A singing married couple from Chatham will soon be featuring the beautiful area and its generous souls in their new television show.
Pat Whalen and his wife Megan of the country duo Deep Southwest are set to star in the musical comedy series called Due Southwest to be filmed across the Chatham area soon.
The couple told CK News Today the show will be available across a large portion of Canada next year on Bell Fibe TV1's streaming platform for the next five years.
The Whelans said viewers will follow them trying to realize their dreams and hit the big leagues in the music business. The show will also reveal the struggles of a band trying to make it in the Canadian music business.
Pat said the show is a natural fit for the band.
"We are definitely proud of our area and where we come from. I think Deep Southwest was born out of this area and the passion for the rural and agricultural community and that reflects in the kind of music we started writing," said Pat.
He noted each episode features original country songs mixed with "Hick Hop'', a blend of country and hip-hop music.
Pat also said Due Southwest captures the spirit of small-town life in Chatham-Kent and the universal struggle to achieve one's dreams, all wrapped in a charming and musical package.
Megan believes the show will start airing around February and hopes everyone enjoys it.
"Through the years we progressed to a more comedic style of performing. I really love to interact with the audience," Megan said.
Pat said they just want to share the passion they have for music.
"Show business can really pull you down sometimes. So, we wanted to start a project that was just fun. Just fun for us and we went and brought fun to our community and shared the joy of making and playing music with everybody that we love," Pat said.
Pat said Due Southwest is also seeking additional funding through regional sponsorship opportunities. The show offers 15 second commercials to be played at the beginning of an episode. Logos can also be shown during the credits and there's product placement opportunities where products can be shown during an episode.
“We’re looking for local businesses and investors to sponsor and showcase everything our community has to offer," said the Whelans. "This project will be shown to 2 million subscribers across Canada. Go Chatham!”
They're also planning a fundraising concert around September.
The Whelans are planning a premiere in Chatham too, but don't have a date set yet.
The show will be directed by Gavin Michael Booth of Windsor, who has made a name for himself in Los Angeles. The cinematographer will be Ben Srokosz of Chatham.
They can be followed on Instagram at deep_southwest or www.deepsw.ca.
