Kelowna-born country star Chad Brownlee has spent the large majority of his summer performing concerts to large crowds across Canada.

That summer tour will include a huge hometown show for Kelowna’s inaugural country music festival Demin on the Diamond.

“I definitely have a lot of memories from growing up in Kelowna, and to be able to come home and be on stage in front of a lot of friends and family will be a special moment,” said Brownlee in an interview with KelownaNow.

The hockey player turned country star was originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and played junior hockey for the Vernon Vipers, but turned his energies to music following a series of injuries.

Drastically changing his career path has clearly worked out, Brownlee has recently been nominated for Male Artist of the Year and the Apple Music Fans’ Choice Award by the Canadian Country Music Association.

The Fan's Choice Award places Brownlee among some legendary names from the Canadian country music industry such as Shania Twain and Dean Brody.

"To see your name on a nomination ballot beside some of the biggest names in your industry is humbling and a great pat on the back for all the work you put in," said Brownlee.

"I didn't get into to music for the awards but at the end of the day it's nice to know that people are really enjoying my music." 

Fans will be excited to hear the first single off of Brownlee's upcoming record will be out this week. 

"I went really deep with this record and spent a lot of time songwriting, but this first single is a fun one for the fans to enjoy along with the summer." 

Thumbnail courtesy of Ryan Nolan Photography.