The Dog Patch Music Festival 2015

This was the former website of the Dog Patch Music Festivals. After the 2015 festival was over the domain's registration was allowed to expire. Now you have to go to their facebook page (www.facebook.com/dogpatch.musicfestival/) to read the news about upcoming events.

I attended the 2015 Festival by driving almost 4 hours through amazing wilderness. I had been visiting a potential client, a concierge medical practice with ten physicians, in Edmonton, Alberta for the IT software company that I work for. I was making a pitch about our Salesforce integration services. Our medical clients, who are either individual physicians or a group practice that is offering boutique or concierge medicine require specific software that addresses their needs. As you might know, concierge medicine allows a patient and a primary care physician to establish a relationship where the patient pays a monthly or annual fee / retainer in order to receive more personalized medical care. From the medical practitioner's point of view, concierge medicine is a way for health professionals to take back control from insurance companies. My team works with medical practices to create proprietary programs or applications allowing them to have exactly what they need for running their concierge practice. We are able to set up an electronic medical records (EMR) system, create a customer portal so patients can schedule appointments, make payments, access automated prescription information, look up discharge instructions and other information, as well as send and receive messages. In addition we often need to customize the programs the medical practice is already using so they are compatible. After meeting with the potential client I drove to Whelan to meet up with friends. Recently I discovered that the domain for dogpatchmusicfestival.com was available. I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages and to point visitors to their facebook page: www.facebook.com/dogpatch.musicfestival/. I hope by visiting this site you will be inspired to attend the next Dog Patch Music Festival

Dog Patch Music Festival: Our Story

As some of you may know my parents started a pig roast over thirty years ago, they stopped it because I suppose people lost interest with their busy lives. As the 80′s grew into the 90′s and the 90′s grew into the new millennia things just seemed to get busier. Technology seemed to take the place of personal interaction for the most part. I don’t know about you but I miss that feeling I had as a kid… watching my parents and all their friends having parties for no other reason than to appreciate life and friendships. I’m here to tell you I’m bringing those times back….The Dog Patch Music Festival is about leaving all animosity and negative energy behind you, taking the opportunity to travel out to the Northern Saskatchewan Wilderness for a weekend of games, entertainment and most importantly "each other’s company"!!!!

We Have a lot of bands and entertainment booked for this year. Please check out the videos, and the entertainment pages for more information.

For those of you who don’t know, the Festival is in Whelan Saskatchewan, approximately 20 km west of Loon Lake at the end of the Fowler Lake/Murphy Lake road. There will be a map soon. Hope to see you all there!!! So leave your worries behind for a weekend of fun, music and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones at the same time. Enjoy a true celebration of life!!!! So come out to the DOG PATCH Music Festival and howl at the moon!!!

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2015 Line-Up

Here is the the Line up for the 2015 Festival!!

Friday Aug. 7

12:30pm 17th Base Line

1:50pm ..Sam Lundell

3:10pm ..Sister Grace

4:30pm ..Eiffel Tower

5:40pm The Blue Mules

7:00pm Johnny Don’t

8:20pm Mahoney

11:00pm MarysTown

12:20am Artificial Lift

Saturday Aug 8th

11:00am Tyler Johnston

12:20pm Donna Kay

1:40pm ..Thomas Maxwell (AKA..Simple Tom)

3:00pm ..Theresa Sokyrka

4:20pm Mitch Belot

5:40pm Shane Chisholm

7:00pm David James and Big River(Johnny Cash Tribute)

8:20pm The Dead South

9:40pm Punch Drunk Cabaret

11:00pm McCuaig

12:20am The Big River Boys

Sunday Aug 9th

12:30pm .Blue Rare

1:50pm ..Raven She Hollers

3:10pm Poor Bill

4:30pm .. Lorrie Church

6:00pm Closing Ceremony

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2015 Band Bio’s

Some quick snippets about all the bands/ music acts at the 2015 Festival. To learn more, check out the Video Page, and the Line-up page to make sure you catch your favorite acts!

The Dead South – The Dead South is a four-piece acoustic ensemble based in Regina, Saskatchewan. With Nate Hilts’ gritty vocals and aggressive guitar strumming, Scott Pringle’s soaring harmonies and mandolin chops, Colton Crawford’s blazing banjo licks and steady kick drum, and Danny Kenyon’s prominent cello melodies, The Dead South blends elements of folk, bluegrass, classical, and rock which results in a unique, modern, and authentic blend of boot-stompin’ acoustic music. The Dead South has been hard at work since they formed as a band, having played several notable shows, some of which include: showcasing at Reeperbahn Festival 2014, Canadian Music Week 2014, Regina Folk Festival, Ness Creek Music Festival, Gateway Music Festival, Juno Fest 2013 – 2014, Grey Cup Festival 2013 where they opened for Serena Ryder, Saskatchewan Party Premier’s Dinner, The Works Art and Design Festival, All Folk’d Up Festival, Frontier Days Festival, Long Days Night Festival, Picker’s Cup Festival and the Cathedral Village Arts Festival.

