Renee Malo, a local country music artist, has been presented with another amazing opportunity.
The 23-year-old Cold Lake native will be opening for George Canyon at the Cold Lake Energy Centre on Feb. 26.
“I do have to admit that I was pretty excited when I got the e-mail. I had to take a few minutes to comprehend what just happened,” said Malo.
An official with the City of Cold Lake contacted Malo through her website, asking her if she would be interested in opening for the multiple JUNO Award winner when he performs at the Reid Field House later this month.
She jumped at the chance to perform in front of a large crowd, in her hometown and open for a once-local country star, in hopes of sparking her young music career.
Malo proved she had talent at a young age, creating her first demo at just 12-years-old. She regularly sang the national anthem at hockey and football games, performing whenever and wherever she could.
In 2012, at the age of 20, CMT Canada producers noticed her talents and she was selected as a contestant in the “Big in a Small Town” competition. Malo placed in the top five in her region and made it into the top 30 for the entire country.
A year later, in July of 2013, Malo performed her first official concert in Cold Lake to help launch her first CD.
Currently she is writing songs, working on a new EP, and has hopes of touring Alberta this summer.
“With my next EP I want to have good, good songs on there. I am being a super picky, tweaking songs here and there. I want the best possible songs I can put on there,” said Malo.
Before the EP, which she hopes will be released this year, and a summer tour, Malo will get to take the stage in front of family and friends at a packed Reid Field House.
“Every aspiring country artist is looking for those big gigs and performances to get their name out there even more,” said Malo. “We all have social media and websites, but when a big artist comes along people are going to see him and maybe they will like my music as well.”
Malo will be performing a short 30-minute acoustic set.
She has already gathered her band and has been hard at work priming set lists for the event.
“I am just really looking forward to the opportunity of performing (at the George Canyon concert) and keep doing what I am doing to get my name heard and out there,” sand Malo. “It has been an exciting experience.”
Malo will take the stage at 8 p.m. on Feb. 26. For tickets to the concert, contact the Cold Lake Energy Centre at 780-639-6400.
