Canadian Idol runner-up Jaydee Bixby will be hitting the stage during the Ponoka Agricultural Society’s Spring Twist-Off Bullarama on May 2 at the Ponoka Recreation and Culture Complex.
Sherry Gummow, president of the Ag Society says that Bixby is just one part of the great entertainment planned for the event, there will be professional cowboys, a dance and a DJ. She says that last year was their first year and it was a learning experience. This year they wanted to enhance the family aspect of the event.
Gummow had the idea of inviting Bixby while he was attending the Ponoka Outreach School.
“I was very impressed with him and I found him to be very down to earth, friendly and seemingly unaffected by his national TV exposure,” said Gummow. “I liked his voice on Canadian Idol, he has a very good voice considering how young he is. He is a cross between Johnny Cash and Elvis.”
The Ag Society is having a special contest where a winner will receive dinner for two with Bixby before the Bullarama at Dino’s Family Restaurant. Look for the ballot for the contest in the Ponoka News and drop the entry off at the Ponoka News office on Chipman Ave. Bixby is looking forward to spending some time with his fans before the show.
“There is nothing more exciting than meeting new people, in school I am a big social guy and I like my schoolwork,” said Bixby. “It is neat because these people are genuinely interested in meeting you, it’s always pleasant to sit down and enjoy your meal with really nice people.”
Bixby has just finished recording his new album in Vancouver, which will be out in June and is excited to preview some of his new material for those in attendance to the Ponoka show.
“I’m really excited to hear what people think of my album and to get a live audience reaction. It gives me a better perspective,” said Bixby. “I’m listening to the CD and I am thinking wow I don’t know what I want as a single there are so many good songs. I feel really good about the album I am excited about the coming year.”
Bixby is very familiar with Ponoka and even tried out for the Ponoka Stampede Talent Showcase when he was eight-years old losing out to Hobbema Native Shane Yellowbird. Bixby, from Drumheller enjoys rodeo events, especially bull riding and will try to catch some of the action at the bullarama before he hits the stage for a 30 minute set with his parents during the intermission.
“It’s absolutely phenomenal, ever since I was little I went to rodeos. The Handhills rodeo just outside of Drumheller, we have played there for a long time, four generations of Bixbys have played there,” he said. “There’s nothing more exciting than when they crank the music and let the bull out of the pen it is the most exciting and dangerous eight seconds of sports. You are always on the edge of your seat, you know going to a rodeo you will be entertained. It is so exciting.”
Bixby is looking forward to playing at Ponoka and is overwhelmed by the friendliness and support that he has received from Ponoka.
“It’s a great little town everyone is friendly. When we go to IGA everyone knows everyone, it has a good small town feel. I have a lot of friends there that I hang out with,” said Bixby. “They have a great school and it’s an all around great place, I use the gym there, I have a swimming pass. Ponoka is a phenomenal place.”
For more information contact Gummow at (403) 783-0730. The bullarama starts at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. on May 2.