Country recording artist Mary Ann Oxtoby artist is headlining right at home at the Hussar Lions Club Summer Daze coming June 14 and 15.
This is the 32nd annual Summer Daze, and it promises everything from bull busting, a parade, a chili cook off top notch entertainment.
To get to Hussar from Drumheller, travel east on Highway 10 through the community of Rosedale, then head south on Highway 56. Follow the signs. Hussar is about 50 kilometers from Drumheller.
Mary Ann Oxtoby is performing on Saturday June 14, with City Limits. This caps off a full day of music with the Home Grown Talent Showcase at the Hussar Lions Summer Daze. Also on stage are country recording artists Russell Brewer, Jay Coda Walker and Sarah Beth Keeley.
Oxtoby grew up in Hussar and comes from a close-knit family. Her parents are still in the community. While it is supportive for her, it is not always the easiest to perform for those close to you.
“I have done Canada Olympic Park and McMahon Stadium and that was nothing, and now I am thinking about this and saying “now I am going to have to see these people on Monday, what if they didn’t like the show,” she said. “I have always encouraged people to be honest with me, but I always have that fear that a few don’t like it, but that is my own insecurities.”
Oxtoby has been singing for most of her life, whether it is at home or in church. She has played dozens of shows, from school benefits to corporate events, even the Calgary Canada Day Festivities. She got her start when she was prodded onto stage at the famous Ivan Daines Country Music Picnic.
“I sent in a tape to Ivan and he phoned me back and said he would love to have me,” she said. It was not long after that she was approached to try out to record a CD of Alberta artists. She was selected and her recording of the track “You Will be Mine” is featured on Fine Tuned, Alberta’s Finest 2.
“It was really an amazing experience, it was recorded at one of best studios in Western Canada,” she said.
Oxtoby is looking forward to getting back on stage.
“I love to perform, and singing is the ultimate for me, getting up there with the band, even if it just jamming,” she said. “That’s the thrill, the rush of being able to get the audience clapping along with you it is just magic.”
