For the past 10 years local storyteller James Murray has been sharing his often humorous, sometimes poignant stories with audiences throughout the province.
This Sunday, Aug. 31, Murray, accompanied by the musical stylings of The Red Mollies, will once again take the stage at R. J. Haney Heritage Village for the fourth annual Burger, Beer and a Bard.
Gourmet burgers and Crannog Ales will be served at 4 p.m. followed by Murray and The Red Mollies’ performance at 5:30 on the stage of the SASCU amphitheatre.
Tickets for the event are $20 and are available at Save On Foods and Touch ‘A Texas in the Mall at Piccadilly, and, at R. J. Haney Heritage Village by phoning 250 832-5243.
“This show is a whole new adventure. New stories and great new accompaniment,” says Murray. “We can’t wait to take the stage.”
Sunday’s show will be the first of a whole new career for former Observer reporter/photographer Murray who plans to take the show on tour.
Together the group brings a wealth of experience to the stage. The Red Mollies are made up of Sue Stevens on upright bass and vocals, Saro Stevens on violin and Sandy Fraser on guitar and vocals. Mother and daughter Stevens perform with the popular Stevens Family Band while Sandy Fraser has sung and acted on several continents over the past three decades.
“The songs and music weave their way through the stories” says Fraser. “We’ve been rehearsing hard for well over a month and the group has really put together some interesting and unique approaches to combining stories with song and music. We’ll be starting out with the old Patsy Cline song Crazy and finishing the show with Paul Simon’s Still Crazy After All These Years. In between are some beautifully crafted stories.”
The two Stevens say they are equally excited about working with Murray.
“This is really something different, especially for me. Things that I have never been able to put into words, James does, and the music and words to the songs, well, it all just ties in together so well,” says Sue Stevens. “It’s always good to take on new challenges,” she adds, “and think the audience is in for a real treat. “
In past years the show has sold-out so it is important to get tickets soon.