Brandee Vardy, 28, began singing at the age of 5. She sang as a member of the junior and senior school choir, and started writing songs at age 9. She caught the Karaoke bug and entertains Albertans of all ages. Western Star Promotions Ltd. has showcased her talent in venues and Stampede events around Calgary. Her husband, fans, friends, and business colleagues came out to support Brandee at a fundraiser. She would like to let everyone know how very grateful she is for granting her wish to be on the Alberta’s finest CD. Her other wish is to meet Amy Sky, who wrote the song that Brandee sings on this CD entitled “Nothing But The Best.”

"Nothing but the Best" MP3 Sample

Precious Cargo (The Thompson Sisters) are a singing sensation. Amy started singing at age 5. One by one her sisters Barbara, Alison and Julie joined her in three and four part harmonies. They have performed at churches, weddings, and community events. Their mother, in a band of her own, passed enough talent onto her daughters that Amy started writing songs independently. The first song she ever wrote, entitled “When I Wait For You” will be performed on this album.

"When I Wait for You" MP3 Sample

Paige Tyson, 13, has been involved in numerous stage and theatre performances. Recent highlights include Gold Metal achievement with “The Youth Singers of Calgary” in Disneyland, CA, as well as, singing the Canadian and American National anthems at the Pengrowth Saddledome. With her broad spectrum of vocal styles, seven years of contemporary/classical piano, her confidence, and love for music, Paige has graced many Calgary stages with her incredible talents. There is so much more to say about this young lady! This is “Alberta’s Finest” at it’s best.

"Slow Dance With Me" MP3 Sample

Ty Hart or “Hartley Tytula” is 28 years of age. Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, he now resides in Athabasca, Alberta. Eight years ago Ty got up to sing karaoke and to everyone’s delight they were surprised to see that this former wrestler could sing! From that day forward, with encouragement from his friends and family, (but most importantly, his wife), Ty continued singing. Since then he has performed at many venues and family functions throughout Alberta. One day Ty Hart promises to make his mark in the country music industry.

"Margaritaville" MP3 Sample

Roxanne Rouzes, 34, comes from a large musical family: eight sisters and one brother. Her father and brother were blessed with the ability to play every instrument they picked up, while she and her sisters joined in with beautiful harmonies. Originally from Newfoundland, Roxanne has sung at carnivals, Folk festivals and Stampede events. Roxanne is the host for Western Star Promotions Ltd. She says her favorite part of singing is meeting so many wonderful, encouraging people. She is a favorite of the music community because of her beautiful voice and musical versatility.

"Rock A Bye Baby" MP3 Sample

Abbey Powell and her family moved from Saskatchewan to Alberta in 1990. Since the age of 6, she has had a strong passion to entertain. Now 20, Abbey has won numerous awards as an entertainer. She has been showcased many times by Western Star Promotions, Nashville North, The Calgary Stampede & Camrose Big Valley Jamboree. She has also sung the national anthem at many rodeos. You have to see this dynamo when she explodes on stage with her powerful vocals and incredible stage performance. A Must-See!

"Give Me Love" MP3 Sample

Kayla Layug Iovan just turned 11 years old. She has been singing most of her young life. From age 2 to present, she has sung at home and at parties, performed in front of 450 people, taken singing lessons, showcased at Don Quiote’s restaurant, been a special guest at the Youth Talent Showcase (Calgary Stampede), won the title of Miss Talent (Patti Falconer Agency), plus won the 2003 talent competition and title of Miss Junior Phillippines Canada (Calgary). She truly is the up and coming Canadian Idol and possibly an international idol.

"I'm Coming Out " MP3 Sample

Toni Lynne, “Lynne Cousineau,” has won numerous singing contests and went on to compete as our Canadian Champion in Nashville. She has been an extra in T.V. and movies, and soon will be on Access T.V. as “Tina-the Librarian.” We at Western Star Promotions Ltd. have been privileged to showcase Toni Lynne’s vocal talents live for the last year all over Alberta. Standing just 5ft, Toni doesn’t like to be called “Short,” she prefers to be called “Space Efficient!”

"Just How Much I Love You" MP3 Sample

Pete Furgeson is a 47-year-old father of two. His philosophies are “Live life to the fullest, we don’t know if we will be here tomorrow” & “You will never be able to ride the horse unless you get into the saddle.” With that being said, he has jumped into the saddle of the entertainment business. He loves to be in the public eye and entertain people. Western Star Promotions Ltd. has had the privilege to showcase Pete at many venues around Alberta. The public loves his passion, talent and great attitude.

"Good Hearted Woman" MP3 Sample

Katrina Kelly is a 16-year-old student who started playing the piano at an early age. By 14, she gained interest in the guitar, writing and performing her own music. She has taken musical theatre and drama classes and has performed in many school and theatre productions. She would love to pursue a career in either film or music. Katrina’s song on this CD, “Why Do You Cry,” is written by her own hand.

"Why Do You Cry" MP3 Sample

Melinda Garland, now 18, has been singing since age 4 and is the pride of the Western town of Didsbury. There she sang at prestigious events, like the closing ceremonies for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, her Graduation, and Rodeos. Melinda sings all genres of music with passion and conviction, including Japanese Pop. She represented the Thorncliffe Community Center (under 18 category) at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame finals in 2002. With 3 years of vocal training, the sky is the limit!

"Can't Wait " MP3 Sample

Richard Morrison has a unique style and loves to entertain a crowd. He is 22 years old and was born and raised in Calgary. Richard credits Canadian artists like Paul Brandt and The Nylons as his inspiration to join school choirs. That is where he began taking his singing career more seriously and started his own A cappella group. He’s entertained many Albertans with his version of Sawyer Brown’s “Drive Me Wild.” He wrote several songs and went on to record and release his first single, “Darkness.”

"Love You Back" MP3 Sample

Nikki Rae has been singing for 9 years. She has a voice and natural stage presence that most artists would die for. She took 2nd place in a talent search in 1998 & 1999 and was a top 10 finalist in the National singing championships in Victoria B.C. Western Star Promotions Ltd. has had the privilege of showcasing her vocal talents around Alberta. Her passion for music runs deep in her family, especially when she sings with her father.

"I Miss the Kiss" MP3 Sample

Tamara Mowat, 33, has been singing since the age of 4; that’s why she has music in her soul and loves to entertain a crowd. You may have spotted her singing somewhere in the karaoke circuit, in numerous singing contests, the Calgary Stampede or the Ivan Daines Rodeo. You may have even heard her first recorded release “Kiss & Tell” written by Canadian recording artist Patricia Conroy.

"Leaving the Light On" MP3 Sample

Darren Hafner really is one of “Alberta’s Finest” serving with the Calgary City Police force for 14 + years, five of those with the K-9 unit. Darren, 37, has been an actor/stuntman for about eight years. He was nominated for the World Stunt Awards in the High Fall category (2001) and is two-time Canadian National Champion in Handgun Competition. He writes, sings, plays guitar and recently joined a band that tours around Alberta. He is singing one of his own originals on this CD entitled “Forever And A Day.”

"Forever and a Day" MP3 Sample

Sabina Petermann has always had a tremendous passion for music. She loves to entertain and usually performs for a sold-out crowd at many sporting and premier events from Eastern to Western Canada (singing the National Anthem). Sabina, a flight attendant, has won singing contests all across Canada and is also a studio session singer. She has appeared on CBC, singing background vocals for the world renowned Rita McNeil.

"Crying" MP3 Sample