Getting Down With the O-Town Hoedown

The Ottawa XPress – August 14, 2008

THE O-TOWN HOEDOWN:
Not Bad Country for Good Men and Women

Like a rhinestone cowboy, local gem Greg Harris corrals a star-studded line up for fans and bands alike at the annual O-Town Hoedown

Ask people what kind of music they like and what’s the standard reply? Anything but country!

Yet, judging by the Ottawa crowds that cram into bars when cultural export Kathleen Edwards drives into town, as Blue Rodeo annually take their post at Bluesfest or when Alberta’s Corb Lund and Tim Hus sell out Barrymore’s, the country music vibe clicks with Ottawans always spurring them into high gear and cheer. Add to that the number of heads at Fiftymen, Slo’ Tom or Lucky Ron shows and you’ll see that Capital City has enough country fans – and bands – to fill several barns over.

It’s no wonder then that this year’s O-Town Hoedown has exploded from two days into seven, spanning as many venues from August 17-23. Read more…