Ross Douglas and Linda McRae will each play concerts at the Bear’s Paw Cafe in Wells during the week leading up to the ArtsWells festival on the August long weekend.
To most of the world Ross Douglas is an established Vancouver area musician, who has released a new CD, acted, wrote, toured and sang in such hits as Billy Bishop Goes To War, Angry Housewives, Rocky Horror Show and more.
In addition he’s won international awards for his jazz, folk, and roots songwriting skills, and has fans in 115 countries around the world.
For the rest of us, in the Cariboo, you may know Ross Douglas for his nine years as musical director, actor and songwriter at Theatre Royal in Barkerville.
During that time Ross also wrote some of the most poignant, funny and honest songs about life in the community of Wells and the Cariboo in general.
His songs may be set in the recent past or the present, but they still carry a timeless message.
The Bear’s Paw Cafe will be hosting Ross Douglas for what has become his annual return to Wells, on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. at their Outdoor Stage.
His live shows are a fabulous blend of a wide variety of musical genres.
They are played on a varied collection of musical instruments, from
keyboard to mandolin.
In addition, Douglas interjects history, comedy, and theatre in a show that
is guaranteed to please crowds.
His new album, “Most Meant to Be” includes a typically eclectic mix of
music about travel in Canada in the dead of winter, an Olympic speed walker, losing the blues, lovely ladies, and a mother’s farewell.
Douglas is a consummate performer, who’s live shows leave his audience
happy and electrified.
Linda McRae, will play her 10th ArtsWells opener at the Bear’s Paw on Thursday, July 30. Linda is a gifted singer/songwriter/musician and holder of three platinum albums, and endless awards and chart-toppers in the Roots and Folk Categories. Widely acclaimed in the US as well as Canada, Linda is also teaching songwriting at Island Mountain Arts’ Summer School.
She plays claw-hammer banjo, acoustic guitar, accordion and porch-board, combining old-time sounds with universal themes of heartbreak and redemption offering an intriguing sepia postcard from the past that is vibrant and alive in the present.
This concert will feature Linda and some special guest artists.
Performing on electric and acoustic guitars, banjo and accordion Linda’s performances include venues as diverse as The Orpheum Theatre with the Vancouver Symphony and New Folsom Prison with their inmate blues band!
Her performances at the Bear’s Paw have become legendary in their own right, as
warm social gatherings in the calm before ArtsWells weekend musically takes over in Wells.
See Ross Douglas on Tuesday, July 28, and Linda McRae on Thursday, July 30, both at 7:30 p.m. and both with a suggested minimum donation of $10 at the Bear’s Paw Outdoor Stage, in Wells.
Dave Jorgenson, owner of the Bear’s Paw notes, “We’re thrilled to have these two outstanding and experienced performers dominate the musical scene in Wells, and bringing their warmth and passion to the stage.”
To enjoy what is bound to be another great night in the Bear’s Paw Concert season, on Thursday, July 31, contact -1-866-994-2345.
