Many people in the Cariboo 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.
To the rest of the world Ross Douglas lives in Vancouver, has produced three independent CDs, acted, wrote 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 song-writing skills, and has fans in 115 countries around the world.
The Bear’s Paw Cafe will host Ross Douglas for what has become his annual visit to Wells, on Saturday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the outdoor stage. His live shows are a fabulous blend of a wide variety of musical genres. They are played on an equally varied collection of musical instruments, from keyboard to mandolin. In addition, he interjects history, comedy, and theatre in a show that is guaranteed to please crowds.
Ross is promising to play a wide selection of his Cariboo favourites, including the gold standard of song-writing ... Wells, from his second album Cariboo Eclectic.
This song describes Wells in its heyday in the 1930s. The lyric: “I’d rather be a miner with a smell, than a disinfected hobo begging nickels in Quesnel,” is just part of a tender and romantic ballad, written to describe the heyday of Wells during the Dirty 30s. Kokanee Canary Canoe, a Gold Award and Grand Jury winner in the 25th annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest is another tune that is actually inspired by a fishing trip on Bowron Lakes.
Ross’s third album, The Art of You and I, has received more airplay around the world and features even more songs about life and Ross’s own varied experience, including the folk/country feel-good hit Love.
Dave Jorgenson, owner of the Bear’s Paw notes: “We’re thrilled to have Ross returning to our venue.
“It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a song with local flavour or any other tune, Ross’s craftsmanship and shownmanship bulge out from his performances, and really make his performances special.”
The Bear’s Paw Cafe, in Wells, hosts a variety of musical and theatrical events throughout the year.
The Ross Douglas show is just part of a one-week performance series that also features Linda McRae on Thursday, Aug. 2, and four days of music as one of the open venues for Artswells Music Festival starting on Friday, Aug. 3.
To enjoy what is bound to be another great night in the Bear’s Paw concert season on Saturday, July 28, phone 1-866-994-2345 to make a reservation or get more information.