Chelsea Crites, Port Colborne Native, Performs at Molson Canadian Studio

Review and photographs by Ray Williams

If you had any question if Chelsea Crites was the real deal or not, your questions would have been answered in Hamilton May 4th. Chelsea Crites had her first headliner concert. This was her first show at Hamilton Place's Molson Canadian Studio.

Most young children ether dream of being a fireman, astronaut, nurse or even a teacher. Chelsea, a native of Port Colborne, always wanted to be a country music singer. This rising country star tailgated for the likes of Allen Jackson and also opened for Jason McCoy’s in December Christmas concert. Jason, a Canadian superstar with the Road hammers and now on his own. At the age of 19, Crites passes another barrier, she headlined her own concert, something that some artists don’t do until they’re well in their twenties, or at all!

Chelsea Crites at RBG, June 2013

I was pleased when I got the call to cover Chelsea Crites' concert. I photographed Chelsea in December at Jason McCoy Christmas concert so I knew what to expect from her, or did I? What a pleasant surprise, Chelsea had Dundas newest star Ty Baynton open the show.

Chelsea came out with her band in a black outfit, trimmed in gold with a black sheer down to the floor. Stunning! Crites started the show with Blown Away that got the crowd up in their seats. In her first set Chelsea covered Country super star Carrie Underwood’s Two Black Cadillacs, one of my favorites. I had to stop and watch as she puts her own little twist on this tune.

During the show, Chelsea had a 20 minute intermission which gave the audience time to grab a beverage and a snack, and chat as Ty was signing autographs and meeting the fans. Chelsea made another outfit change, this time it was a black leather pants and blouse with a white skirt over top.

No doubt Chelsea had a lot of close friends and family in the audience, she dedicated Pontoon to a very, very special person, her grandmother. All throughout the evening Chelsea was interacting with the audience and thanking them for taking the time to come out. Chelsea even brought up a young fan to sing with her.

Early part of June Chelsea will be heading to the studio to work on an album, I tried to get more information for you but she said details coming soon! [Editor's note: According to Tim Towle of Shoreline Records, as of July 19, 2013, Chelsea is in the process of working informally with them to select songs for an EP demo. No record contract has been entered into as of yet with Shoreline Records.]

If you want to see Chelsea live head to one this year’s summer’s festivals.

This rising star might not sell out the ACC any time soon, but she's not always going to play in small bars or cafés ether. Chelsea is focused and determined to be a top country music star.

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Ray Williams is a photographer from Burlington. He works under the business name @aperfectpixel.
Find him on Twitter.

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