Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall featuring electric lineup of performers
Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall featuring electric lineup of performers Published 6:00 pm Thursday, June 25, 2026 Paige Rutledge (June 25 at 9:30 p.m.) Singer Paige Rutledge is one of those skillful artists that blends touches of a different genres into a singular compelling mix. Although primarily country in tone, there are distinct splashes of pop/rock woven in, and fans can check it all out firsthand when she performs at the Ponoka Stampede on June 25. She plays the Showdown Dance Hall stage starting at 9:30 p.m. ”Music is creative, and an expression of the artist, so there is nothing wrong with pushing the boundaries just a little bit,” she explained of her love for melding styles. Fans have been taking note of not just her talent, but also her fun, engaging personality. Rutledge has earned 2025 CMAO Award nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, performed as part of the CCMA Country Crawl, and appeared at major festivals including Big Valley Jamboree, The CNE and 1000 Island Country Fest, among others. She considers it an honour to share her craft, and to see the impact the songs have on folks in the audience. “I think it’s so special – the connection that you have with people is unlike anything else.” Jordyn Pollard (June 26 at 4:30 p.m.) Singer Jordyn Pollard’s tunes often feel downright celebratory, with lots of warmth and insight woven into the mix as well. Pollard — who calls Lloydminster, Saskatchewan home — performs on the Showdown Dance Hall stage June 26. Concert time is 4:30 p.m. “I’ve always had the Ponoka Stampede on my wish list. It’s such an honour to be onstage where there is that built-in audience,” she said. “I’m so excited to meet new people, and to showcase my music.” Her latest CD, ‘The Upside of Being Down,’ was released early last year and is packed with all sorts of sonic gems including, for starters, the instantly-catchy title track. Highlights abound, from the slowed-down charms of ‘Love Lette’r to the superbly-crafted ‘Single at a Wedding’ — a tune many of us doubtlessly have been able to relate to at some point. Currently, she’s already prepping for an all-new project. “In my shows, I’m finding what songs really fit, and what matches with my style,” she said of finding fresh material. Martina Dawn (June 26 at 10:30 p.m.) With a gift for crafting country tunes with a distinctly modern edge, Martina Dawn is gearing up to join this year’s stellar Ponoka Stampede line-up. She performs June 26 on the Showdown Dance Hall stage, starting at 10:30 p.m. Dawn grew up in a musical family — her mom is local singer Kym Simon — so being around lots of gigs, musicians, and the amazing world of recording has, in a sense, been second nature. “I think country is something I have always been drawn to,” she said. Dawn performed there at last year’s Stampede as well, and had an absolute blast. “It’s my favourite show I have ever played. And it’s super-cool with having roots in that area, and family in the area, too. “It made it such a fun experience, and I’m so excited for this year.” Shannon Smith (June 27 at 4:30 p.m.) Sporting a sparky blend of talent and spunk, singer Shannon Smith performs on the Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall stage on June 27. The compelling thing about Smith is that while a country sensibility is pretty much front and centre, no genre is truly off limits. A passion for music came along early, helped by when her father brought her home a guitar from Mexico when she was six. “I proceeded to play it at all of these small-town events — every hockey banquet, every wedding shower, and church events,” she recalled. Today, her style is largely influence by the traditional tones of Lorrie Morgan, the showmanship of Shania Twain and the strength of Sheryl Crow, notes her bio. And over the years, others have steadily taken note of her musical gifting. Accolades include Female Vocalist of the Year and Fan’s Choice nominations by the Alberta Country Music Association along with Battle of the Bands Winner in 2022. Beamer Wigley (June 27 at 10:30 p.m.) Singer Beamer Wigley has been playing guitar since he was five years old, and all of that experiences has certainly shaped him into the gifted performer that he is today. He wrote his first song at the age of seven, and that same year started singing as well, according to his bio. “When I was nine, I took first place at the Vancouver P.N.E. ‘Star Showdown’ in the youth category, against contestants from all across British Columbia. I