Saturday, July 4, 2009

The stars of the future are shining brightly at the Calgary Stampede Talent Search, now in its 29th year. This event has often been the first to direct the spotlight on impressive rising talent. This year, 70 amateur youth performers (aged 13 to 21) from across southern Alberta will demonstrate their singing, dancing, acting and musical talents as they compete for cash prizes.

The stars of the future are shining brightly at the Calgary Stampede Talent Search, now in its 29th year. This event has often been the first to direct the spotlight on impressive rising talent. This year, 70 amateur youth performers (aged 13 to 21) from across southern Alberta will demonstrate their singing, dancing, acting and musical talents as they compete for cash prizes.

Jared Weeks and Jason Null formed the band in their small hometown of Corinth, Mississippi in 2004. Saving Abel gradually came together in the final electric line-up of guitarist Scott Bartlett, bassist Eric Taylor and drummer Blake Dixon, and the band paid its dues both onstage and off. After shopping their independent EP for almost a year, a copy of Addicted found its way to one-time Virgin A&R Consultant Scott Frazier and manager partner Rick Smith. The band was signed the next day. Saving Abel, the self-titled Virgin debut, features mostly brand-new tunes, plus a few favourites from the EP, including the poignant, perfectly crafted "18 Days," "Running From You" and the chart hit “Addicted.”  With a radio-ready sound combining big riffs and memorable melodies, Saving Abel has created a polished combination of Southern and Alternative rock.