Acclaimed Americana artist Ward Davis is set to make his first Manitoba appearance this summer, bringing his brand of raw, outlaw country storytelling to the South Interlake Red Barn in the RM of Rockwood with a solo acoustic performance.
Americana and outlaw country artist Ward Davis will make his first Manitoba appearance when he performs a solo acoustic show at the South Interlake Red Barn in the RM of Rockwood on July 24. The Nashville songwriter has penned songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Trace Adkins, and his music has also been featured on the television series Yellowstone
The Friday, July 24 show will feature Davis in an intimate setting, showcasing the songwriting and vocal delivery that have earned him a loyal following across North America.
Originally from Monticello, Arkansas, Davis has built a reputation as both a compelling performer and a respected songwriter in Nashville. His credits include songs recorded by country legends such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Trace Adkins. His work has also been featured on the hit television series Yellowstone.
His solo career has also drawn critical attention, beginning with his debut album 15 Years in a 10-Year Town in 2015, followed by Black Cats and Crows in 2020. The latter project further cemented his place in the Americana and outlaw country scene, highlighted by collaborations with artists such as Cody Jinks.
Davis said his songwriting is deeply personal, serving as both a creative outlet and a form of therapy.
“Songwriting is an art,” he said. “Art is something people do to express what’s in them. Music is my art. It’s my outlet. It’s my therapy.”
Known for his gritty lyricism and emotionally driven performances, Davis often explores themes of love, loss and redemption — elements that resonate strongly in a stripped-down acoustic format.
Fans attending the Rockwood performance can expect a different experience than a traditional full-band concert.
“There are more stories about the songs, more audience interaction,” Davis said. “It’s more intimate.”
He said smaller venues create an atmosphere where audiences become part of the performance.
Organizer Merle Balsillie said bringing Davis to Manitoba has been several years in the making.
“I couldn’t afford Cody Jinks, and since Ward wrote so many of Cody’s hit songs, he was the next best choice,” Balsillie said with a laugh.
Balsillie first saw Davis perform with a full band in Tennessee before attending a solo acoustic show at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern in 2024.
“After his acoustic show in Toronto, I asked him if he’d be willing to come to Manitoba, so since 2025 I’ve been working with Ward’s team to bring him up here,” she said.
While Davis is known for both his full-band and acoustic performances, Balsillie believes the solo format offers something special.
“His full band and solo shows are both amazing, but his solo shows are so much more revealing about Ward and his songs,” she said. “It allows him to sit and talk and sing for the whole show, and you really get to experience the storytelling side of country music.”
Balsillie said The Red Barn is the ideal venue for that type of performance.
“The Red Barn is the perfect location for an outdoor concert,” she said. “And since they built the Red Shed, it’s a great backup if the weather doesn’t cooperate.”
She added that smaller venues offer an experience that can be difficult to find in larger centres.
“The Red Barn is so welcoming and much more laid-back than the larger venues. It definitely has that small-town vibe. And who doesn’t love free on-site parking?”
Davis said he’s looking forward to performing in Manitoba for the first time and introducing his music to a new audience.
“I’m always excited to go play somewhere new,” he said. “It’s a joy and a gift to get to go out and play music for a living. It’s romantic to get to go into another country, into another culture, and bring what started in south Arkansas to somewhere that couldn’t be further away.”
Balsillie said events like this are important because they help introduce independent artists to new audiences.
“So many independent artists don’t get played on mainstream radio,” she said. “This opens up a whole new fan base and hopefully brings them back.”
Interest in the show has already been strong, with ticket buyers coming from across Manitoba and beyond.
“Fans who aren’t able to travel to another province or country to see him get the opportunity to see him in their backyard,” Balsillie said. “There’s been a lot of out-of-province ticket sales as well. So far, the longest distance to travel to see Ward at The Red Barn is from Fort Worth, Texas — just under a 20-hour drive.”
The event is also part of a broader effort to support The Red Barn and its role as a community gathering place.
Balsillie noted that the venue, operated by the South Interlake Rockwood Agricultural Society, has hosted numerous large-scale events in recent years, including Ag Days, Touch a Truck, the RCMP Musical Ride, Ride for Dad and concerts.
“The Red Barn is a versatile event centre, especially with the addition of The Red Shed,” she said. “It’s pretty rewarding to work with the SIRAS group to raise money for this local gem in the RM of Rockwood and to bring people together for a night of great music, friendship and fun.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Attendance is limited to 400 people. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased through Ward Davis’s website.
The event will also feature three food trucks and a beer garden.
Balsillie said she hopes the event helps build momentum for more live music programming in the area.
“That would be fantastic,” she said. “It’s going to be a great night of music.”
