EMERSON DRIVE

The Rhythms of Venetian Music Festival has notched a musical coup in bringing to Charlevoix one of the planet's top 10 country rock bands, Emerson Drive.  With a work ethic the size of Texas, Emerson Drive emerged from Canada unto the Nashville music scene in the early 2000's with their brand of hip country. 

The band proceeded to produce two rock solid albums ("Emerson Drive" and "What If?") which yielded several hit songs.  In the summer of 2007, Emerson Drive etched its mark on the country music scene with its third album, "Countrified," which was produced by Teddy Gentry from the super-group "Alabama." "Countrified" features the hit single "Moments," which quickly rose to # 1 on the country music charts, garnering such recognition for the group as a "Grammy" nomination and Country Music Association nominations for video of the year ("Moments"), and vocal group of the year.  

"Moments" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad which other artists shied away from, because it deals with delicate issues of loneliness, despair, compassion and hope of a new life. "This song has something to say and we are proud to be able to say it," commented lead vocalist, Brad Mates.  

In addition to "Moments," the "Countrified" album delivered the top hit singles "A Good Man" and "You Still Own Me." "Countrified" concludes with the rocking remake of the country rock anthem, "Devil Went Down to Georgia," in which no other than Charlie Daniels himself participated. 

Emerson Drive is made up of five very talented musicians, Brad Mates (lead vocals), Dale Wallace (keyboards), Danick Dupelle (guitar), David Pichette (fiddle) and Mike Melancon (drums). The band's musical influences cross genres, from AC/DC to Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggard and George Strait. 

Venetian Thursday, July 24th, is a date you won't want to miss, as country rock sensation Emerson Drive promises to tug on your heartstrings and rock your socks!

Charlevoix Venetian Festival, Inc. | P.O. Box 120 | Charlevoix, MI 49720 | info@venetianfestival.com

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