Live Kicks is back on Friday. Oct. 23, with the second performance of the Fall 2020 lineup, as folk singer John McLachlan takes the stage with his set titled “Call it Home.”
McLachlan’s set will focus on the nostalgia of childhood, taking the audience on a musical journey, with songs and stories inspired by memories and set to a back drop of photos from McLachlan’s own childhood.
Exploring where McLachlan used to summer in his childhood on Hornby Island and following his move to the island 10 years ago, the concert digs deep into the emotions of old, lost friends and the experience of growing up.
“It’s about the connection and looking back on a friendship and the intense stuff you go through as kids growing up with new freedoms,” said McLachlan.
“The music has an emotion to it and it just connects with the audience in that way.”
Set to a slide show of vintage photos taken by McLachlan’s father, the hour-long performance takes the audience on a musically dramatic journey that is meant to reflect on the meaning of home and family.
McLachlan’s songs speak of youth, the passage of time and vibrancy of life during a unique period in everyone’s life.
He says while everyone has a unique experience, the nostalgia many feel for lost childhood friends or long forgotten summer memories is what brings people together and connects them to his music.
“There’s a few emotionally points throughout the show and the audience can connect through their own experiences and it sparks that response in them,” said McLachlan.
“My favourite thing about the show is that people don’t go in expecting that to happen and they come away with this strong response.”
McLachlan has been performing Call It Home now for almost 10 years. While COVID has changed how the audience can connect with one another, he says his message and themes still resonate.
He describes his performance as “cozy and warm,” with social distancing playing a factor in how together the audience may feel.
Despite the challenge and limitations, McLachlan says his audiences still positively responding to his performances.
“People are in a good mood when they come out because they’re glad to see some live performance again,” said McLachlan.
“It’s been the interesting thing for me, with the give and take, people are glad that you’re there, and even though we’re separate, it’s about being together and I think now is a good time for it.”
While the performance is mainly geared to the older adult crowd able to identify with the nostalgia of looking back on childhood, McLachlan says the younger crowd can also identify with the tales of his younger life.
McLachlan is not new to Golden and Kicking Horse Culture – he is also the graphic designer behind the posters for Kicking Horse Culture and other Live Kicks performers.
This Friday’s cocnert will be his first opportunity to step out from behind the poster and bring another side of his art to Golden.
Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 250-344-6186, or in person at the Art Gallery of Golden.
Numbers will be limited due to COVID. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
