The Bar U Ranch is a popular daytime getaway for families and history buffs looking for a taste of Alberta’s ranching history.
The national historic site is looking to rope in an evening audience looking for a taste of what the Foothills’ music scene has to offer with its latest event.
Okotoks bluesman Darren Johnson and Foothills cowboy-country duo Bucking Horse Moon will take to the stage on the lawn at the Bar U’s visitor centre for a cowboy concert Aug. 27.
Johnson said the sweeping vistas at the Bar U makes it a fabulous venue.
“I would expect it to be incredible,” he said. “I would imagine if we get a nice day, it’s incredibly gorgeous with the mountains and foothills in the backdrop. The food is always top notch and the staff is great.”
This will be his second time performing at the Bar U Ranch. Last time, he performed to an indoor audience and he’s looking forward to moving outdoors.
Johnson will open the evening’s entertainment.
He said he likes to get a feel of his audience during his live shows and adjust his set list to match the atmosphere.
He will play mostly original music at the Bar U Ranch, but given the location he may take a bit of a country turn and see if he can come up with something special for the Bar U audience.
“I don’t really have too many songs I write about horses, or anything,” he said. “Now that you bring it up, I might actually put two or three in my pocket.”
Bucking Horse Moon will be introducing itself to a larger crowd with the show.
Bassist and vocalist Eve Millar said the six-piece outfit has been together for a year and a half and is a regular performer in Longview, as well as cabarets and dances in the area.
She said they’re looking forward to hitting the stage at the national historic site.
“It’ll be beautiful,” she said.
Eve will be joined on stage by Riley Millar, singer and acoustic guitar; Laura Soucy on fiddle and mandolin; Jordie Waters, guitar player and singer; Lloyd Schlosser, guitar player and drummer Ian McLean.
She said the group plays cowboy country and old time rock and it has a wide variety planned for its hour-and-a-half-long set that are all good dancing songs.
“We want people to dance,” said Eve.
It’s the first time the Bar U Ranch has held a concert on site.
“We thought it was another way for us to connect with Canadians as well as a chance for people to come and mingle with some of the real cowboys who are from this area here and will be attending the event,” said Mike McLean, Bar U Ranch special projects officer.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and the evening includes a rib supper. Tickets are $50 in advance at eventbrite at www.eventbrite.ca/e/cowboy-concert-tickets-26792508113
