Local country sensation Todd Richard is looking forward to a performance in Pioneer Park Aug. 15.
Richard is the final performer in the Twilight Concert Series, put on by the District of Kent, Agassiz Harrison Lions Club, Barton Insurance Brokers and the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce.
The beloved Harrison musician can’t wait to perform some songs from his upcoming album to locals at the evening park concert, including the single, Still Got Hope, a song about his dad’s battle with cancer.
Richard said Still Got Hope is one of his “message songs”– heartfelt, storytelling music meant to uplift and inspire, like the popular Follow Your Heart, a song he recorded for Variety Children’s Charity.
“I love performing them, especially with a crowd like this. You can put your heart into it. It’s so easy to sing because the emotion is there.”
Still Got Hope resonates with people who have overcome adversity of any kind, he added.
“Since I’ve released the song a few months ago, I’ve gotten messages from folks, not only who have battled cancer but have struggled with homelessness or addiction,” he told The Observer. “It’s pretty cool that folks have responded to it and it’s done so well in radio…We all go through highs and lows,. Just don’t give up; it does get better. But that can be tough to remember, so to put it in a song is pretty cool.
“If somebody’s going through a really rough time, you can connect with them and it’s just the best feeling in the world.”
The song will be on Richard’s third album, Live Your Life, set to be released, tentatively, before Christmas. The other single he has put out is King of Crown, an upbeat, party song about making it to the weekend, and enjoying a drink or two when you get there – a different flavour from the heartfelt, inspirational lyrics Richard’s fans are used to.
The music video for the weekend anthem is being filmed around Agassiz, Harrison and Chilliwack, and is set to release later this summer.
Richard and his band have been busy touring around B.C. for most of the year and he’s excited to bring his music home.
“We don’t get a chance to perform here as much as we’d like to…When you get a [show] that’s close to home…it’s the best to see people you see every day, and see them out here supporting you.
“There’s nothing better than a familiar face in the crowd – my ‘frands,’ as I call them.”
Richard’s singles are available on Spotify.
The Twilight Series concert goes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Pioneer Park Aug. 15. The public is encouraged to bring out lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a night of free music in the park.
