“Welcome to my church,” was the greeting from Nashville North’s host this Sunday at Calgary Stampede. The tent was packed out from early afternoon, providing some well needed shade for Stampeders.

Garrett Gregory kicked off the music for the day, performing his third run of opening shows. He warmed up the crowds with fan favourites like Morgan Wallen and Post Malone’s ‘I Had Some Help’ along with his own music, including his newly released, ‘She Don’t Need a Drink To Dance’. Gregory’s music had fans singing and dancing along – and some even getting his autograph signed on their arms!

Following on from Gregory’s set was Jamie Wyatt, a voice and look that’s kind of like if Amy Winehouse went country – and it works. With honest lyrics and toe tapping beats, Wyatt gave the crowd at Nashville North everything she had.

And then it was time for Brother’s Osborne. The five times CMA Vocal Duo winners opened with a big hitter, ‘Might As Well Be Me’ which saw anyone who’d made a break for the bar head back into the crowd to get involved in the energy that was surging across the tent. It was a night of classics for the band, playing fan favourites like ‘Rum’ and ‘I’m Not For Everyone,’ along with tracks that are fast approaching ten years (!) like ‘Stay a Little Longer’ and ‘It Ain’t My Fault’. It was hit after hit for their fourth Stampede performance which included a Tom Petty cover, ‘I Won’t Back Down,’ and ‘Burning Man’ by Dierks Bentley – and I’m sorry but who can stand still during that?

After asking the security team to stop flashing their lights because it was distracting for them, TJ offered a huge acknowledgement of their difficult job at the end of the set, reminding us that these boys are still humble and just trying to give their fans the best possible show they can.
Although I was holding out for an ‘All Night’ – possibly because Garrett Gregory had done such a stellar cover earlier in the night – I was not disappointed by the selection from their discography and the band left the crowd desperate for more.

Post Country 2 Country (C2C) and ahead of their tour early next year, Brother’s Osborne are keeping the bar high for country duos and are definitely a band to check out if you haven’t already.