By David F. Rooney
James Keelaghan, easily one of Canada’s greatest singer/songwriters, is coming to Revelstoke next week for the first time in 14 years and he’s bringing some musical treats.
“The biggest treats I’m bringing are David Woodhead and Hugh McMillan,” Keelaghan, who is performing at the new Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre (RPAC), said in an interview from Calgary.
“They’re real multi-instrumentalists and great vocalists so it’s like having a band in a box.”
Woodhead was a member of the fabulous Perth County Conspiracy band way back in the 1970s. His creative instrumental work has appeared on over 200 albums in the contemporary folk field and he has worked with many artists including Garnet and Stan Rogers, Scott Merritt, Don Ross, Oliver Schroer, Loreena McKennitt, Gil Scott-Heron and Valdy. He’s also a huge fan of railways.
McMillan is best known as a multi-talented member of Spirit of the West and long-time friend and co-performer with Keelaghan.
The other treat, of course, is Keelaghan’s own fantastic repertoire of songs.
“I’m inspired by stories of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances,” he said. “I’m also inspired by landscapes.”
When it comes to landscapes the Calgary native admits that the Prairies’ limitless vistas are what really get his creative juices flowing.
“Mountains scare the crap out of me,” he chuckled. “Living in Calgary you can either be a mountain guy or a Prairie guy — I’m a Prairie guy.”
Well, don’t let that stop you from appreciating his amazing music. With 11 CDs to his name, James is planning to release a 12th CD and a DVD that will harken back over 25 years of writing and singing songs.
James Keelaghan will be singing at the Performing Arts Centre on October 30 at 7:30 pm. Click here to learn more and to order tickets.
On a related note, Miriam Manley, the new RPAC manager, needs volunteer ushers at the new facility. Volunteer ushers will receive free tickets to a wide variety of shows and events! If you are interested in following up on this please send an e-mail to revelstoketheatre@gmail.com.
