Morgan Klaiber performs with Fox and the Hounds during the 2023 Medicine Hat Stampede Parade.--News Photo
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Local country artist Morgan Klaiber will compete for a turn on the main stage at Country Thunder Alberta next summer in a “Rising Star” competition later this month in Calgary.
That coveted spot will go to the last act standing from 50 acts who auditioned in the contest that began in September and saw Klaiber named as one of six finalists after playing a set for judges at the Ranchman’s bar and grill last week.
Klaiber won her ticket to the final round of performances on Nov. 23 with a three-song set of originals with backing from the members of her band, Fox and the Hounds, though she is entered as a solo act.
“I’m probably feeling better about it than at any point leading up to this point,” Klaiber told the News this week. “I entered for the experience and to get my name out there in the industry and get some exposure in Calgary.
“For someone trying to make it as a musician, trying to make connections, this is huge.”
Klaiber was among 50 artists selected to take part after submitting a demo tape auditioning in September. That was narrowed down to 30 semifinalists who competed over six nights during the first week of November.
The event’s winner will have a headline-stage performance at Country Thunder, recording time from MCC Studio and a publicity package including radio air time.
“I have been writing songs for many years and I am excited to finally share them,” she said. “These songs are written from my heart, and I love that I can take the two loves of my life, ranching and music, and intertwine them to share my life experiences in my music.”
The 2024 edition of Country Thunder Alberta will feature headliners Luke Combs, Hardy and Dallas Smith at Fort Calgary from Aug. 16-18 before the North American tour heads to Craven, Sask.
