In twang we trust

WITH more than 40 acts playing over the next four days at Dauphin's Countryfest, there's a little something for everyone, from rustic roots to radio-friendly contemporary country.

Here are a few can't-lose propositions for fans to check out that cover the spectrum of what music is on tap this weekend.

The Good Brothers, tonight, Mainstage

The Good Brothers truly live up to their name. Twins Bruce and Brian and their younger brother Larry have been making music together non-stop since 1973, combining folk, bluegrass and old-school country. The band played the first Countryfest in 1990.

The Road Hammers, Friday, Mainstage

What started out as a simple side project has taken on a life of its own for Jason McCoy. It even threatens to overtake his solo career in popularity, due in no small part to the CMT reality series Making the Band and the straight-up blue-collar country-rock that has earned them a shelf full of awards already.

Tim McGraw, Saturday, Mainstage

He's Tim freakin' McGraw, one of the biggest country stars in the world, with 21 No. 1 country hits, three Grammys, 14 Academy of Country Music awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Music Awards and three People's Choice Awards. His last 11 albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard albums charts -- and as if that weren't enough, he's married to Faith Hill. It's good to be Tim McGraw.

Johnny Reid, Sunday, Mainstage

Reid was born in Scotland, but was raised in Canada. He's a storyteller with a good sense of humour and keen knack for melody. He's also a heck of a nice guy to boot, judging by his charity work.

Fred Eaglesmith, Friday, Corral; Saturday, Hilltop; Sunday, Mainstage

Eaglesmith is a rowdy roots-rock road warrior who is one of the most respected songwriters in the business. He refuses to take orders from men in suits, so you won't hear him on radio, which is too bad, because Eaglesmith's songs are better than the majority of music on mainstream country radio, and as a live force, there aren't many better.

Hayes Carll, Saturday, Hilltop; Sunday, Corral and Mainstage

Carll is one of the best young songwriters in Texas, who made his Manitoba debut at Countryfest a few years ago and has graduated to the mainstage this year. Fans of Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and Doug Sahm shouldn't miss Carll.

Washboard Hank, Friday, Corral; Saturday and Sunday, Hilltop Stage

Some people look at Washboard Hank with his homemade Stratovarious (made up of a washboard, licence plate and a mish-mash of percussion instruments) and Fallopian Tuba and think he's a novelty act, but under that helmet is one of Canada's most brilliant, original songwriters and a born showman. I dare you to try to not sing along to Chompy the Head Biter Offer.

The D. Rangers, Friday, Corral; Saturday, Hilltop

A bluegrass band that rocks, or a rock band that plays bluegrass? You decide. This veteran Winnipeg band not only features some of the city's top players, but boasts an equally impressive lyricist in Jaxon Haldane.

Romi Mayes, Friday, Corral; Sunday, Hilltop Stage

Winnipeg's Romi Mayes has truly come into her own as a songwriter and performer who's been making a name for herself across North America and Europe with her heartfelt roots and blues. Mayes recently hooked up with Ronnie Hawkins' former backing band, the Weber Brothers, and blew away the Derek Trucks crowd at the Jazz Winnipeg Festival last week. (See the Weber Brothers on their own Saturday at the Corral.)

-- Rob Williams

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 2, 2009 D1