Kelowna country artist Gorden James has made a name for himself as an artist and as an all around great guy.
That will ring true when James plays the hills above Oyama at The Orchard Friday, July 24.
He is donating $5 from every ticket sold for his concert to the Lake Country food bank.
Co-presented with the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan, the outdoor show features the accomplished singer/songwriter, who describes his style as urban country, easy listening, with a touch of the blues.
When James isn’t performing, he spends his time as a volunteer for hospice and doing shows at the cancer lodge.
He also has written a song for Soles4Souls, an organization that collects and donates shoes to people that need them in Canada and around the world.
In 2012, James was selected as one of 30 artists to appear on County Music Television Canada’s, Big in a Small Town, which featured local musicians from communities across Canada.
“They emailed me and asked me to audition,” said James from his Kelowna home. “They picked 30 artists from across Canada, two of them from B.C. It was a really cool experience. All the staff and crew treated us like gold. It gave my album, Heart of the Matter, great exposure.”
James, who won a songwriting competition in 2002 sponsored by Factor, CMT and country radio across the nation, released his debut album Heart of the Matter, in 2007. It continues to get airplay across Canada and overseas.
He has also released a new EP, Near You.
James has performed everywhere from large concerts to store openings – and is also a regular at the Music on the Patio summer series at the clubhouse at Predator Ridge Golf Resort (James played there Tuesday and is scheduled for a return performance Aug. 18).
“When they want something small, it’s usually just me who performs,” said James. “When it’s a larger event, like the Dancin’ Barefoot Music Festival in Peachland, then the whole Good Guys Band shows up.”
Gates to Friday’s concert open at 6 p.m. with James taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. $5 from each ticket will go towards the Lake Country food bank. Jim’s Place in Vernon is also donating pizza to be sold by the slice, with proceeds also going to the food bank.
The Orchard is located at 14924 Middle Bench Rd., Oyama. Tickets and information are available at theorchardwebsite.com.
