THE NOSTALGIA COWBOYS
The Nostalgia Cowboys are a rockabilly and classic country band that embody the spirit of the genre they love. Formed in October 2021 by Austin and fellow musicians Michael McLaughlin on lead guitar, Lorne Gelowitz on bass, and Lonnie James on drums, the band quickly set out to craft a sound that harkens back to the golden age of country music. With twanging guitars, steel guitar solos, and heart-wrenching ballads, the Nostalgia Cowboys have created a unique sound that resonates with audiences of all ages.
One of the band's most popular draws is their authentic Johnny Cash Tribute Show, which pays homage to the legendary country singer. The band's love for their fans and home place is evident in the energy they bring to their performances.
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The Nostalgia Cowboys have incorporated the rockabilly style into their music, adding a unique and authentic sound to their classic country roots. Their rockabilly show is a high-energy performance that showcases their love for the early days of rockabilly. The band draws inspiration from the likes of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and other rockabilly pioneers, to bring a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
The rockabilly sound is characterized by its upbeat tempo, heavy use of the bass, and an emphasis on the guitar. The Nostalgia Cowboys' lead guitar player, Michael McLaughlin, adds a touch of vintage flair to their rockabilly sound with his twangy guitar solos and licks. Lorne Gelowitz on bass, and Lonnie James on drums, provide the perfect rhythm section to keep the rockabilly beat going.
The band's live shows are not to be missed, as they bring a level of energy and passion to their performances that is truly infectious. They have a natural ability to connect with audiences and create a sense of community at their shows. With their rockabilly show, they appeal to younger and older audiences who love the sound of rock and roll, and also to the older ones who remember the days of the original rockabilly scene.
The band's rockabilly show is an integral part of their live performances and it gives them the opportunity to pay tribute to the early days of rock and roll and country music. It's a great way to showcase the band's versatility and range as musicians, and it allows them to connect with audiences in a different way.
They also have a deep love and admiration for the music of Ernest Tubb and His Texas Troubadours. As a band, they believe that Ernest Tubb's music and style has had a profound influence on the country music scene and continues to inspire musicians today. They often include some of his hits in their performances as a way to pay tribute to the legendary singer and his band. The band's lead singer, Austin, has a particular admiration for the smooth and distinctive style of Ernest Tubb's singing, and often incorporates it into his own performances. The band's love for Ernest Tubb and His Texas Troubadours is evident in their music and performances and they are dedicated to preserving his legacy and introducing his music to new audiences.
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We've had the privilege of sharing our love of classic country and rockabilly music with audiences at a variety of venues and festivals across Alberta, including Mikey's on 12 Ave, The Velvet Olive Lounge in Red Deer, AB, and a number of Legions, Retirement Communities, bars, and festivals. Our past performances have been met with great success, and we've received rave reviews from both audiences and venue owners alike.
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Our show is perfect for any venue looking to bring a touch of nostalgia and a taste of the traditional to their event. Whether you're looking to book us for a one-off event or a recurring show, we're confident that our classic country music will be a hit with your audience.
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Some of the venues where we have showcased our Country Show include Chapelhow Legion, Jubilee Legion, Bowness Legion, the Summit Pub, The Roadside Pub, Funny Farm, Mo Jo Garden Centre and Diner, and many more. We have a proven track record of success and know how to put on a show that will have your audience tapping their toes and singing along.
If you're interested in booking Austin T. O'keefe and his Nostalgia Cowboys for your next event, don't hesitate to contact us. We're looking forward to bringing our classic country music to your venue and making it a night to remember!
There mission is to bring classic country and rockabilly back to the mainstream and they believe that this unique blend of styles will appeal to a wide range of audiences. They are dedicated to preserving the classic country and rockabilly sound, while also incorporating elements of country, rock, and honky tonk. This combination of styles creates a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to both traditional country fans and those who enjoy a more modern twist on the genre.