Lorrie Church- Combine humble beginnings and family values with life lessons and you get the dynamic vocal soul of Lorrie Church.

Lorrie is the 12th of 16 children born and raised by the two people who influenced her life morally, ethically and musically-Walter and Freida Church.

At age 5 with her Moms musical instruction and by the age of 12 with her Dads purchase of her first guitar, Lorrie’s career was fated and her dream began.

Lorrie’s musical journey started in the midst of performing with her parents and participating in Talent Shows around Meadow Lake and area. In High School she formed her own band and played at any venue that would allow her to share her music. By the young age of 18 and fresh out of High School Lorrie joined a road band performing throughout Canada and the Northwest Territories. Although she was doing what she loved to do and was born to do, she wanted to control the direction her God given talent would take her and made her decision to follow her dream as a single artist and a song writer.

Having control over her musical future, her long journey was underway. After years of striving to reach her goals, countless sacrifices and the release of her long awaited album, “I Never Gave Up Hope” she was at long last beginning to reap the rewards of her tireless efforts by achieving top music honours including:

Saskatchewan Country Music Association “Most Promising Entertainer of the Year”, “Female Vocalist of the Year”, Video of the Year”, Single of the Year” and “Entertainer of the Year”

Canadian Country Music Association “Wrangler Rising Star”.

National Aboriginal Achievement Award Nomination

Two American Indian Film Festival “Best Music Video of the Year” for “Running Away” and “Never Gave up Hope” both penned by Lorrie.

The recognition Lorrie received in Canada opened doors for her south of the border that would present her with opportunities she never dreamed of. Some of her many accomplishments include:

opening for acts Brad Paisley, Big & Rich, Crystal Gayle, Buffy St-Marie and Rita Coolidge just to name a few

being hand picked and chosen by Kitty Wells management team to perform for Ms. Wells in a live tribute

perform exclusively for Terry”Hulk”Hogan as an honoured guest by Native American Gaming

“He Can’t Get Over Her (penned by Lorrie, Kim Tribble and Cyril Rawson) and “I Ain’t Perfect” (penned by Lorrie and Kim Tribble) were featured in the movie “Black Cloud” (written by Ricky Schroeder), starring Tim McGraw and Ricky Schroeder

Lorrie took some time off from her career and moved back to Saskatchewan, but the music has never left her. Whether she is singing by a fire with guitar in hand or performing on stage with a full band, people are drawn to her incredible voice and soulful lyrics of the songs she sings.

With Lorrie’s charisma and ability to reach deep into the hearts of her audience, she is one of the few artists whose performance is not only remembered, it’s never forgotten.

David James and Big River –David James and Big River are often described as one of the most authentic Johnny Cash tribute shows touring today. Thousands of fans agree with those reviews, as they routinely sell out shows in venues large and small across Canada and the U.S. James and his band – Todd Sacerty on bass, Duncan Symonds on guitar and pedal steel, and Colin Stevenson on drums – look and sound like the legacy of the Man in Black, and when they step on stage, they live it. From the way Cash holds his guitar to the way he talks to his audience, the legendary musician lives again when James steps to the mike and says, “Hello – I’m almost Johnny Cash.”

Mahoney- Mahoney is an acoustic duo made up of Trent Roset and Ryan Massini. Based out of Medicine Hat, they have established themselves as one of Alberta’s most sought-after entertainers. Established in 2000, they have performed well over a thousand shows across Western Canada. The duo produces a surprisingly large sound as Ryan and Trent will often play multiple instruments simultaneously. Mahoney has amassed a constantly expanding repertoire of over 400 cover songs, ranging from Snoop Dogg to Johnny Cash; from Toto to Tool. They establish a rapport with the audience through engagement, humour and crowd participation, including “Mahoney-oke” where members of the audience are encouraged to perform live karaoke with the group. In the summer of 2011, Mahoney released their newest recording. “Uncovered” is the third album from Mahoney, but it is their first all original recording. Written, recorded and produced by Mahoney, this album employs a unique radio show format whereby the 12 original tracks are interspersed with banter between T-Rose and Ry-guy, a feel reminiscent of their shows. The full 23 track CD can only be purchased at Mahoney events and online, through Shopify.

