Live music is one of the top draws of Whoop-Up Days, and 2024 is no exception. On Aug. 23, spend an evening with the roots, rock and reggae sounds of Big Sugar.
Between outdoor shows in Canada and performing two shows a week in Austin, Texas, Gordie Johnson has been quite busy this summer. “We’re driving back and forth. Every week we drive to Canada, go sing in the nice weather and drive back to Texas and play in the punishing heat.”
“I’ve got a local group called Snakes of Central Texas. We play a couple nights a week at a couple of different clubs to keep the chops sharp and I get to play some blues in Texas,” says the guitarist, vocalist and producer. Big Sugar’s hits include “Diggin’ A Hole,” “If I Had My Way,” and “Turn the Lights On.”
Johnson adds the Canadian outdoor shows have been well attended, the weather has been beautiful and fans are super happy it’s summer in Canada. “They’re camping and drinking outside and having a great old time with Big Sugar.”
Big Sugar has a deep catalogue of songs. Every summer, Johnson tries to put together a different set list, while keeping in mind what was played the last time they were in a particular area. “We play the favourite ones, but we’ve gone into some of the other records. We can’t even play all our singles in one night. I have to sort of pick and choose. It’s fun in the summer to craft a set that sounds good outside. It’s not the same as sitting in a theatre.”
“Outside at night in a big field it tends to be more of a rock and roll show and lots of reggae, because people love to groove,” he adds.
For most of the year, Johnson explains, Big Sugar has been on tour and performing the entire “500 Pounds” album live in a theatre setting. “It’s a more intimate and theatrical kind of presentation.”
The reissued record was released on vinyl through Third Man Records, which is Jack White’s record label.
“Apparently, Big Sugar was a huge influence on him when he was first starting out. He continues to cite Big Sugar as an inspiration. That was a good day to be me – the day I found that out,” notes Johnson, who says the two musicians often talk about music, rock and roll and guitars.
“It’s a beautiful pressing. It sounds great. The artwork is beautiful. They’ve been amazing to work with.”
Next up for Big Sugar, Johnson says, is making a new album after the “500 Pounds” theatre tour wraps up this fall. “For the winter, I’m pretty much going to be tucked in my studio making a record.”
During the summer, Johnson says, Big Sugar always looks forward to coming back to Alberta. “They really make us feel like we belong. It’s close to our hearts and I still have lots of family there. We always put on a super-charged show when we’re in Alberta.”
This year at Whoop-Up Days more than a dozen of southern Alberta’s top up-and-coming talent will get the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage, as live entertainment takes place daily from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. For the second straight year, a unique partnership will also showcase some of the top Indigenous performers from around the province from 3:30–6 p.m. each day.
Whoop-Up Days runs from Aug. 20-24 and will also feature live entertainment from Kyle McKearney and Emerson Drive. Big Sugar hits the stage at 9:30 p.m.
