Interview with Sass Jordan – Headlining Cornwall Ribfest this July 2022

Cornwall, Ontario – The tenth anniversary of Cornwall Ribfest takes place July 21-24, 2022, at Lamoureux Park. Headlining the food and music festival will be Canada’s Queen of Rock, Sass Jordan, on Saturday, July 23 at 9:30 pm. Admission to the event is free.

Sass Jordan recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough album Racine. Five years ago, she revisited that album by re-recording and re-releasing the album in its entirety. Instead of giving the songs a more contemporary digital sound, she wanted to give the revisited album an authentic 1970s analogue tone.

“The main challenge is that we don’t have the same technology now that we had then, so we had to improvise somewhat in that department, but luckily, we were quite successful with it. I think all the songs are different from the original versions because you cannot reproduce a moment in time. The most powerful thing about music is the energy with which it is infused, which is always different every time you play it, due to people, places, and where you are in your life,” Sass Jordan explained.

Hit songs of the album Racine include “I Want to Believe,” “You Don’t Have to Remind Me,” and “Goin’ Back Again.” However, the biggest hit song was “Make You a Believer.”

According to Sass Jordan, the meaning behind those lyrics has not changed whatsoever in 30 years.

“No, the meaning is the same. The song is about believing in yourself regardless of circumstances and listening to the voice of your own heart,” Sass Jordan reflected.

On this album, she collaborated with her husband (and The Guess Who lead singer), Derek Sharp.

“Derek Sharp is a brilliant musician, songwriter, performer, and producer, which is why we work together. I always enjoy working with Derek because he’s so good at what he does,” Sass Jordan disclosed.

Sass Jordan won a Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year in 1989, and she was also nominated three times for Best Female Vocalist at the Junos.

“Pretty much my fondest memory of any experience in my life is laughter – shared with others. I have had some hilarious moments at Juno events!,” Sass Jordan reminisced.

In addition to being an award-winning musician, Sass Jordan’s music has also appeared in movie soundtracks. She did a duet with the legendary Joe Cocker for the soundtrack of the movie The Bodyguard.

“It was an amazing experience, as I learned a great deal from singing with Joe Cocker. His style and phrasing greatly influenced me,” Sass Jordan recalled.

Sass Jordan has also appeared on Canadian television. This includes an appearance on Corner Gas and being a judge for Canadian Idol television show. She shares what she learned being a judge on Canadian Idol.

“I discovered that a television show is about TV, not music. You have to do what is right for the show. We had a great time doing it, and it lasted for six seasons, which is a long time!” Sass Jordan disclosed.

Sass Jordan is looking forward to playing in Cornwall, Ontario.

“I can’t wait to see you! We’re going to have fun!” Sass Jordan concluded.

Here is the music line-up for Cornwall Ribfest 2022:

Friday, July 22 – 4:30 Warhammer, 5:30 Jessica Sevier, 7:30 Solid Gold Revival, 9:30 Epic Eagles,

Saturday, July 23 – 1:30 Fork In The Road, 3:00 Landmark, 4:15 Trip The Breaker, 5:30 Whiskey on Tap, 7:30 Sam Hill, 9:30 Canada’s Queen of Rock, Sass Jordan!

Sunday, July 24 – 12:00 Paolo Stante, 1:30 The County Lads, 3:30 Hadrian’s Wall, 5:30 The Chesterfields

The Optimist Club of Cornwall is hosting this community festival and fundraiser event.