also performed major roles in numerous stage musicals, as well as the fourth lead roll in the Norman Rockwell movie, ‘A Christmas Tail.’” The creative journey continued from there, as did the musical milestones. “In 2016, I released my first EP and two singles from that went to country radio, the first of which I co-wrote, reached number 74 on the charts and was nominated for Song of The Year at the ACMAs,” he said. Over the year, he has been writing steadily both on his own and with other songwriters in Nashville. “In the meantime, I have created my own home studio where I am working to learn mixing with plans to do some of my own production as well as hopefully doing some demos for other artists.” Girl Haggard (June 28 at 4:30 p.m.) (June 29 at 4:30 p.m.) Girl Haggard has been making waves in Alberta’s music scene for years. Featuring Marina Barrett and Darren Barton, both have seasoned musicians with deep roots in the province’s rich musical landscape, according to a bio. Darren is a multi-instrumentalist from a musical southern Alberta family, steeped in classic country and folk traditions. He’s often found sharing the stage with Pistol Noon, at barn dances, or wherever there’s a good bacon and tomato sandwich. Marina hails from the east coast, where she grew up singing at kitchen parties and local honky-tonks from the age of three. Proudly a ‘band nerd,’ she played bass clarinet in school, and for the past 10 years, she’s been the bassist for the Gosse Family—and of course, Jose Cuervo’s sweetheart (but we’ll let you guess which came first!). Together, Girl Haggard blends generations of musical influence with their own unique flair, delivering their favorite folk, bluegrass, and country tunes. Their style is refreshingly simple with a strong focus on harmony. “Whether you want to sit back and relax or kick off your boots and dance barefoot in the grass, it’s the perfect mix of music for a laid-back, fun evening.” Travis Dolter (June 28 at 10:30 p.m.) Travis Dolter is quickly making his mark as one of Canadian country music’s rising stars. In 2025, he shared the stage with genre heavyweights including Brett Kissel, Aaron Pritchett, Steven Lee Olsen, and The Washboard Union, with Jess Moskaluke joining that list, too. His growing festival resume includes standout performances at Big Valley Jamboree, Bow Valley Boot Stomp, Magnificent River Rats and Party in the Park. Known for his high-energy performances, infectious charisma, and magnetic stage presence, Dolter transforms every show into a memorable, shared experience. He’s earned top honours in several prestigious competitions including being nominated nine times for the Country Music Alberta Awards, two of which were for the Fans Choice Awards in 2022 and 2024. Whether he’s playing intimate theatres, high-octane rodeo dances, or major festivals, Dolter’s smooth vocals, genre-blending sound, and undeniable charm make for an unforgettable live experience. Kendra Kay (June 29 at 9:30 p.m.) (June 30 at 4:30 p.m.) Nothing suits country singer Kendra Kay quite as much as hitting the stage to not just sing, but to connect meaningfully with audiences as well. Local fans can experience this when Kay performs on the Showdown Dance Hall stage during the Ponoka Stampede June 29 (9:30 p.m.), and June 30 (4:30 p.m.) So what makes country the genre for her? “For me, it’s also about the storytelling,” she said, adding when it comes to writing music, collaboration is the creative key for her. “I have really liked putting my life experiences to song, and I feel that describes country to a ‘t’. It’s the emotion, and the storytelling, that is behind everything. “When I hit the stage, nothing else matters at that point. I can shut my brain off from everything else that is going on in my life, and really become my truest self.” Robert Gosse (June 30 at 10:30 p.m.) Known for releasing super-charged, authentically-crafted tunes, Calgary singer Robert Gosse hits the Showdown Dance Hall stage during Stampede Week on June 30. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. “I like the small-town feel with the big time stage. I’ve been to the Ponoka Stampede, and I hadn’t known what to expect,” he said, recalling how shocked he was at the scale of the event. “It’s huge! And the first thing I thought was I would love to perform here. So I can’t wait!” It’s no surprise that Gosse has built up quite the reputation in the music scene, also performing alongside Charlie Major, Doc Walker, Julian Austin, and Adam Gregory at various festivals and events in Alberta. Find all you need to know about the Ponoka Stampede at Ponokanews.com.
Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall featuring electric lineup of performers Published 6:00 pm Thursday, June 25, 2026 Paige Rutledge (June 25 at 9:30 p.m.) Singer Paige Rutledge is one of those skillful artists that blends touches of a different genres into a singular compelling mix. Although primarily country in tone, there are distinct splashes of pop/rock woven in, and fans can check it all out firsthand when she performs at the Ponoka Stampede on June 25. She plays the Showdown Dance Hall stage starting at 9:30 p.m. ”Music is creative, and an expression of the artist, so there is nothing wrong with pushing the boundaries just a little bit,” she explained of her love for melding styles. Fans have been taking note of not just her talent, but also her fun, engaging personality. Rutledge has earned 2025 CMAO Award nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, performed as part of the CCMA Country Crawl, and appeared at major festivals including Big Valley Jamboree, The CNE and 1000 Island Country Fest, among others. She considers it an honour to share her craft, and to see the impact the songs have on folks in the audience. “I think it’s so special – the connection that you have with people is unlike anything else.” Jordyn Pollard (June 26 at 4:30 p.m.) Singer Jordyn Pollard’s tunes often feel downright celebratory, with lots of warmth and insight woven into the mix as well. Pollard — who calls Lloydminster, Saskatchewan home — performs on the Showdown Dance Hall stage June 26. Concert time is 4:30 p.m. “I’ve always had the Ponoka Stampede on my wish list. It’s such an honour to be onstage where there is that built-in audience,” she said. “I’m so excited to meet new people, and to showcase my music.” Her latest CD, ‘The Upside of Being Down,’ was released early last year and is packed with all sorts of sonic gems including, for starters, the instantly-catchy title track. Highlights abound, from the slowed-down charms of ‘Love Lette’r to the superbly-crafted ‘Single at a Wedding’ — a tune many of us doubtlessly have been able to relate to at some point. Currently, she’s already prepping for an all-new project. “In my shows, I’m finding what songs really fit, and what matches with my style,” she said of finding fresh material. Martina Dawn (June 26 at 10:30 p.m.) With a gift for crafting country tunes with a distinctly modern edge, Martina Dawn is gearing up to join this year’s stellar Ponoka Stampede line-up. She performs June 26 on the Showdown Dance Hall stage, starting at 10:30 p.m. Dawn grew up in a musical family — her mom is local singer Kym Simon — so being around lots of gigs, musicians, and the amazing world of recording has, in a sense, been second nature. “I think country is something I have always been drawn to,” she said. Dawn performed there at last year’s Stampede as well, and had an absolute blast. “It’s my favourite show I have ever played. And it’s super-cool with having roots in that area, and family in the area, too. “It made it such a fun experience, and I’m so excited for this year.” Shannon Smith (June 27 at 4:30 p.m.) Sporting a sparky blend of talent and spunk, singer Shannon Smith performs on the Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall stage on June 27. The compelling thing about Smith is that while a country sensibility is pretty much front and centre, no genre is truly off limits. A passion for music came along early, helped by when her father brought her home a guitar from Mexico when she was six. “I proceeded to play it at all of these small-town events — every hockey banquet, every wedding shower, and church events,” she recalled. Today, her style is largely influence by the traditional tones of Lorrie Morgan, the showmanship of Shania Twain and the strength of Sheryl Crow, notes her bio. And over the years, others have steadily taken note of her musical gifting. Accolades include Female Vocalist of the Year and Fan’s Choice nominations by the Alberta Country Music Association along with Battle of the Bands Winner in 2022. Beamer Wigley (June 27 at 10:30 p.m.) Singer Beamer Wigley has been playing guitar since he was five years old, and all of that experiences has certainly shaped him into the gifted performer that he is today. He wrote his first song at the age of seven, and that same year started singing as well, according to his bio. “When I was nine, I took first place at the Vancouver P.N.E. ‘Star Showdown’ in the youth category, against contestants from all across British Columbia. I also performed major roles in numerous stage