Canadian classic rock trio The Stampeders graced the stage at the Painted Hand Casino Saturday. They entertained a diverse crowd playing all of their hits as well as material from their latest record, Sure Beats Working, released in 1998. Drummer Kim Berly was quick to poke fun at the fact that their 'new' songs are 15 years old. Either way, the crowd loved them.
Most of the onstage banter between the guys was focussed on ailments due to aging. "We can't wait for our break so we can get to the dressing room 'cause that's when we do our drugs, heart meds and" jokes Ronnie King between songs.
Ronnie, guitar player turned bass player, says that although they enjoy the exciting energy of playing big festivals, he prefers the smaller more intimate environment the casino offers. "I love to entertain. With an intimate setting like this, we can have a little more fun talking to the crowd between songs," he says.
Their biggest hit 'Sweet City Woman' has just celebrated the 42 year anniversary of reaching number one in the billboard charts.
When asked if they still enjoy playing the song after all these years, Ronnie admits rehearsing it can be tough.
"We'll be trying to work out a harmony or something and Rich will start playing it with a reggae beat, just goofing around. Playing it live though, the reaction from the audience, when they light up and you can see that they recognize the song, I'll never get tired of that," he says.
The band was formed in Calgary in 1965 and has been touring with its founding members since reuniting in 1992. They have nine gold and platinum records to date, ten top ten hits including 'Carry Me' and 'Sweet City Woman' and have won several Juno awards.
Joe Whitehawk, entertainment co-ordinator at The Painted Hand Casino says the casino aims to bring in live entertainment more frequently.
