Chart-topping 'beer weather' band coming to waterfront

Whether the sky is rainy or sunny, the upcoming long weekend into Simcoe Day promises 'Beer Weather.' 

That’s because the five-man band from the small town of Brighton, Ontario known as Cold Creek County will be playing Sunday night at Barrie’s annual midsummer festival known as Kempenfest.

According to Josh Lester, guitar and vocals in the band, songs about beer provide a staple item of any country band’s repertoire.  

“Hey, who doesn't love a nice cold beer on a hot summer day? Country music tells it like it is,” said Josh.

Guitarist Lester, who with bass-playing brother Justin, lead vocalist Brandon Scott, drummer Doug Oliver and lead guitarist Trevor MacLeod, are watching their current single, “Beer Weather” climb the Canadian country charts, following in the footsteps of “Our Town”, the first single release from their CD “When the Wheels Come Off.”

“Our Town” reached number seven on the Canadian country charts last year.

The band's home town of Brighton is situated in eastern Ontario, somewhere between Peterborough and Belleville. “Cold Creek is an actual creek that runs through all of our small towns where we live, and kind of connects us,” said Josh, referring to the band's name. 

Josh and his brother Justin are the sons of Canadian bluegrass legend Emory Lester. Despite having a bluegrass connection, all five members come from rock backgrounds. The bluegrass influence worked into the mix.

“We like to think that [our influences] show in our live sound — country music with a rock edge,” said Josh. 

This is the first trip Cold Creek County will have made to Barrie, but Josh says he and the boys are licking their chops at the prospect of playing Kempenfest.

“We know we've got a growing fan base there and can't wait to put on a show for everyone," said Josh. "Plus, playing right on the waterfront should make the weather all the more enjoyable."

And putting on a 'show' is something that Cold Creek Country has learned over the years by performing with the likes of Dallas Smith and Tim Hicks. “It's amazing what you can learn just by taking the time to watch the pros.”

The band recently filmed a video for the title track of their new album in Innisfil. ”We had a lot of fun shooting the music video for 'Till The Wheels Come Off' at Sunset Speedway," said Josh. "There were lots of local fans who showed up to take part, and it was amazing."

Cold Creek Canyon brings its high-energy sound to the main stage of Kempenfest Sunday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 at the gate. Find more information here.