musicals, as well as the fourth lead roll in the Norman Rockwell movie, ‘A Christmas Tail.’” The creative journey continued from there, as did the musical milestones. “In 2016, I released my first EP and two singles from that went to country radio, the first of which I co-wrote, reached number 74 on the charts and was nominated for Song of The Year at the ACMAs,” he said. Over the year, he has been writing steadily both on his own and with other songwriters in Nashville. “In the meantime, I have created my own home studio where I am working to learn mixing with plans to do some of my own production as well as hopefully doing some demos for other artists.” Girl Haggard (June 28 at 4:30 p.m.) (June 29 at 4:30 p.m.) Girl Haggard has been making waves in Alberta’s music scene for years. Featuring Marina Barrett and Darren Barton, both have seasoned musicians with deep roots in the province’s rich musical landscape, according to a bio. Darren is a multi-instrumentalist from a musical southern Alberta family, steeped in classic country and folk traditions. He’s often found sharing the stage with Pistol Noon, at barn dances, or wherever there’s a good bacon and tomato sandwich. Marina hails from the east coast, where she grew up singing at kitchen parties and local honky-tonks from the age of three. Proudly a ‘band nerd,’ she played bass clarinet in school, and for the past 10 years, she’s been the bassist for the Gosse Family—and of course, Jose Cuervo’s sweetheart (but we’ll let you guess which came first!). Together, Girl Haggard blends generations of musical influence with their own unique flair, delivering their favorite folk, bluegrass, and country tunes. Their style is refreshingly simple with a strong focus on harmony. “Whether you want to sit back and relax or kick off your boots and dance barefoot in the grass, it’s the perfect mix of music for a laid-back, fun evening.” Travis Dolter (June 28 at 10:30 p.m.) Travis Dolter is quickly making his mark as one of Canadian country music’s rising stars. In 2025, he shared the stage with genre heavyweights including Brett Kissel, Aaron Pritchett, Steven Lee Olsen, and The Washboard Union, with Jess Moskaluke joining that list, too. His growing festival resume includes standout performances at Big Valley Jamboree, Bow Valley Boot Stomp, Magnificent River Rats and Party in the Park. Known for his high-energy performances, infectious charisma, and magnetic stage presence, Dolter transforms every show into a memorable, shared experience. He’s earned top honours in several prestigious competitions including being nominated nine times for the Country Music Alberta Awards, two of which were for the Fans Choice Awards in 2022 and 2024. Whether he’s playing intimate theatres, high-octane rodeo dances, or major festivals, Dolter’s smooth vocals, genre-blending sound, and undeniable charm make for an unforgettable live experience. Kendra Kay (June 29 at 9:30 p.m.) (June 30 at 4:30 p.m.) Nothing suits country singer Kendra Kay quite as much as hitting the stage to not just sing, but to connect meaningfully with audiences as well. Local fans can experience this when Kay performs on the Showdown Dance Hall stage during the Ponoka Stampede June 29 (9:30 p.m.), and June 30 (4:30 p.m.) So what makes country the genre for her? “For me, it’s also about the storytelling,” she said, adding when it comes to writing music, collaboration is the creative key for her. “I have really liked putting my life experiences to song, and I feel that describes country to a ‘t’. It’s the emotion, and the storytelling, that is behind everything. “When I hit the stage, nothing else matters at that point. I can shut my brain off from everything else that is going on in my life, and really become my truest self.” Robert Gosse (June 30 at 10:30 p.m.) Known for releasing super-charged, authentically-crafted tunes, Calgary singer Robert Gosse hits the Showdown Dance Hall stage during Stampede Week on June 30. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. “I like the small-town feel with the big time stage. I’ve been to the Ponoka Stampede, and I hadn’t known what to expect,” he said, recalling how shocked he was at the scale of the event. “It’s huge! And the first thing I thought was I would love to perform here. So I can’t wait!” It’s no surprise that Gosse has built up quite the reputation in the music scene, also performing alongside Charlie Major, Doc Walker, Julian Austin, and Adam Gregory at various festivals and events in Alberta. Find all you need to know about the Ponoka Stampede at Ponokanews.com.
Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall featuring electric lineup of performers Published 6:00 pm Thursday, June 25, 2026 Paige Rutledge (June 25 at 9:30 p.m.) Singer Paige Rutledge is one of those skillful artists that blends touches of a different genres into a singular compelling mix. Although primarily country in tone, there are distinct splashes of pop/rock woven in, and fans can check it all out firsthand when she performs at the Ponoka Stampede on June 25. She plays the Showdown Dance Hall stage starting at 9:30 p.m.
”Music is creative, and an expression of the artist, so there is nothing wrong with pushing the boundaries just a little bit,” she explained of her love for melding styles. Fans have been taking note of not just her talent, but also her fun, engaging personality. Rutledge has earned 2025 CMAO Award nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, performed as part of the CCMA Country Crawl, and appeared at major festivals including Big Valley Jamboree, The CNE and 1000 Island Country Fest, among others.
She considers it an honour to share her craft, and to see the impact the songs have on folks in the audience. “I think it’s so special – the connection that you have with people is unlike anything else.” Jordyn Pollard (June 26 at 4:30 p.m.) Singer Jordyn Pollard’s tunes often feel downright celebratory, with lots of warmth and insight woven into the mix as well. Pollard — who calls Lloydminster, Saskatchewan home — performs on the Showdown Dance Hall stage June 26.
Concert time is 4:30 p.m. “I’ve always had the Ponoka Stampede on my wish list. It’s such an honour to be onstage where there is that built-in audience,” she said.
“I’m so excited to meet new people, and to showcase my music.” Her latest CD, ‘The Upside of Being Down,’ was released early last year and is packed with all sorts of sonic gems including, for starters, the instantly-catchy title track. Highlights abound, from the slowed-down charms of ‘Love Lette’r to the superbly-crafted ‘Single at a Wedding’ — a tune many of us doubtlessly have been able to relate to at some point. Currently, she’s already prepping for an all-new project.
“In my shows, I’m finding what songs really fit, and what matches with my style,” she said of finding fresh material. Martina Dawn (June 26 at 10:30 p.m.) With a gift for crafting country tunes with a distinctly modern edge, Martina Dawn is gearing up to join this year’s stellar Ponoka Stampede line-up. She performs June 26 on the Showdown Dance Hall stage, starting at 10:30 p.m.
Dawn grew up in a musical family — her mom is local singer Kym Simon — so being around lots of gigs, musicians, and the amazing world of recording has, in a sense, been second nature. “I think country is something I have always been drawn to,” she said. Dawn performed there at last year’s Stampede as well, and had an absolute blast.
“It’s my favourite show I have ever played. And it’s super-cool with having roots in that area, and family in the area, too. “It made it such a fun experience, and I’m so excited for this year.” Shannon Smith (June 27 at 4:30 p.m.) Sporting a sparky blend of talent and spunk, singer Shannon Smith performs on the Ponoka Stampede’s Showdown Dance Hall stage on June 27.
The compelling thing about Smith is that while a country sensibility is pretty much front and centre, no genre is truly off limits. A passion for music came along early, helped by when her father brought her home a guitar from Mexico when she was six. “I proceeded to play it at all of these small-town events — every hockey banquet, every wedding shower, and church events,” she recalled.
Today, her style is largely influence by the traditional tones of Lorrie Morgan, the showmanship of Shania Twain and the strength of Sheryl Crow, notes her bio. And over the years, others have steadily taken note of her musical gifting. Accolades include Female Vocalist of the Year and Fan’s Choice nominations by the Alberta Country Music Association along with Battle of the Bands Winner in 2022.
Beamer Wigley (June 27 at 10:30 p.m.) Singer Beamer Wigley has been playing guitar since he was five years old, and all of that experiences has certainly shaped him into the gifted performer that he is today. He wrote his first song at the age of seven, and that same year started singing as well, according to his bio. “When I was nine, I took first place at the Vancouver P.N.E.
‘Star Showdown’ in the youth category, against contestants from all across British Columbia. I also performed major roles in numerous stage musicals, as well as the fourth lead roll in the Norman Rockwell movie, ‘A Christmas Tail.’” The creative journey continued from there, as did the musical milestones. “In 2016, I released my first EP and two singles from that went to country radio, the first of which I co-wrote, reached number 74 on the charts and was nominated for Song of The Year at the ACMAs,” he said.
