Good ol’ traditional country is a common way that local fan fave and country singer, Adam Knapp describes his music and is also one of the most effective ways for him to get the word out that he is playing at The Cove!

For many years, Adam has been serving up evenings of classic country for years now. His tested tenor belts out sweet jams with ease. It’s clearly his thing! He has a true a feel for stage always comes armed with a band of veteran players. Join the fun and sing along to the songs you love with the local faithful on Saturday, October 25 from 8-11pm. And it’s a hoedown so we are celebrating Halloween, so don’t forget to wear your costume to win prizes! Details and reservations here: web link

Seamus Cowan: You are clearly a child of a he golden years of country. Your music shows! How did you get involved in singing and performing this music and who were your early influences?

Adam Knapp: Being around my grandfather, Garnet Knapp, and listening to him play his guitar on the front porch, he always played the traditional country. My Uncle Scott Horton also enjoyed playing the traditional country music and was good at encouraging me to get up in front of a crowd in my early teens to sing. By my late teens, he had me playing guitar. Joe Saunders was very supportive and gave me my first guitar lessons.

Q: Your career started with quite a boom in that you won a Country Music Showdown at age 19. I can imagine that this would be a fire under you to feel confidence in your show. Can you tell us a story about a favourite moment in your early performing career?

Adam: Yes! In that Showdown, I was up against Avril Lavigne before her stardom and won $1,000, which was a self-esteem boost for sure! Did I mention Westport's very own Shawn McCullough was playing lead guitar for that contest?! As for a favourite moment, I would have to say that it was a gig I did at Tweed Stampede. Gord Bamford, and his band who I opened for at the beginning of the night, came into the bar area where I was set up to play after the concert. They were on their last gig of their tour before heading back out west and they came up on stage. Gord and I sang a Merle Haggard song together. That was a pretty cool experience for me for sure!

Q: When I think about the essence of country music, I think about the sound, but maybe that makes me a purist. Of course, the stories and the humour are equally as appealing to country listeners though! What do you think is the key to a great country song and who do you think is carrying the torch.

Adam: When it comes to country music, I think the key to a great song is the story and a great hook. I also have a hard time thinking of country music without fiddle or Steel guitar. I have so many favourites that it’s hard to say, but when you think of a great singer, great lyrical story teller, talented musician who can play great lead hooks with signature riffs, I definitely think of the guy I cover the most and that’s Merle Haggard.

Q: Anyone that knows you knows that you are a ridiculously busy human being. Running your contracting business, operating your farm and crops, being a father and getting recently married (!), have you racing from place to place. Fitting music in your schedule has got to be more and more of a challenge. I know someone who can relate…how do you do it all?

Adam: Haha! I’m not exactly sure how I do it all but I know I only sleep 6 hours per night and my mind has a hard time shutting off before bed. I tend to multitask a lot and I run better under pressure I think. I get bored easily so sitting down isn't really an option, unless it’s in my truck or a tractor cab.

Q: You have written and produced many recordings and some of it has even been done in the country music Mecca, Nashville. Popular spot. Do you continue to write and if so, do you plan on recording anything anytime soon? Live record at The Cove maybe?

Adam: I’m sad to say that I haven’t been writing much over the last little while, but maybe this winter I might have some free time to start back at it. A live recording or an album release party at The Cove Inn would be a great time for sure! The band and I love playing The Cove because the locals and those who travel in to listen to us are the biggest traditional country fans and respect what we do. No one parties as hard as the people of Westport! Posted: Oct 21, 2025