Canada Day a time to celebrate Canadian music

This week Canadians will celebrate Canada and all its glory on July 1.

From beautiful provinces east and west to great food, industry, and talent — Canada is top-notch.

One Canadian gem is the country’s national crooner Michael Buble, who recently performed back-to-back sold-out shows at the Dome in Calgary last week.

Buble, during his performance last Monday night mentioned it was his 106th show on his current tour.

Buble is the ultimate host of the party. Singing hits from his own collection and selecting old standards from the Great American Songbook — Buble’s voice is remarkable and he sure makes the ladies giggle and swoon.

I have to say I sort of even have a man-crush on the Canadian songsmith. He’s… wait for it… legen… dary. He had us last Monday night at “hello.”

Classy, the show was jam-packed with young and old, as two stages were set similar to an old vintage big band show similar to a place such as the Copacabana or other venue, which historically featured acts such as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

The setting transported the audience to a time when the sound of music was big.

Opening the show was the unforgettable a cappella group Naturally 7, from New York.

The vocal play ensemble used only their voices to entertain the astounded crowd with sounds of traditional drums, bass, guitar and horns simulated by the multi-talented singers.

The group performed classics by The Beatles, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and even Coldplay.

Naturally 7 was truly the best opening act I’ve ever seen in 42 years. Simply, amazing.

Back to Buble — the singer/songwriter delighted audiences with renditions of “Moon Dance,” Elvis’ “Burning Love,” “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles and some stripped down Motown favourites. He was funny, charming and the evening was full of tongue-in-cheek sexual innuendo laced with heart-felt patriotism of being Canadian.

During the night, a Calgary female string section joined Buble on stage for a few songs.

Of course, Buble pleased the audience with his own hits including “Home” and “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

Canada is home to many a great musical artist. From Rush to (if I dare say it) Celine Dion and Justin Bieber (I gag a little when saying it aloud) to Bob and Doug Mackenzie and The Tragically Hip, Bruce Cockburn, Matthew Good and Gordon Lightfoot.

Music made in Canada — is simply, awesome.

This Canada Day dust off the old vinyl records and listen to something with a little piece of Canadiana.

Download a new Canadian artist and dance until the fireworks explode.

Eat some poutine and wear a toque, while sipping a double double followed by a pint of a great Canadian brew.

As Joe from the old Molson Canadian commercials once exclaimed, “I AM CANADIAN.”

I am, and it makes me proud.

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