Dave Gunning has been acclaimed as one of Canada’s best up-and-coming singer-songwriters. A charismatic performer, Dave is known for infusing his shows with his own brand of humorous tales and touching commentary on the everyday, bringing a new vibrancy, energy and life to his heartfelt songs. Blending sensitive folk and innovative arrangements to his original and traditional songs, Gunning is rapidly building a solid audience fan base wherever he performs.

Recently, picking up two 2008 East Coast Music Awards for Male Artist of the Year and Folk Recording of the Year for his sixth recording, “House For Sale”, Gunning has solidified his place as a respected songwriter and performer. Dave’s latest release, “House For Sale” excels in demonstrating his solid songwriting ability and is enriched with his smooth vocals and acoustic guitar backed with elements of bass, percussion, mandolin, dobro and hammond. Among its highlights are co-writes/duets with Canadian country singer, George Canyon and Newfoundland’s songsmith, Ron Hynes.

In 2002, Dave had the incredible experience of performing on a 22-date sold-out tour with Canadian music legend Stompin’ Tom Connors. The pairing proved to be a good one, as the spicy East Coasters were a great mix. That same year, Gunning released the album Live, and picked up three Music Nova Scotia Awards for Producer, Engineer and Recording Studio of the Year (for his studio, Riverfront Studio’s). In 2003, the accolades continued as he was awarded the prestigious Music Nova Scotia Musician of the Year Award.

Engaging and captivating as a solo performer, as a duo, trio or with his band, Dave has the magnetic gift of captivating audiences by painting pictures with his compelling storytelling, lyrics and musical arrangements. On the platform of international recognition, Dave continues to tour in support of his latest release, “House for Sale”.

www.davegunning.com

Ryan Cook and Sunny Acres

A talented singer and gifted songwriter, Ryan Cook takes from his own personal life adventures and mixes drama from fictional characters to write his music and drive his performance on stage. Coming from an unlikely background of playing Heavy Metal music for ten years, Cook decided to focus on an inspirited and soulful Country sound. Growing up in a family of prominent dairy farmers in Yarmouth County, whilst spending time between ox-hauls and hockey rinks, gives Cook an honest and entertaining approach to Honky-Tonk music.

From the latest CD release Hot Times, opening track Pretty Sure is a catchy, slap-stick montage of stories about guy troubles and pretty girls. Some insight into Cook’s inspiration can be attributed to off-the-beaten track performers from the 1950’s and 60’s, among them the vintage sounds of Little Jimmy Dickens humorous novelty songs like Take An Old Cold Tater (And Wait). Cook’s Little Doves, Sharpest Knife, and ...Between The Buried And Me portray a much different story—reflecting the darker side of small town life, despair, and morality, while evoking the subtle nuances of Cook’s Punk and Heavy Metal past.

Sunny Acres was self produced by Ryan and Dwight D'eon, mixed by John Campbelljohn and mastered by Ross Billard (John Gracie). Released in January 2007 on the No Scene Records label, the album contains six original songs and a version of Thomas Dorseys' hymn Peace in the Valley. With award-winning John Cambelljohn on pedal steel, banjo extraordinaire Old Man Luedecke, and veteran crooner Thomas Hearn, the album is a breath of fresh air for today's Country music. The group’s second EP, Children Smiled, was released on the No Scene Records label in May 2007, as a six-song split with singer Guy Parsons, produced by Charlie Coolen and Jon Landry of Folds of Policy. A rare treat from two performers at opposite ends of their career in Country music, this recording was a first for both artists.

www.ryancook.ca

Emcee

Russell MacKenzie - FX101.9 Host / Music Director

Born and raised in Halifax, this home grown boy is thrilled to be on the air in his hometown. After graduating from the Atlantic Media Institute, Radio took him off to Summerside, then The Annapolis Valley and now back home at FX101.9.
Since letting in his first stray cat at age 4, appropriately named 'Hobo', this animal lover has been attempting to speak for those who can't, and will help out any way he can, knowing how much our furry friends appreciate us all being here today, and how our continued support is essential.

The show is never complete without Lietash, and they've never missed one!

Many of the performers are rescued dogs. Goes to show you what a little training and TLC can do for a pound puppy...

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to watch dogs perform agility or tricks in a fancy ballroom? Well, now you know.

These pictures were taken by our photographer, Sabrina Thurlow, during our first four events.

www.lietash.com