It was September of 2014 when the 93.1 FM signal was rebranded as Country 93, and everything kicked off with a parking lot party featuring Doc Walker on that first day.
To celebrate all those years of excitement, another party lot party presented by Rona, Portage is planned Thursday night, at 6 p.m.
Since the launch, around one million songs have been played and many of those are by some of the talented musicians from right here in the area. Artists who have come a long way since we first said "We love our Country"
The event is free, but you're invited to bring along a few extra dollars as there will be some food trucks on hand. As the season winds down for these vendors you can give them a little boost by planning to grab a treat, a snack or maybe even supper.
Travis Roberts was the original morning show host and is now the station manager. Roberts has fond memories of the day.
"It was very exciting, we had so many prizes with Treasure in the Trailer, and I met so many people that first year. Getting out and talking to people while playing great country music is the same thing we do today."
It would be tough to recall all of the prizes that have been given away over the years so it's a given we will have some of those. But in the end, it will be all about the music. Bring along a lawn chair and get set to enjoy some of Manitoba's best.
Jason Kirkness, from Kleefeld, is a familiar name on the country music scene and his songs have been featured on the station since day 1. Over the years, Kirky, as his friend like to call him, has built an impressive career, marked by numerous accolades and high-profile performances. In 2023, he won the Male Artist of the Year award at the Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA) awards, further solidifying his status in the industry. His live performances have seen him sharing the stage with country heavyweights such as Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Florida Georgia Line.
Quinton Blair is another name people in the area will recognize. From small town events to fairs and festivals to concerts all over the country, Blair is genuine to the core. When not moving a dance floor with his uptempo, boot-
stompin’, brand of country music; you will find him in the roping pen or riding through the wilderness of Manitoba on horseback. Blair is the 2023 Manitoba Country Music Association Fans Choice Award winner; along with additional
accolades like MCMA Roots Artist of the Year (four times); MCMA Male Artist of the Year (four times),
and, Songwriter of the Year, for the song 20 Dollar Bottle.
Troy Flamand is one of the hottest musicians on the music scene right now and you can see how much fun he is having every time he is on stage. Some people in Portage will remember him as one of the members of Antic at the time of the Country 93 launch but he has done so much since then. Playing with the likes of Kendra Kay, covering thousands of miles on the road this summer with Quinton Blair, hitting the stage with Doc Walker, the talented guitar player seems to be everywhere. And we are excited to have him perform for you at the special event.
Last but not least, Nelson Little is living the motto of his 2024 hit song "Just Make it Happen" as that is exactly what he has been doing. While he has been putting out songs since the Country 93 launch, the song he released earlier this year co-written by Dave Rogers has seen the local musician reach new heights. While he is no stranger to the Manitoba Country Music Awards as a past winner, the success of that song was instrumental in garnering him 7 nominations at this year's event. It was also just announced Little will be performing coast to coast in 2025 as part of a collaboration with the Asham Stompers.
It's quite amazing all this talent will be gathered at one spot to celebrate 10 years of music on Country 93 and the only thing left now is you! The 10th anniversary party once again is Thursday night, 6 p.m. at our station, 2390 Sissons Drive on the west end of Portage.