Punch Drunk Cabaret -Hailing from Dustbowl, Alberta, Roots-rockers Punch Drunk Cabaret mixes up a potent cocktail of rockabilly, outlaw country and steampunk swing, then delivers it with all the swagger of AC/DC. Sharply dressed like early century snake oil salesmen, the trio has earned rave reviews for their dancefloor packin’, crowd participating live shows that attract an incredibly wide range of music fans. This is evidenced by the fact the band has continually been a fan favourite at Roots, Country, Blues and Rock festivals. Despite their rockabilly/country/swing traditions, Punch Drunk Cabaret is no nostalgia act. Singer/guitarist Bandmeister Randy B fronts the trio like a home-brewed concoction of Stray Cat Brian Setzer and Tom Waits, while Sawbones Grant is one of the few 12 string bass players on the continent. (yes you read that right…twelve string bass!) The rhythm section is rounded out by stand-up drummer extraordinaire Capt. Sean E Watts. The band’s set list features a winning mix of originals you swear you’ve heard before and cover songs like you’ve never heard before, including a swingin’ version of Hot For Teacher and an unforgettable Mumford & Sons/Motorhead mash-up.

Theresa Sokyrka– Theresa Sokyrka has been somewhat of a constant in the Canadian music scene. Constantly in the darkness, where’s that at? If you want her she’ll be at the bar. She was a product of the early years of reality TV, coming in second place on Canadian Idol 2004. She released an album of standards called “These Old Charms” and sold over 65,000 certifying a Gold Status. Her second album “Something is Expected” she signed with MapleMusic to release an all original pop album working with producers Mike Timmins, John Collins and David Carswell. She produced a brilliant collection of traditional folk songs on a Ukrainian Roots Album in 2010 in Montreal. She has had the opportunity to open for Matt Dusk, Charlotte Cornfield, Miss Emily Brown, and David Gray. She was nominated for a Juno in 2006 and was the Youth Ambassador for Saskatchewan in it’s centennial year. In June of 2013, Sokyrka produced and released her fifth studio record “Prairie Winds” a collection of wispy, poetic melodies that were recorded, mixed and mastered in one week in Madrid. Sokyrka always wanted to make an album that was free from edits and this stellar, sonic beauty proves she has matured into a pretty decent songwriter and has learned a thing or two about producing as well. She toured the album from Victoria to Charlottetown in May/June of 2013 with fellow colleague Michelle Sabourin (Edmonton) and proved to her fans old and new that though it’s been almost 11 years since a reality TV show found her in Saskatoon, Sokyrka is sticking around for the long haul.

Shane Chisholm -2 time CCMA Award winner Shane Chisholm has become a tour de force, performing around the globe sharing his passion for music and the ungentle art of show business, Be it BMX style acrobatic tricks on the Upright Gas Tank Bass to Chanting anthems back and forth with an unsuspecting audience Shane will have you at your attention from the beginning till the end. Shane was recently welcomed into Ole Publishing family with a single song publishing deal which was won at the 2009 CCMA awards where he was also honored by being nominated along side of Corb Lund, Mike Plume and Ridely Bent for Country Roots Artist of the year. Chisholm’s Hitchhiking Buddha CD was recently picked up for distribution from Fontana North a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, nominated for Country Recording of the Year through the Western Canadian Music Awards and for Album Design of the Year from the Canadian Country Music Awards followed by a 2010 nomination for CCMA Roots Artist of the Year

The Blue Mules –The Blue Mules are three guys who love to play music! If a genre had to be chosen it would be the “The Blues”, however, the band is so much more with foot stomping energy, a groove and searing guitar tone that cannot be denied. The band recorded their debut CD, “The Blues Ain’t that Bad”, at Fame Machine Studio. Earl Pereira, of the Steadies and former Wide Mouth Mason member, produced, mastered, mixed and tweaked growls, thumps and sweet tones for the Blue Mules. The album was released late summer of 2013 on Dynasty Records, with distribution through HMV and FYE stores across North America and digital distribution through CD Baby.

