Brian Wardwell

Brian Wardwell, born Brian Phillip Wardwell is an American country music performer from the state of Maine.

Background information

Brian decided to wait to speak until he was ready. This had his parents (particularly his mother) very worried. Actually Brian did not speak his first words but sang them. After attending church one Sunday Brian arrived home and started singing “Hallelujah”.

Brian was almost two when his little sister, Alyssa was born. Alyssa Wardwell was a young beautifull girl and still is. She goes to Line Elementary and has great friends, Kelsey and Meghan. Alyssa and Brian fight often but love each other at the end. Alyssa is 12 years old right now.

Career and contests
2002
In 2002, when Brian was eight, he qualified to go to Pigeon Forge, TN in the New Country Male Entertainer (7 -12) category. At the NACMAI competition in March 2003, Brian took the stage in Tennessee and performed the original song, “I Ain’t No Cowboy” and “Who’s Your Daddy”. He received standing ovations for both songs. His performance earned him the title of New Country Male Entertainer of the Year 2003 (7 -12). Just before going onstage Brian’s grandmother, whispered some words of encouragement to Brian. She told him not to worry that the stage was magical. After his performance Brian took his grandmother aside and politely corrected her. He said, “You were wrong Mimi, it’s not the stage that’s magical, it’s the audience.”

2003
In July 2003 Brian traveled to Houlton, Maine to compete in the Colgate Country Showdown. Here he competed against several other talented singers of all ages from Maine and Canada and won first place. This qualified Brian to compete at the New England States final at Six Flags in Agawam, MA where Brian was the runner up. This was where he started his signature, autographed cowboy hat. The hat notion was started when, while in the finals, Brian met Jimmy Wayne. Jimmy offered autographs, and the only item Brian had to be autographed was his clothes. Wayne signed Brian’s hat, and now whenever Brian is given the chance, he requests a signature be added to his hat. Among the many country personalities who have singed Brian’s hat include Stevie Cee, Mike Preston, Rascal Flatts, Everard Dodge, LeAnne Stilley, Cherokee, Kenny Tibbetts (B95.3 DJ), Jennifer Hanson, Blake Shelton, Ginger Mae, Thom Shephard (Writer of Riding With Private Malone), Roseanna Rogers, Brad Paisley, Florita, Juanita Graves, Jimmy Wayne and Bobbi-Lynne Cote.

In the fall of 2003 Brian completed his first album. It is completely traditional and has 11 original songs. The title track, “The Opening Act” was co-written by Brian, Jim Flynn and DJ Tommy Dean. All of the songs were written for Brian himself. The album was recorded at the "Root Cellar" in Hallowell and Bob Colwell provided the music and engineered the album.

2004
Brian returned to Pigeon Forge in March 2004 and claimed the titles of Traditional Male Vocalist and Entertainer (7 - 12). His album “The Opening Act” won Most Promising and his video; “The Happiest Kid In Town” won First Place.

The summer of 2004 was an busy for Brian. He performed at many fairs and festivals from Biddeford, Maine all the way to Presque Isle. In August 2004 Brian was asked to be the opening act at the Oxford Fairgrounds for the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party Tour starring Daryle Singletary, Chad Brock, Rhett Akins and David Kersh. Brian also received the honor of being asked to perform at the Pioneers show in Augusta and was honored as a future Pioneer.

2005
In March 2005 Brian went to Nashville. While there he showcased at the Tennessee Country Music Alliance’s annual show. He brought down the house and was presented with a trophy for Junior Male Vocalist of the Year. He also appeared on the Nashville Video Showcase. This is a weekly show which is airs the Nashville/Hendersonville area and is seen by over 167,000 households. Brian’s biggest thrill of the trip was his backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry and attending the Friday night Opry show.

Also in March 2005, Brian’s new album titled, “My Family” was entered in the North American Country Music Association competition and won the 2005 Youth Album of the Year. Some of the new songs which are on the album are The County Fair, Daddy Drives a Stock Car, Labors of Love, Rise Above It, Charlie, I Still Can’t Say Goodbye The Good People of Maine, My Family, In Daddy’s Pickup Truck, The Ballad of L.L. Bean, Daddy, Love is Like A Song, The Bell in the Steeple and When I Get Home From School. This new album like Brian’s first album “The Opening Act” is comprised of all original material.

2005 was an exciting year for Brian with several performances including the Cornish Apple Festival, Ossipee Valley Fair, Cumberland Fair, Fryeburg Fair, an appearance on Nashville Video Showcase, a trip to Nashville and several awards from NACMAI, DECMA, PTSCMA and TCMA.

2006
In the summer of 2006 Brian sang the American National Anthem at a Boston Red Sox Game. This has been the highlight of his career. Since it was Maine Day, Brian was honored to stand with Governor Baldacci for the festivities. During the seventh inning stretch, Brian sang God Bless America.

Daily life
Brian hasmade high honors every quarter at Massabesic Middle School where he is enrolled. Brian is noted for his work singing at nursing homes, charity events, and performing the Anthem at sporting events and political events.
Brian is busy this summer working at Bowdoin College Day Camp where he sings daily with a live band. He also sings at Maine and New Hampshire agricultural fairs.

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