Over the year, he has been writing steadily both on his own and with other songwriters in Nashville. “In the meantime, I have created my own home studio where I am working to learn mixing with plans to do some of my own production as well as hopefully doing some demos for other artists.” Girl Haggard (June 28 at 4:30 p.m.) (June 29 at 4:30 p.m.) Girl Haggard has been making waves in Alberta’s music scene for years. Featuring Marina Barrett and Darren Barton, both have seasoned musicians with deep roots in the province’s rich musical landscape, according to a bio.
Darren is a multi-instrumentalist from a musical southern Alberta family, steeped in classic country and folk traditions. He’s often found sharing the stage with Pistol Noon, at barn dances, or wherever there’s a good bacon and tomato sandwich. Marina hails from the east coast, where she grew up singing at kitchen parties and local honky-tonks from the age of three.
Proudly a ‘band nerd,’ she played bass clarinet in school, and for the past 10 years, she’s been the bassist for the Gosse Family—and of course, Jose Cuervo’s sweetheart (but we’ll let you guess which came first!). Together, Girl Haggard blends generations of musical influence with their own unique flair, delivering their favorite folk, bluegrass, and country tunes. Their style is refreshingly simple with a strong focus on harmony.
“Whether you want to sit back and relax or kick off your boots and dance barefoot in the grass, it’s the perfect mix of music for a laid-back, fun evening.” Travis Dolter (June 28 at 10:30 p.m.) Travis Dolter is quickly making his mark as one of Canadian country music’s rising stars. In 2025, he shared the stage with genre heavyweights including Brett Kissel, Aaron Pritchett, Steven Lee Olsen, and The Washboard Union, with Jess Moskaluke joining that list, too. His growing festival resume includes standout performances at Big Valley Jamboree, Bow Valley Boot Stomp, Magnificent River Rats and Party in the Park.
Known for his high-energy performances, infectious charisma, and magnetic stage presence, Dolter transforms every show into a memorable, shared experience. He’s earned top honours in several prestigious competitions including being nominated nine times for the Country Music Alberta Awards, two of which were for the Fans Choice Awards in 2022 and 2024. Whether he’s playing intimate theatres, high-octane rodeo dances, or major festivals, Dolter’s smooth vocals, genre-blending sound, and undeniable charm make for an unforgettable live experience.
Kendra Kay (June 29 at 9:30 p.m.) (June 30 at 4:30 p.m.) Nothing suits country singer Kendra Kay quite as much as hitting the stage to not just sing, but to connect meaningfully with audiences as well. Local fans can experience this when Kay performs on the Showdown Dance Hall stage during the Ponoka Stampede June 29 (9:30 p.m.), and June 30 (4:30 p.m.) So what makes country the genre for her? “For me, it’s also about the storytelling,” she said, adding when it comes to writing music, collaboration is the creative key for her.
“I have really liked putting my life experiences to song, and I feel that describes country to a ‘t’. It’s the emotion, and the storytelling, that is behind everything. “When I hit the stage, nothing else matters at that point.
I can shut my brain off from everything else that is going on in my life, and really become my truest self.” Robert Gosse (June 30 at 10:30 p.m.) Known for releasing super-charged, authentically-crafted tunes, Calgary singer Robert Gosse hits the Showdown Dance Hall stage during Stampede Week on June 30. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. “I like the small-town feel with the big time stage.
I’ve been to the Ponoka Stampede, and I hadn’t known what to expect,” he said, recalling how shocked he was at the scale of the event. “It’s huge! And the first thing I thought was I would love to perform here.
So I can’t wait!” It’s no surprise that Gosse has built up quite the reputation in the music scene, also performing alongside Charlie Major, Doc Walker, Julian Austin, and Adam Gregory at various festivals and events in Alberta. Find all you need to know about the Ponoka Stampede at Ponokanews.com.
AttributionSource and transparency
BC Post credits and links back to original sources when a source URL is provided.