Marystown– Marystown is a little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll and a whole lot more in-between these lines. From swooning, swinging and shuffling to ripping, raging, and roaring, “The genre-bending honours all the different types of music I love,” says Evan Murray, the Edmonton-based mastermind behind Marystown. Evan was born from a musical bloodline rooted back in the small community of Marystown, Newfoundland on Canada’s east coast. Using this name for the band was a nod to his rich heritage and family history of blue-collared livelihoods and musical passions. Carrying on with music professionally, Evan says, “was the only thing that ever really made sense to me.” He grew up on the northwestern prairies of Alberta where, for the past two decades, he’s worked as a session drummer for numerous touring bands and recording sessions. With a studio of his own, Evan has also recorded and engineered various albums and projects, including backup vocal and lead tracks for Marystown’s first release. He coproduced, and played drums on Crazy Life by Will Belcourt and the Hollywood Indians, which was nominated for two APCMA awards in 2013, including Best Rock Album, and recently finished recording acoustic material for SNFU frontman Chi Pig. But it’s Evan’s songwriting that is closest to his heart. He has woven words and music for local compatriots in Edmonton’s music scene, such as The Kurt West Express and Dolly Rotten’s soon to be released debut, and has slowly grown his own repertoire, which eventually needed releasing. Marystown was born for these songs, which are the heart of the project. Evan hand-picked his favourite local players to record A Perfect Reality, the band’s 2014 debut, which features a diverse lineup including members of the alternative folk band The Uncas and backup vocals by Amanda Kiernan who sings with hard rock bands The Order of Chaos and Into Eternity. Evan has united a solid three-piece backline to bring Marystown compositions to life on the road this spring/summer for the band’s inaugural cross-country tour supporting the album, while more dates are being arranged south of the border.

The Johnny McCuaig Band– Energy, melody, distinctive rock and roll with bagpipes but Celtic they are not. Have you ever wondered if there are any bands left in the music industry that displays integrity, originality and willingness to push the envelope of creativity? Meet The JMB.A 4 piece rock band that is fresh, heavy, experimental and best of all popular. If you are in the mood for something more refreshing than a cold pint on a sweaty day, its time to experience TJMB. This bagpipe sensation has people groping for superlatives trying to define this McCuagian Sound. Try to imagine a band that can seamlessly blend and twist almost every style of popular music together. The Blues mixed with a 70’s groove. A chugging rock guitar interlaced with Scottish Bagpipes. TJMB is distinctive. Johnny brings bagpipes to a whole new level by playing them as a lead instrument; much like a guitar including all the effects, all while wearing a kilt! TJMB is positive, on the edge (and sometimes over!), experimental, sexy and definitely something not to be missed.

Johnny Don’t -Often described as one of Saskatchewan’s greatest up-and-coming acts, Johnny Don’t is a group with an extraordinary talent for blending various musical styles with outrageous witty humour. Together, Mike Colli, Graham Templeman, Dave Postnikoff, Jesse Dawson and Finn Day-Wiggins have created a musical repertoire that keeps their crowds thoroughly entertained. With their well crafted sense for lyric and infectious melodies, it is very easy to find a Johnny Don’t song stuck in your head.

Donna Kay- “Music is God’s gift to me. Everything I do is by his grace.”

Since 2005 Donna Kay has garnered a total of 14 nominations in the CAMA, NAMA, WCMA, APCA and the Alberta Film and Television Awards. Her album ‘The Journey’ won the 2006 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for Best Producer/Engineer, and from the same album her hit single “Round, Round, Round” won the Best Music Video at the 2007 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Yet Donna has been making beautiful music long before this.

Donna grew up along the shores of Saskatchewan’s Ministikwan Lake where the sounds of native ghost dance drumming would carry across the water touching all souls in its path. Thus, from a very tender age Donna knew that her future would always circle the rhythmic beat of the dancer’s drum. She embraced her gift of percussion and turned it into her own magic. Today Donna is described as a solid drummer who puts the grove in a pocket and drives the rhythm on through.

Dancing along to the drum’s beat Donna’s voice nurtures, heals, soothes and sometimes tricks and teases you into the warp of her musical fabric’s weave. The result is a rich, warm sound blanket that comforts the soul and reassures the senses, calming the spirit within. Weaving her magic through her external influences of R&B, rock and roll, disco all the way through to country music, she creates a musical fabric that captivates all who hear it. Her music is unique to her and especially pleasing to her audiences – transcending genres, genders and generations.

The Journey’s blending of traditional First Nation’s instruments and songs with modern musical styles created a melodic tapestry that lightens the hearts of all who hear it.





Mitch Belot- Mitch Belot entertains with his swampy story telling style and modern rock flare. He hooks audiences with his powerful, smoky voice, and gets them on their feet by incorporating fast tempos and heavy grooves. While he is first and foremost a humble student of the blues, Mitch adds a taste of rock to the naturally ear pleasing sound that permeates his repertoire. Hearing Mitch’s soulful voice and classic blues riffs, you’d be forgiven for thinking that he stepped right out of 1930’s Mississippi. In fact he was born in Calgary in 1993 and didn’t start playing guitar until the age of fifteen. He owes his musical beginnings to his grandfather – a very talented pianist who could play everything from Mozart to Heartbreak Hotel after only hearing it once. Over the past year, Mitch Belot has performed throughout Canada showcasing his talent and entertaining the masses. He has recently taken part in the NXNE festival in Toronto where he was on the list of top 100 acts to see during the festival and was asked to perform at venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe and the Rivoli.

