Honky Tonk and Hockey Talk coming to Olds

Organizers say tickets are going fast for Honky Tonk & Hockey Talk, a fundraiser for the Olds Grizzlys and Innisfail Eagles hockey teams.

The event will feature country star Gord Bamford and Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke on March 18 at the Sportsplex.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the evening begins at 7:30 p.m.

Burke will give his observations about hockey. Then at about 8:30 p.m. Bamford will take to the stage and perform a live concert until about 11 p.m. Organizers say he will NOT be giving a talk; it'll be live country music.

At about 11:30 p.m., a cabaret will begin.

Tickets can be purchased online via the Grizzlys' website: oldsgrizzlys.ca. A few printed tickets are available at the Sportsplex or Gary's Liquor Store.

Regular seats (those that are in the stands) are $45 each. VIP seats, which will be on the surface where the ice goes in are $65 each and will give people a closer view of Burke and of Bamford when he performs.

"It will be a great lineup with entertainment at its best," said Danny Daines, a director with the Eagles. "This is the first time we've ever connected with the Olds Grizzlys and this is a nice event to combine with Olds.

"It's a great thing for two communities to put together," added Daines. "We're very excited about how it's all coming together and we're looking forward to being a part of it."

Grizzlys operations manager Joel Hunter says Burke will be providing a "hot stove lounge-type presentation" to the crowd.

"He's very entertaining; very funny. Anybody who's ever seen him talk in this sort of a venue says he's very good," Hunter says.

Bamford has had 21 Top 10 singles in Canada, seven Top 5 videos, and has been named male artist of the year and songwriter of the year a couple of times. His album Tin Roof was named Canadian Country Music Association album of the year in 2016.

He "has been killing the charts lately. He's just exploded in the States," an event organizer says.

If tickets are purchased before Feb. 15, the names of those who bought those tickets will be entered into a draw for a Flames prize pack.

"So get your tickets before February 15," Hunter says.

Organizers say that applies to the online sales. They say printed tickets can't be tracked.

Hunter says tickets are 25 per cent sold out already.

"So they've got to buy their tickets fast; it will sell out," he says.

This event is a big undertaking, so organizers need lots of volunteers, perhaps 100 or so.

"That's split between us and the Eagles, but the more the merrier," Hunter says.

Contact the Grizzlys' office for volunteer opportunities at 403-556-1121.

With files from Kristine Jean, MVP staff.