Stokes to perform at bull riding Saturday; releases debut album

By Rob Vogt

One of Mariya Stokes’ first gigs was singing the national anthem for the Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding at the Stavely Arena.
Now, the Stavely singing sensation has come full circle.
She will be performing in concert on Saturday night, Aug. 16, at the Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding outdoors at the Stavely Arena.
It has been a busy year for Stokes as she continues to deepen her mark on the Canadian country music scene.
On May 23, Stokes released her debut album “Mood Ring”.
“There’s a song for every mood,” Stokes said.
She noted the songs live in country music, but there are influences from a variety of genres including funk, blues and pop.
“It’s definitely a sonic rainbow,” Stokes added.
“Mood Ring” features 14 songs, and there is definitely some local connections.
Her highest charting single to date is a song called “Christmas, Arizona”.
The inspiration comes from a visit she had with Stavely farmer, rancher and musician Don Broomfield. He just bought a truck from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and that got Stokes thinking.
The result is the opening lines of the song: “Making my way from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma/
All of the way to Christmas, Arizona…”
Another song, “Money Can’t Buy”, talks about growing up in a small town.
“It’s a tribute to my family and my parents and my community,” Stokes said.
It reflects what she was taught from a young age.
“Who you are and how you treat people is more important than what you have,” Stokes said.
“Mood Ring” is available on any streaming platform as well as mariyastokes.com.
Copies on vinyl and CD will also be available at her concert in Stavely on Saturday night as well.
The record was mastered and printed in Calgary with a special feature.
There is a white circle on the vinyl by each song. The record comes with a sticker sheet and the buyer can decide what colour each song is by putting that colour on the white circle by each song.
Stokes has also been on tour.
She performed on the Nashville North stage at the Calgary Stampede on July 10, 11, 12 and 13.
“It’s a super, super electric crowd,” she said.
Stokes also played at Folk On The Rocks 45th Annual Music Festival from July 18 to 20, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
She noted the music from “Mood Ring” has some folk influences, and it is interesting the album can resonate across several genres.
“It’s a blast getting to know the folk scene as well,” Stokes said.
Her most recent event was the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose from July 31 to Aug. 3, where she played on the main stage.
“(That) was pretty special,” Stokes said.
Her next gig is the Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding on Aug. 16 at the Stavely Arena.
“We’re looking forward to coming down and putting on a show,” Stokes said.
It has special significance for her, because Stokes grew up in Stavely.
“That was one of the first gigs I ever had,” she said. “Singing the national anthem at the Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding.”
Many members of her family from Stavely as well as family and friends from Nanton, Claresholm and across Southern Alberta also came out to her album release party on May 30 at the National Music Centre in calgary.
“That was pretty awesome to have home town support,” she said, adding the event was sold out.
That event also kicked off the tour that continues to this day.
“(And) we’re not planning on stopping any time soon,” Stokes said.