Ambush, "Canada's Rockin' Country Band" has been delivering their own brand of high-octane country music since 1993. The trio of Mark McDonell, Riq Turner, and Tom VanCoughnett are a dynamic group of performers who share an unprecedented combination of talent, experience, and contagious enthusiasm.

Famous for their live shows, Ambush has built an intensely loyal fan base in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. The Ambush Army is a quarter of a million fans strong and still growing! Performing more than 200 shows per year, and having performed to over one million people in the past five years, Ambush continues to captivate crowds of all ages.

In 2006 Ambush was crowned champions of the CMT reality series "Plucked." Being part of the series allowed the band to shoot their first ever video for the Country Music News top 20 song "This Could Be The Night." In the show's finale, Ambush garnered over 50% of the total fan votes cast in winning, which allowed the band to shoot a follow up video for their hauntingly beautiful song "In This Room."

Ambush has been recognized by the Canadian music industry with multiple nominations for Canadian Country Music Association awards, including: Independent Group or Duo of the Year (2006). Independent Group or Duo of the Year (2007) & Group or Duo of the Year (2007).

Soon, the world will know what their legions of fans have known for years: Ambush is raw energy, sheer entertainment, and just plain fun!

If ever the term born to entertain could describe someone, it’s Mark McDonell. From the age of 12 he’s been perfecting his guitar playing with every chord. Blessed with a musical family Mark spent countless hours in the basement playing with his brother Mike and dreaming of the big time. Since its inception Mark has always been the front man of Ambush. With a million dollar smile and a voice rich with the tone of a thousand smoke filled bars Mark has lived country music every second of his life.  A rock star with a hillbilly heart that’s Mark McDonell

Mark has been nominated for CCMA Guitar Player of the Year
Mark sings lead & harmony vocals as well as plays lead guitar in ambush

Riq Turner is the Ambush class clown. A quick wit and a warped sense of humour always looking for a laugh. Riq has been singing since he was old enough to make noise. Riq has a voice that is filled with a passion that can only be understood by experiencing it first hand. You can actually feel every note as Riq sings. With a gift for writing songs that touch everyone who hears them Riq pours his heart into every Ambush lyric. A performer who lives for the stage that’s Riq Turner.

Riq has been nominated for CCMA Bass Player of the Year
Riq sings lead & harmony vocals as well as plays bass guitar in ambush

Tom has been playing drums for almost 2 decades and has played in bands almost as long. He enjoys the country and classic rock genres. Although drums are his passion he's a great singer as well. Tom brings lots of energy to the band with his ever present smile and enthusiasm . If you're looking for someone to get the party started then Tom's your man!