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Country-rockers Blackjack Billy to play ‘Raise ‘Em Up’ New Year’s Eve party

The ‘Booze Cruise’ band headlined Gone Country benefit concert in Surrey two summers ago
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Blackjack Billy in a 2015 promo photo.

A New Year’s Eve party in Vancouver will feature country-rockers Blackjack Billy, a band that headlined the annual Gone Country benefit concert in Surrey two years ago.

The Vogue Theatre on Granville Street will play host to the Dec. 31 event, dubbed Raise ‘Em Up and billed as “a non-pretentious, boot-stomping, beer slinging New Year’s celebration.”

Patrons can also gain access to a private pre-party being held at The Roxy nightclub with Blackjack Billy playing an intimate performance and Q&A session.

“Country music fans are often stereotyped as being older and uneducated, but the truth is, they are far more diverse,” event promoter West Ape Productions said in a release.

“According to ​Nielsen​, country music is the second most listened-to format for the 18-34 demographic and we’re going to prove it. Early bird tickets available until Dec. 17.”

Based in Nashville, Blackjack Billy played the Gone Country concert at Cloverdale’s Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in July 2015, along with Tebey, Karen Lee Batten, The Tumblin’ Dice, Dave Hartney and DJ Jaxon Hawks.

The band is known for its brand of “redneck rock,” and counts among its songs “The Booze Cruise,” released in the spring of 2013.



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news stories for the Surrey Now-Leader, where I've worked for more than half of my 30-plus years in the newspaper business.
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