Juno Award winning singer/songwriter Barney Bentall brings his talent to 100 Mile House on March 17, for the first performance in the 2012 Blues Jazz Concert Series being hosted by Slapback Music Production.
Bentall, with Eric Reed on banjo, mandolin and dobro, is expected to light up the South Cariboo Theatre with songs from the past and Bentall's seventh studio album, The Inside Passage, recorded in 2008.
A familiar name in the music industry since 1988 when he formed The Legendary Hearts band, Bentall has gone on to earn status as one of Canada's foremost musicians.
Between 1988 and 2000, his band toured extensively and released five albums and all reached gold or platinum status in Canada.
Gail Thorne from Slapback is excited about the show.
"This is very, very special to have Barney Bentall. It's quite a rare thing.
"He hasn't played in 100 Mile House before. He's probably the star act of the series."
Bentall owns a ranch in the Cariboo, so he's familiar with the area and is also the driving force behind Barney Bentall and the Grand Cariboo Opry, a variety show featuring some of Canada's best musicians. The show played last summer at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver and was also aired on CBC TV.
The South Cariboo Theatre is currently in the process of enlarging its stage in time for the Bentall concert. Thorne says that great acoustics in the building and good seating all around should result in a good experience. People can expect to see him perform two sets, 50 minutes in duration each.
"I'm looking forward to getting going on the whole series and this is a good start."
Special for the concert series, the theatre will be offering bar service along with the usual snacks in the concession. Thorne says this will not interfere with minors being allowed at the concert.
Tickets are on sale now, online at www.slapback.ca or at the theatre box office, Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. for $40, or $50 at the door. People can also contact Thorne for tickets at 250-791-5614. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.