Armstrong’s Memorial Park is once again about to fill up with families and friends as Music in the Park features Rob Dinwoodie on Friday.
A singer-songwriter of contemporary cowboy songs, Dinwoodie’s style is found somewhere in the realm of roots, country, western swing and folk. Whatever the style, he’s true to the art of ballads in telling a story of the west, old and new.
His songwriting has spanned more than 30 years with four albums and many more songs ready for the studio, and he has entertained for more than two decades to western fans at festivals, the Calgary Stampede, and most recently hosting the Cowboy Dinner Show at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
Dinwoodie’s last recording, Hands Up, is a tribute to some of the historical figures and stories from the B.C. west. The title track is about the notorious stagecoach and later train robber Billy Miner.
Songs such as the epic Val Haynes tells of the early days of cowboying in the Okanagan, where cattle first found grass on the trail to the Cariboo gold rush. There’s also the story of the longest running stagecoach line in the world, with its headquarters in Vernon, in the song BX Express.
Those taking in Music in the Park, which starts at 7 p.m., can bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic and enjoy this free community activity, which is part of the summer Music in the Park event in Armstrong-Spallumcheen.
