Campus News
two men lean against a brick wall
Lemon Cash 

Two of Canada’s hottest up-and-coming country entertainers are set to hit the 1st Choice Savings stage as Coulee Fest returns to Lethbridge College on Sept. 17. A full day of entertainment will be capped by Ontario-based brothers Lemon Cash, which will follow a set from award-winning Alberta-based artist Hailey Benedict.

Lemon Cash was named CMA Ontario's artist of the month in November 2021 and is fresh off playing a pair of shows at the Calgary Stampede last month. The Ottawa-born brother duo started as a rock band but have found artistic success and radio traction since switching their focus to country music.

Hailey Benedict received her first big break when she was pulled onstage by Keith Urban in 2016 and performed one of her own songs. The video of the performance has been seen over 10 million times. Benedict has created numerous viral videos and is one of the most followed Canadian country artists on TikTok. Benedict is nominated for two awards, Rising Star and Interactive Group or Artist of the Year, at the Canadian Country Music Association awards, which will be held in Calgary on Sept. 11. She was named 2022 Country Music Alberta Horizon Female Artist of the Year and earned the 2022 Country Music Alberta Horizon Single of the Year.

“Coulee Fest brings our community together much like an old-fashioned county fair, and live country music from two incredible performers will provide the perfect soundtrack,” says Stephanie Savage, Alumni Engagement Manager. “Live music has become a favourite part of Coulee Fest for many, and we have worked closely with the Sakamoto Agency to bring in Lemon Cash and Hailey Benedict, who are exciting, dynamic performers who have thrilled large crowds across Canada. We can’t wait to see them live at Coulee Fest.”

A woman lays across a chair holding a guitar
Hailey Benedict

Coulee Fest begins at 1 p.m. with afternoon entertainment from family-friendly singers The Band Formerly Known as Karen, Lewis and Pam, and local country rockers Plaid Ramblers. Benedict and Lemon Cash will hit the stage in the late afternoon. The live stage is just part of a day full of activities that includes family entertainment, food trucks, the Hudsons Canada’s Pub beer gardens, Prairie Made Market and much more, including an old-fashioned pie eating contest.

With a focus on sustainability, Coulee Fest will also be holding a photo contest that encourages attendees to show the way they have done their part for the environment by walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transit to the event.

Those interested in providing food trucks, entertainment or a marketplace presence at Coulee Fest can contact Stephanie Savage at [email protected].

For information and updates on the big day, visit the Coulee Fest website.