It is a slightly slower week this week, however there are a quite few highlights, most of them at the Slice
For you rock and rollers, Big John Bates returns to the Slice, March 29. They will be playing with Bloomington, Indiana band Murder By Death and Black Mastiff. Murder By Death combine 
old west murder ballads with a strong shot of rock and roll adrenaline. They have just released a new record “Good morning, Magpie.”
Vancouver based Big John Bates, of course, is a Canadian psychobilly icon, known for high energy shows and bringing burlesque dancers to put on one wild show. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Blackberry Wood return to the Slice this week with a brand new CD of rock edged, jazz tinged circus music.
While Blackberry Wood have a very eclectic, jazz/ gypsy based sound with a lot of theatre, lead singer/ guitarist Kris Wood noted he comes from rock and roll roots. They will be playing old favourites as well as a brand new CD which they are just about to release
They play March 28. There is a $10 cover.
Two big events happen at the Slice this weekend. Jesse Northey is giving a Lethbridge a ‘swig’ of Alberta, March 30.
Northey and Joe Gurba from Edmonton organized the three day traveling festival, which will hit Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton, beginning March 30, then moves to Calgary the next day and Edmonton on April 1.
The Record Holder is just one of the bands playing. Northey drew a lot from his friends’ bands involved with his record label Esper Records. So Lethbridge’s Brenna Lowrie, RedRum Triumph (who Northey will be recording with), and his own band Jesse and the Dandelions will be playing with Calgary’s Extra Happy Ghost!!!, Medicine Hat’s Daydream Johnny, as well as Edmonton’s Stalwart Sons, Jessica Jalbert, Mitchmatic, The Joe (Joe Gurba), Wand and headliner Michael Rault, will be playing Lethbridge from 7 p.m. until close. Each band will be playing a 20 minute to half hour set.Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
The other big event of the week officially kicks off the South Country Fair, everyone‘s favourite Fort Macleod folk festival.
The South Country Fair songwriting competition takes place at the Slice, March 31.
The finalists in the Best Newcomer Category are Stuart MacLeod - Ridin' With Me; Cathy Hawley - Red Shoes; Brenna Lowrie - For Parting; Jenn Wostenholme - July Rain; Jolene Draper - Earth Song; Riley McKinnon - What's Real; Megan Rourke - Intimate Manipulation and George Arsene - Fear and Common Sense.
Best Old Pro Category finalists include Andrew Scott - Rattle Snake; Jana Keeley - All I Want From You; Shaela Miller - Problems; Beth Portman - Just Rise; Randal Arsenault - Respect; Chris Gheran - Routine Sufferings of Sapper Martin; Brian Volke - Look For What You Love and Steven Foord - Three Simple Chords
The winners receive cash, bragging rights, weekend passes, gift certificates and the opportunity to perform the winning song at the 2012 South Country Fair.
There is no charge to attend the finals and get a preview of this year’s fair. Low Flying Planes will also be performing.
Last, but not least, the Sunparlour Players kick off April on April 1 at the Slice. There is a $10 cover. Octoberman plays April 2.
They begin at 8 p.m. each night.
The University of Lethbridge Women’s Soccer team are also having a fundraiser this weekend at Average Joes featuring country musician Craig Moritz. He plays March 31. Tickets are $10 in advance
Randy and Mr. Lahey from the Trailer Park Boys also return to Average Joes this week for an April 2 show. Tickets are $15. It begins at 8:30 p.m.
The Owl Acoustic Lounge also has some good shows with Autumn Portrait playing March 30 and Pete Watson and Joel Bryant on March 31.
A big event in Fort Macleod at the Empress Theatre, March 30, will help fight cancer. Bluesman Johnny Rains and some of his friends will be playing this fundraiser, which runs 6-10 p.m. Performers include a Johnny Cash Tribute band with Daryl Unger, Muppet Master Derrick Starlight and Johnny Rains. Tickets cost $20 at the door.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
