There’s only one thing that can turn coal into diamonds – pressure.
The pressure will be on for Ricky Diamonds to deliver the performance of a lifetime when he steps on stage Friday, Oct. 9, to open the fall concert lineup of Live Kicks.
While Diamonds himself wasn’t available for comment, his close associate, Eric Larocque, had plenty to say about the upcoming show.
“He’s very excited for the opportunity,” said Larocque.
“He’s been practicing, he’s been crying, you would think he had just won an Oscar by the way he’s behaving.”
Known for his crooning tunes and oldies music, Diamonds was a fan favourite during the Summer Kicks rolling tour, performing each week between sets for 10 straight weeks. Having endeared himself to the people of Golden, it seems only fitting that he would be the first headliner to hit the Live Kicks fall series stage.
“He was there every night through the summer and made a lot of fans because he was just so hilarious and fun,” said Bill Usher, executive and artistic director for Kicking Horse Culture.
“I really wanted to kick off the season with him.”
First discovering his passion for music on an old karaoke machine gifted to him by his father, Diamonds spent countless hours honing his craft growing up, serenading to himself as he performed in front of his bedroom mirror.
He later took his passion to the Jersey Shore like many great crooners before him, before fleeing to Nevada due to a rumoured gambling debt, according to Larocque.
READ MORE: Kicking Horse Culture announces Live Kicks fall lineup
While he initially had his sights set on Vegas, he soon found himself settling on Reno, where he played to intimate crowds at the crack of dawn.
While he won’t be playing to the early morning 4 a.m. crowd in Golden, the cabaret style seating brought on by COVID will be a chance for Diamonds to get back to his roots.
While Larocque says the crowd must stay in place to remain socially distant, Diamonds will still find a way to get them involved in his performance.
“He’ll wear a bubble over his head if it’s what he needs to do just to get the adoration from his fans,” said Larocque.
“He’ll follow protocol, but he’ll be sure to find a way to schmooze the crowd a bit.”
Larocque says that Diamonds can be at times self centred, although he does love the people of Golden.
“He said he loves the people and he’s excited to get back to performing for the good people of Golden,” said Larocque.
“If you want a power hour of entertainment, Ricky will give it to you, he describes himself as nutrient dense. You’re going to get all you need in that one hour.”
Tickets for Diamonds’ show are available at the Art Gallery of Golden for $20. Seating is limited to 50 people, with two shows slotted for Oct. 9, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
