The Manitoba Country Music Awards are just around the corner, and this year, local legends Doc Walker are not only taking the stage but hosting the whole event. Chris Thorsteinson, half of the award-winning country duo, shared his excitement about the big night and what fans can expect from the festivities at Winnipeg’s Club Regent Casino Event Centre on Sunday, November 12.
“There's a lot of great artists, it is going to be a fun night. We're also hosting a few songwriting panels and music industry panels and Friday and Saturday at different places around Winnipeg.”
This year, the Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA) are doing things slightly differently.
“It's nice to see that the Manitoba Country Music Association is treating this more like the Canadian Country Music Association, where they take the weekend, and they provide services and places for people to go learn. It's nice to see it growing.”
As for the hosting role, Thorsteinson laughed about being known for his love of talking.
“We’ve done a lot of presenting with the Junos and with the Canadian Country Music Awards. Hosting is another thing; there's no teleprompters there, so I won't be able to read off that, but we'll have somewhat of a of a script, but really we're just there as a ringmaster to get people on and off stage, give them the old yank cane off the stage if their speech gets too long. I love to talk, so I think it’s going to be them trying to shut me up.”
In addition to hosting, Doc Walker will perform, adding to a star-studded lineup, featuring some of Manitoba’s brightest country talent. Local favourites like Portage la Prairie’s Nelson Little and Dauphin's Desiree Dorion will also be taking the stage. Thorsteinson is excited about the mix of rural and city talent, with performers coming from communities large and small.