The Next Country Music Star is coming back to The Ranch Resort this March. Returning for it’s second year, the Ranch is pairing with the Havelock Country Jamboree (HCJ) for a 30 minute set on the same stage as some of country’s biggest stars.
“Everyone wants to go to Nashville or the Havelock Country Jamboree,” says Ranch coordinator Jane Doidge who is excited to be bringing back an event that gives a break-out opportunity to starting artists all over the country. It also means great local entertainment every Saturday in March and into April – the first event will take place on March 5th. Tickets are available for dinner and the show for $30 each, or $10 just for the show, which will feature up to 6 performers a night.
Performers will be accepted for the show throughout the competition until close to 40 applications have been accepted – mostly on a first come first serve basis to allow for equal opportunity. Judges will include the stage, booking and sales managers from the HCJ as well as a guest judge every night. Contestants will be evaluated on 10 categories from music ability to cohesiveness of sound to audience response and stage presence – but only one act will make it to the top.
While acts will range from solo artists to country music parodies, one contestant will stand out because his soul boils down to music being his quiet place, and he has the classic, humble grass roots that define ‘country’ for so many of us. Kirk Bates, tagged by the Ranch to perform once the competition amps up, is a long time music artist playing simply because it’s what he does, it makes him happy, and he’s finally in a place where between his long hours as a trucker, and his family life, he has time to play.
Q: So, tell me a little about you, who are you?
A: Everything happens for a reason, you’ll end up doing what you want to do – what should I really stress about when we’re a rock flying through space? I’m a father and a grandfather, and a truck driver for 30 years hauling 200 miles.
Q: What have some of your best moments been as an artist?
A: I was 15, I played on stage for the first time. I played my dad’s Gibson and played some CCR tunes. I was in my own little world, looked up, and there wasn’t anyone there when I started, and then I looked up again and there were 50 people standing there cheering me on. That’s when I felt and knew this is what I want to do, but I had to do what I needed to do first.
Q: What is your act?
A: It’s me singing some original tunes. I’ve been writing for 20 to 30 years, not heavily but putting in the blood, sweat and tears. It’s country based, grass roots – but no one’s getting murdered. A little pizzazz too, but staying away from the objectification of women that happens in country. Some songs have really well thought out lyrics but then there’s some songs that I’m just like what the hell that’s just demeaning – I try to be respectful. I don’t put down, I just tell my story.
Q: When did you first pick up an instrument?
A: My step dad plays guitar, Steve Bates, when he and my mum got together he was a very proficient musician even offered a records contract. I try to keep that going, not really hold a flame but he taught me since I was 13, basically that’s a huge thing in my life with him. My biological father Jim Johnston had me singing from 5five or six. I play a 12 string cort, 6 string cort, but I can also play bass and sing in the background, happy to collaborate. Once your hands stop hurting you keep learning, I’m learning the mandolin.
Q: What does music mean to you?
A: It’s my faith place, any time I’ve had a major stress in my life, bills or anything, just grab my guitar and sit in the bedroom and catch a riff. It’s a deep breath for my soul.
Q: What other musicians inspire you?
A: Roy Clarke, country musician with short stubby fingers and he’s just the wow factor. Natalie Maines because of the power and control in her voice. Trisha Yearwood hear the passion, I strive for that passion. The showmanship of Jean Simmons – I was a certified member of the Kiss Army. Ozzy, David Bowie for his music. Blue Rodeo was my first concert last year, it was always work and family first, but it blew my mind.
Q: What sets you apart?
A: Wisdom and soul, I’m crowdin’ fifty here, I’m one of the senior contestants. I’m more of a if I get there great, if I don’t I’m at a place in my life where I’m happy, win or lose, I’m always going to love singing and guitars. If I can get a handful of people to say do you remember Kirk Bates, I really liked his songs, and they still listen to my music after I’m gone, so in a sense I’m still there? I want to know that they will have that too, I want my kids and their kids to know and have that legacy.
Bates wishes all his fellow competitors the best of luck. You can catch him at the Next Country Music Star Saturday, March 26th.
By Sarah Sobanski
