It has been said that James Murray’s stories flow more like a gentle stream than the raging river of today’s modern world. From the moment Murray walks out onto the stage he has an impact on his audiences.
Whether making them laugh, bringing a tear to their eye or simply bringing back some precious memories, his stories strike an emotional chord with each and every person who hears them.
On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 1 at 4, Murray will take the stage of the new R. J. Haney Heritage Village amphitheatre for the Third Annual Burger, Beer and a Bard.
Enjoy a gourmet burger, a glass of delicious, organic Crannóg Ale and an afternoon of delightful stories with Murray, who will be accompanied by violinist Aimee Balloun.
The team of Murray and Balloun perform regularly together in theatres, at coffee houses, festivals and conferences.
Those who have seen and listened to Murray on stage, often say that he has a very special ability to make each and every audience member feel like he is telling his stories just to them. His informal stage presentation and comfortable storytelling manner seem to invite listeners into the kitchen, where they can sit around, laugh and enjoy his often humorous, sometimes poignant, but always entertaining stories.
Over the years, Murray has received numerous accolades and awards for both his writing and storytelling. He is a three-time winner of the esteemed Ron Miller Storyteller Award sponsored by the Outdoor Writers of Canada and most recently was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship.
A Fair Exchange Of Gifts, Murray’s heartwarming and poignant story about what he would give his old dog Duffy for Christmas brought tears to many a listener’s eye when it first aired on CBC Radio at Christmas 2003. Murray continues to tell the story to appreciative audiences – now by popular demand.
Murray has performed on a wide variety of stages, from the McNee Centre in Vancouver to Music By The River in Enderby, the Mountain Arts Festival to the Stseptekwle Storytelling Festival and Shuswap International Writers Festival.
He has shared the stage locally with the likes of Juno Award winner Greg Sczebel, Ted Crouch and Blu and Kelly Hopkins, as well as Valdy, Garnett Rogers and the Okanagan Symphony’s Denis Letourneau and Susan Shaeffer.
Whether lighthearted and humorous or poignant and insightful, Murray’s stories will most certainly entertain everyone who attends the Third Annual Burger, Beer and a Bard.
Get your tickets early so you won’t be disappointed. Tickets are $15 and are available at Touch ’A” Texas in the Mall at Piccadilly, Save-On Foods and R. J. Haney Heritage Village by calling 250 832-5243.
The R. J. Haney Heritage Village is located at 751 Highway 97B.
