Free shipping on all tickets with promo code: THTSCNTRY
rightmenu
FROM MANITOULIN ISLAND TO MUSIC ROW CRYSTAL IS LIVING THE DREAM ON CMT
Submitted By Molly Merrick
Jan 21, 2008
Premiering with back-to-back episodes Tuesday, February 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
CMT chronicles the extraordinary story of up-and-coming Canadian recording artist Crystal Shawanda in the new six-part series Crystal: Living the Dream. Produced in Canada by Henry Less Productions, in association with CMT, the series will premiere in its regular time-slot Tuesday, February 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, airing two back-to-back episodes each week.
From dealing with her band mates to choosing a single to release, Crystal: Living the Dream follows this talented young woman as she faces the challenges of breaking through a sometimes cut-throat industry that can be full of disappointments.
“The show offers a personal view of the rollercoaster of emotions and events that Crystal endures while pursuing the dream of becoming a successful singer and songwriter. It’s truly a story of hope and inspiration that is filled with intimate moments, both staggeringly emotional and endearingly funny,” said Angela Donald, Series Producer and Head of Productions, Henry Less Productions.
Born Ojibwa in the Wikwemikong reserve on Manitoulin Island, Crystal is on the verge of stardom in Nashville. Taking inspiration from country legend Loretta Lynn, Crystal doesn’t just have an extraordinary voice – she is also a songwriter. “Shawanda” means “Dawn of a New Day” and for Crystal, her dawn will come if she realizes her dream of playing the Grand Ole Opry. In a town filled with the almost-famous and superstars in equal measure, does Crystal have what it takes to make her voice heard?
Crystal started writing and performing at a young age. She found inspiration in the people living on the reserve and when she was just 11-years-old, Crystal would hitch rides with her dad on his trucking route to Tennessee to play any gig she could.
With determination and the support of some of the best country music talent, Crystal was signed to RCA in Nashville – home of such stars as Martina McBride and Sara Evans. She is now preparing to release her first major label recording. With high-flying managers Doc and Scott McGhee (best known for working with KISS, Bon Jovi and Hootie and the Blowfish), and award-winning producer Scott Hendricks (Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson), Crystal could be the “next big thing.”
Crystal: Living the Dream will also have a strong Web presence with behind-the-scenes extras and personal notes from Crystal herself launching on CMT.ca February 4.
"CMT audiences are not only getting a compelling documentary series about an incredible young talent – Crystal's extraordinary story is explored in even more depth on a rich one of a kind website based on unseen footage and her own journals and photographs," said Ted Ellis, Vice President, Programming, CMT Canada. "CMT.ca offers viewers an immersive web experience that allows them to continue her story in a truly unique and personal non-linear style that gives an intimate perspective on the creative process."
Crystal’s debut single, You Can Let Go will be officially released to radio this month.
Viewers can tune in to Crystal: Living the Dream Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT beginning February 12.
CMT Canada, available in 8.5 million homes, is Canada’s source for country music lifestyle programming. Exploring themes relevant to country music and country music fans, the network offers an exciting mix of comedy and dramatic series, movies and country music news, videos, concerts and specials. CMT’s Video Advantage Program, established in 2000, supports the development and production of original Canadian music videos for emerging artists. With over 3.3 million impressions each month, the station’s website, CMT.ca, is Canada’s number one website dedicated to country music.
CMT is owned by Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in both specialty TV and radio. Corus also owns Nelvana Limited, an internationally recognized producer and distributor of children’s programming and products. The Company’s other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.NV.B) and New York (CJR) Exchanges. Corus’ website can be found at www.corusent.com.