AUSTIN T. O'KEEFE
Austin T. O'Keefe is a talented and dedicated Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making music for most of his life. He was born on October 30, 1996 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he faced some challenges as a child. Despite these hardships, Austin remained creative and inspired, and he developed a passion for music at a young age. He started playing guitar at the age of four and has been self-taught ever since, honing his skills and building a reputation as a skilled musician.
Throughout his career, Austin has had a lot of success playing in retirement communities, clubs, and bars across Canada with his band, the Nostalgia Cowboys. His music is inspired by the likes of Johnny Cash and Ernest Tubb, and he is known for his ability to connect with his audience and bring joy to their lives through his performances. In addition to his love of music, Austin is also passionate about trains, buses, nature, and traveling, and he is known for his friendly, kind, generous, and warm-hearted personality.
Despite the struggles he has faced along the way, Austin has always relied on his faith in the Lord to guide him through difficult times. He is also committed to helping other musicians on their own journeys, and he hopes to use his platform and experience to inspire and support others in the industry.
Throughout his journey, Austin has remained dedicated to his music and has worked hard to improve and grow as an artist. He is constantly seeking out new opportunities to perform and connect with his fans, and he is always striving to create meaningful and impactful music that touches the hearts of his listeners. Austin's passion for music and his dedication to his fans have helped him to achieve a great deal of success in his career, and he is well-respected and admired by fans and peers alike. Today, Austin continues to make music and share his talent with fans across Canada, and he looks forward to continuing to grow and evolve as an artist in the years ahead.
As Austin's career began to take off, he started to gain more and more recognition within the local music scene. He played at some of the most prestigious venues across the country, and his band, the Nostalgia Cowboys, became a household name among country music fans. Austin's talent and dedication to his fans earned him respect and love, and he became known as one of the leading voices in the local classic country music scene.
Despite all of his success, Austin remained humble and grateful, always remembering where he came from and the challenges he faced along the way. Today, Austin T. O'Keefe is considered a legend in his community, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence artists for generations to come.
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MICHAEL
MCLAUGHLIN
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Michael McLaughlin is a skilled lead guitar player from Calgary, Alberta. He has a strong passion for all genres of music and has dedicated the past twenty years to cultivating his music and developing his unique vintage sound. This passion has led him to perform on stages across Alberta with both original bands and tribute bands.
In October 2021, he joined Austin T. O'Keefe and his Nostalgia Cowboys as the lead guitar player, and event manager bringing his extensive experience and talent to the group.
LONNIE
JAMES
Lonnie James has been playing music and writing songs since he was twelve years old. The wide, open Alberta prairie and the big sky allowed his imagination to soar. Lonnie was still in high school when most of his friends were hanging out at the mall, but he was already playing drums in smoky clubs downtown. Self-taught and sonically driven, by the time he graduated high school, Lonnie had already played on his first record. and he hasn’t looked back since.
Lonnie has recorded and performed in enough bands to fill at least 20 normal people’s lifetimes. The names of the bands sprinkled throughout Lonnie’s pedigree reveal a man who, besides the fact that he has played in more than a few influential bands (Superfriendz, The Nils, Living Proof, Royal City, etc.), is an artist who is fearless musically and has always remained true to his vision, even at times to the detriment of his career. If you’ve ever met Lonnie James, chances are you will never forget him; his energy is inspiring and exasperating at the same time. To talk to him is to hear a man who teeters between youthful wonder and a world-wise consciousness.
He looks worn, but it’s hard to guess his age. Lonnie sums it up nicely when he says, "Music is my life, but it’s not my aim to make it." "It's my aim to enjoy my life."
LORNE
GELOWITZ
Lorne Gelowitz is a talented and dedicated bass player who has been playing for over twenty years. He is a self-taught musician and a member of Austin T. O'keefe and his Nostalgia Cowboys. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada, Lorne is a lifelong fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and is deeply rooted in his community.
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In addition to his passion for music, Lorne is also a devoted husband who cherishes his family and friends. He is inspired by the music of Waylon Jennings and strives to bring the same level of soul and heart to his own performances.
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Lorne is excited to share his music with new audiences and is looking forward to meeting fans around the world. He is a kind and compassionate person with a big heart and a passion for entertaining others through his music.