support for the Hall, and the amazing artists in it.” 

Some of the collaborations include Alberta’s Ian Tyson singing with Aaron Pritchett, Family Brown with Kelly Prescott and The Good Brothers and Washboard Union.

Gordon Lightfoot will also record Early Morning Rain with the full cast of Then and Now, a project that releases music annually featuring new inductees to the Hall of Fame.

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