Grant Lawrence is finally ready to bring his variety show, Grant Lawrence and Friends: An Evening of Stories and Songs, to Powell River. The author, musician and broadcaster said he considers the upper Sunshine Coast his second home, and wanted to make sure the production was just right before playing in front of a local audience.
“I started this show about two years ago and I’ve been touring it up and down the coast, but I wanted to road-test the show before bringing it to Powell River,” said Lawrence. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to bring it there.”
The right time is Saturday, May 11, and not only will the production make its debut in the area that many of the stories highlight, CBC Radio will be live taping the event for broadcast nationally on July 1.
“The show we’re recording at the Max [Cameron Theatre] is going to be a national Canada Day broadcast from Powell River,” said Lawrence.
Much of the material in the show highlights a cast of characters Lawrence met over the years from the Powell River, Lund and Desolation Sound areas, including Bernard “The German” Kreiger and Nancy Crowther (The Cougar Lady Chronicles). These tales form the basis of his bestselling book Adventures in Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound.
Along with the stories and slides, Lawrence is particularly proud of the musical lineup that will be joining him for the Powell River show.
“For the music I’m bringing in some all-stars,” he said.
These include performances from Juno Award-winning artists Kathryn Calder of the New Pornographers, Jay Malinowski of Bedouin Soundclash and Vancouver-based band Said The Whale.There will also be a special performance by the Tla'amin Drummers as well as other not-to-be missed local guest stars, said Lawrence.
“There are surprises in store,” he added. “There could be some very special appearances.”
The concept of touring a variety show was partially motivated by Lawrence’s admiration for the late Stuart McLean, the radio broadcaster and humorist widely known for his popular Vinyl Cafe radio program.
“He was a good friend of mine, and this show is somewhat inspired by the Vinyl Cafe,” he said. “It’s a little bit more west coast, maybe a little edgier in its subject matter, but he was a big influence.”
Grant Lawrence and Friends takes place at 7 pm on Saturday, May 11, at Max Cameron Theatre in Townsite. Tickets are available at the Peak (4493 Marine Avenue) and Nancy’s Bakery in Lund.
