Jacob Hits The Big Time
Posted By SARA ROSS, THE PACKET AND TIMES
Posted 2 months ago
Local country singer Mark Jacob will perform during the 16th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Metis will perform two sets, playing eight songs per performance, Jacob said.
"They just called me up and said 'Want to perform?' and I said, 'Well, I have to check my schedule,'" Jacob joked.
"Of course, I said yes -- without a doubt.'"
The event is North America's largest multi-discipline Aboriginal arts celebration with organizers predicting more than 40,000 in attendance over the three-day event.
"It's really exciting. There's going to be a lot of people. I'm definitely nervous," Jacob said. "My biggest crowd was 4,000 people."
In the past, well-known musicians Shane Yellowbird, Crystal Shawanda and Buffy Sainte-Marie have performed during the Canadian Aboriginal Festival.
"It's awesome to share the stage and be in the presence of these great musical artists who are just doing their thing and loving what they do," Jacob said. "It is inspiring to be with them and play on the same stage."
Jacob was invited to sing during the festival after submitting two songs from his album, Vindictive, to the 2009 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.
His single, The Sweetest Thing, held the No. 1 spot on the Aboriginal Radio Network's Top 30 Songs list for two weeks this past spring. Jacob recently signed with Sunshine Records and writes many of his own songs.
Fiddle legend Ashley MacIsaac and producer Strong Like Bull joined Jacob in creating Vindictive. The album will be released in January. He will go on his first tour in March, beginning in Ontario.
Jacob says he is a "D-list" Canadian musician, but hopes his name and music continue to spread.
"I think some people at the festival would know me because they are really into the aboriginal music. They are really into the aboriginal market, but let's face it... I'm totally on the D-list," he laughed. "Having a No. 1 hit people have definitely noticed me a little more, which is greatly appreciated."
Festival tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, or at the door during the event. To learn more about Mark Jacob, visit www.markjacob.ca.
