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A local country artist is bringing a unique event to the Neufeld Garage in Randolph.
Quinton Blair is hosting a live music video shoot and barn dance all rolled into one.
"Well, first, what a cool spot. I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it," Blair says, full of excitement about the venue.
For Blair, this event is a long time coming. Before the pandemic hit, he was focused on playing meaningful shows that gave back to local communities.
“I want to raise money for rural Manitoba communities. And that’s when I first got this idea of working in Randolph.”
While this isn’t officially part of the original series, the heart behind it remains the same, bringing people together through music.
"I live on 206, I drive past Neufeld Garage all the time and it's just kind of always been like I got to get back there. I got to get back there," he explains. “It’s going to be a great year for what we’re doing. We have a bunch of new music coming out and with the way the music industry works now, you have to have great video content.”
The event will serve a dual purpose, a barn dance for the community and a chance for Blair to film a music video with the help of his fans.
"So it's a video shoot. We're going to play a show where we're shooting a video. You want to be in the movies like Buck Owens, let’s say, that’s what this is all about."
Blair’s performances are known for lively energy, and this event will be no different.
"I always tell people I make my living playing on a flat deck trailer. That's my stage," he laughs. "The barn dance, that dance feel, is what we're known for. We like to play up-tempo, but not like overly rocky. I live very much in that country vein."
Because of the unique setting, the performance will have a different feel compared to his usual big-stage shows.
"It's going to be like a string band, so it's not rock'n'roll drums, guitars. That room is so small, you can't do that there. So I've got my drummer playing the washboard, and then we're going to have our fiddle, acoustic guitars, and stuff. And lots of harmonies and great fun."
This night isn’t just about making a music video, it’s about celebrating the journey Blair has taken with his fans and the local country music community.
"When I say friends and family, I mean the folks who’ve been on this journey with us. And I wanted to do something on the home turf that would just allow folks to come and be a part of it.”
The setlist for the night is still up in the air, but Blair promises new music, some old favourites, and a whole lot of crowd-pleasing moments.
"We're going to go down the whole rabbit hole. Some of the first tunes that we put out were songs that I wrote about Grunthal and Landmark and living in the Southeast," he shares. "And then I think we’ll debut some new stuff. We have a new single coming out around that time. So, for sure we’ll play that."
One thing is for certain—this won’t be a night for just standing around. Blair hopes everyone will come ready to engage and be part of something special.
"I do this in front of people to engage with them and to engage with my band and for all of us to have those really memorable moments. We want to create a moment, a memory, a connection with everyone who comes to the show."
Food and beverages will be available in support of Hanover Ag Society.
The event will take place on April 12 at 8 PM. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://events.frontdoor.plus/event/1053. Western attire is encouraged!
With files from Carly Koop