Born in 2014 from the renowned music program at Humber in Toronto, country’s The Dukes are known their strong harmonies and energetic live performances. The band includes 2013’s Hamilton Music Awards Rising Star Winner Mackenzie Meyer, a multitalented singer/songwriter/instrumentalist. Guitarist and vocalist Chris Bray, who’s influences include Vince Gill, Alabama and Brad Paisley, blends his bold vocal tone with Mackenzie’s soulful singing to bring excitement and emotion to their music. Aj Astle’s rock bass influence brings a dynamic level to the country fore that is rounded out with the powerful drumming of Sam Goswell. Since their formation in June 2014, the cover band has already begun playing all over Ontario; performing Country's biggest hits at major Ontario festivals like Mattawa Voyager Days, Canada's Largest Ribfest, The Dundas Cactus Fest and Relay for Life where they have shared bills with the likes of Doc Walker, Chad Brownlee, and Runaway Angel. On top of that, they are already playing in the majority of southern Ontario’s A-list country music venues, including The Stampede Ranch, The Stampede Corral, The Oshawa Corral and Carrigan Arms. Book them today for your next event!
Playing Your Favourite Country Hits! - Weddings - Private Events - Fundraisers - Night Clubs - Bars -
Hamilton native Mackenzie Leigh Meyer is no stranger to writing or performing. Since her debut in 2013 as the winner of the Hamilton Music Awards Rise to Fame Competition, she has only continued to build momentum. After being accepted to the renowned Bachelor of Music Degree Program at Humber College, the now 22 year old has already begun playing all over Ontario. In 2016, She caught the eye of renowned producer/engineer Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie, Supertramp) when he chose her original “Should Have Known” in a competition for the chance to have him as a producer. The combination of Mackenzie’s soulful singing and pretty pop melodies with Ken’s classic rock sensibilities results in a unique and tasteful twist to her modern country sound; unveiling a song that fuses Taylor Swift-type writing with a David Bowie-like aesthetic. Should Have Known is set to hit country radio this summer!
Born in Thunder Bay Ontario, Aj was surrounded by music from a young age. He eventually bought his first bass guitar at the age of 13, inspired by the classic rock bands his parents had listened to. By the age of 15 he began to play in local venues with different local bands and artists. Aj’s time playing on the Thunder Bay scene encouraged him to pursue his career in music further and moved to Toronto in 2011. He studied at Humber College where he completed his bachelor of music with honours in 2016.
Aj splits his time between playing bass and his videography/ photography/ mobile recording company Roadhouse Productions.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Brampton, Chris was exposed to a variety of cultures and genres of music from a young age. Ultimately guitar became Chris’ passion as he began to explore the many styles and techniques the instrument had to offer. This led him to become interested in the virtuosic aspects of guitar and to spend countless hours learning songs and solos from guitarists in a variety of different genres. (Van Halen, Paul Gilbert, Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley etc.) Over the years Chris has been a part of various bands and solo projects and has entered a variety of competitions, most notably being one of the winners of the 2007 Rising Star competition in Brampton and getting a chance to perform solo at Rose Theatre. Besides performing all over the GTA with The Dukes, Chris has kept busy finishing his music degree at Humber College and promoting and releasing his instrumental and pop-punk music.
Sam Goswell Drums
Since a young age, Sam always liked hitting things very hard. Whether that would be his sister, his dog or hitting on the girl next door, his parents knew they had to do something about Sam's addiction. One day, while eating bangers and mash, his mom had an epiphany. "Eureka!" She shouted to her husband; "Teach him how to play drums so he has something to do with his hands". So Sam spent years of training with his dad; often tearing through drum skins with sheer force. Today, Sam still takes his hitting very seriously; during the day as the most recommended hitman in all of Canada and at night he feverishly drums with out country band under the alter ego British Thunder. Last spring Sam received an award from Humber College for "only drummer to ever shatter glass with a snare roll" and is also notably the 10 time winner in Ajax's Annual Bangers and Mash Eating Contest.