The Weyburn Concert Series will present Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon, as a tribute to the late John Denver, on Thursday, May 2 at the Cugnet Centre at 7:30 p.m.
With similarities between Collins and Denver’s voices, Collins will bring to the stage the enthusiasm that was a hallmark of a John Denver concert.
One of the top recording artists of an era, John Denver also was an active and recognized humanitarian and environmentalist. His songs such as “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, “Rocky Mountain High”, “Annie’s Song”, “Back Home Again” and scores of other beloved melodies were an introspection of love, nature, family, and home.
Chris Collins, an award-winning singer/songwriter, who leads the band of Boulder Canyon carry on the musical legacy that John Denver gave to the world. Having played coast to coast to ever-growing audiences, including performing with some of John Denver’s former band members, friends and family, they continue to keep alive the music that not only defined a generation, but still resonates today.
Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon consist of the talents of the following.
Chris Collins, on guitar, banjo and lead vocals, is a singer-songwriter and recording engineer who also has been selected twice as a Top 10 regional finalist at Folk Festivals in Texas. Chris has also been nominated for two MTM awards for producer of the year and Album of the year, as well awarded for his work as a humanitarian and in volunteerism.
Paul Swanton, on guitar and vocals, is known for his hot guitar picking. He’s spent 30 years perfecting most of the guitar licks in the John Denver canon. He completed a John Denver songbook for acoustic guitarists.
Kevin Delmolino, on bass and vocals, has spent more than 35 years as a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist. When he’s not playing with Boulder Canyon, Kevin can be heard playing with numerous bands in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Alex Mitchell, on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, has toured with the Missouri Repertory Theatre, appeared in the Ted Turner movie “Gettysburg” and played on the soundtrack, appeared on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, at the Lisner Auditorium and at the Birchmere. His styles traverse Appalachian music, bluegrass, Celtic, Klezmer, ballroom, hot swing and jazz. His first CD, “Chameleon,” was released to critical acclaim.
Mark Nelson, on percussion, drums, synthesizer and vocals, recently expanded his musical palette to include a more modern software-based percussion instrument, the Zendrum. Mark is an accomplished musician and vocalist who also can be found playing with various artists in the Frederick, Maryland area.
Bill Powell, on piano and keyboard, who holds his master in music and doctorate in organ performance from Shenandoah University. Dr. Powell is an adjunct instructor of piano at Hood College. He’s immersed in Christian music as music director at several churches in Maryland.
One reviewer of their shows said these performers have developed a unique show that represents the artist while brushing their music with original style.
This concert is part of the 2018-19 Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series presented by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) along with the Weyburn Arts Council.
The concert is the final presentation of this season for the Concert Series. Tickets are available from Old Fashion Food, Music Craft or at the Weyburn Review/This Week office.