Simple Tom- Simple Tom plays a kick stompin, folky, hip hop beat with his soulful voice and his colourful ukulele. While writing and freestyling most of his music, he likes to make his performances a “co-creative experience” with the crowd, often encouraging jams with any and all who’ve got the music and the rhythm flowin through their veins.

Artifical Lift –A 3 piece Rock&Roll band from Lloydminster, SK, Artificial Lift started as a jam band in February of 2013 under the moniker: Biggs Hosan. Deriving influence from such genres as Death Metal, Prog Rock, Blues, and Country & Western, the guys have honed their skills into a modern rock sound. The “Ominous EP” is their first 5 song release in 2014 and takes listeners into a sound-scape consisting of huge rock guitars, pulsating rhythm sections, and lyrics forged from their experiences of living in the Canadian Mid-West. A special shoutout goes to Terry Paholek @ The Physics Lab for recording/mixing/producing/mastering the Ominous EP.

Sam Lundell- Sam Lundell, who currently resides in Alberta, Canada, began his musical endeavors studying violin at age five and eventually became a student of former Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster, Martin Riseley.

Since then, Sam has expanded his performing repertoire to include musical theatre, piano, tap dance, vocals and most passionately, guitar.

Many Sunday mornings you will find Sam participating in worship bands at one of his two most frequented churches.

2013 was an eventful year for Sam as he gave an award-winning performance at Edmonton Northland’s K-Days Talent Search and followed that up by becoming the top male vocalist at the Big Valley Jamboree’s ATB Homegrown Talent Competition.

Big River Boys- The Big River Boys were established as an excuse to drink during the week as well as on weekends. From tree planting shops to clearwater studios the boys have finally reached intermittent massive success and achieved levels of pussy magnetism most hillbillies only dream of. Today they are the toe tapping, liquor loving, stage stomping quintet you have no doubt been warned to steer clear of. But don’t heed the warnings; gather ’round for this’ll be a northern saskabama rock hoedown you won’t want to miss!

Sister Grace- Since they were children, Madeline, Mackenzie, and Saidi Gardner have been writing and performing their own music. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that they decided to pool their musical skills together to form the band Sister Grace. Drawing inspiration from country, folk and soul, the girls utilize their three strikingly different voices to create a modern sound that is unique and passionate. Their live performances have captivated audiences at a number of different festivals and events. Sister Grace has an EP available and will be releasing a full-length album in the coming year.

Raven She Hollers- Raven She Hollers hails from the boreal forest fringe at Birch Lake, Saskatchewan. This inter-generational band shares their musical enthusiasm through their original material as well as unique interpretations of old-time Appalachian songs, jazz, swing, back-country blues and tin-pan alley tunes.

Poor Bill- The Band name for this duo from Lloydminster suggests you should feel sorry for guitarist Bill MacArthur’s constant need to learn new tunes and “tolerate” his incredibly talented lead singer Mel Coote, but don’t let that fool you. MacArthur has been part of the music scene in Saskatchewan and across Canada for more years than he’d care to consider. His nimble fingers and keen ear translate into him being a sought-after player in many groups. McArthur’s style covers the full range of country to rock, pop to jazz and everything in between. He’s just as comfortable backing up solo performers as big rock bands, but is at his full ability when he takes front stage and shows the audience what he is truly capable of. His nimble fingers and keen ear translate into his true love of music shining through on stage, making him the perfect player to accompany Coote as she picks you up and brings you along on her journey through Blues, Jazz, Pop, Rock and a whole host of classic tunes that make you want to get up and dance, sing along and shout out for more. Her true love of music is apparent to all who know her but it shines brightest when she’s up on stage belting out high energy tunes or baring her soul in beautiful ballads. If you haven’t already heard of “Poor Bill” you’ll leave here a fan of one of our home-grown duos that will always leave you calling out for more!

17th Baseline – 17th Baseline is an acoustical 3 piece, small town, crowd pleasing band raised out of the woods of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. Since October 2013, these three millwrights decided to expand their mechanical inclination into some musical adaptations which in turn make up for some clear, crisp, ear soakin sounds from the 70s up through the new millennia. Inspired by a plethora of great artists in rock, country and folk genres that we all love and know, these guys will be sure to tantalize the musical taste buds of young and old alike. So grab cold one, a few of your friends and enjoy!!

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