ST. PAUL - It's been a long stretch without live music due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Gord Bamford says he's looking forward to getting back on stage soon. His first stop? St. Paul.
Tickets are already on sale for the Dec. 10 event, which is scheduled to take place at the St. Paul Rec. Centre. The event is being supported in part by the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce, and is being presented by Kubota, Peavey Mart, and Cache Entertainment Inc.
“We’re just trying to get back to work," says Bamford, speaking with Lakeland This Week on Nov. 24. Choosing to perform in small towns is something that has been done deliberately, and the "small town atmosphere" is part of what Bamford and his crew have been missing most.
The "Kick COVID in the A** Tour" is also going to have an added bonus of helping small-town organizations gather some much-needed funds. Groups that get involved with the show will have the chance to raise funds through bar sales, fundraising efforts such 50/50 draws or silent auctions, and sell-out bonuses.
With some public health measures still in place, Bamford says he's confident most Albertans are used to the rules, and attending a concert will be no different than attending a hockey game, for example.
“I’m sure people have been to hockey games... it’s really no different," says Bamford.
Masks are to be worn when not eating or drinking, and the decision has been made to offer free rapid testing to those who are not vaccinated.
When speaking to why organizers have chosen to offer free rapid testing, Corinne Szepesi says the move is seen as a way to not discriminate, while still following the rules set out by the province.
Bamford says he and his band did make the decision to get vaccinated.
If there is enough interest, a mobile unit will be brought to the community to allow for rapid testing to take place, prior to the concert date. Rapid testing, if required, is included with ticket purchase.
Rapid tests will not be conducted at the door and must be arranged ahead of time.
A full show
Bamford says people who attend can expect a full show. And whether it's a smaller crowd or a sell-out, Bamford and his crew are simply wanting to get out and do what they love.
He says he's anxious to get back on stage, and believes the tour will act as a leader in the industry, since many live shows have yet to start back up.
“You’ve got to start somewhere," says Bamford.
He acknowledges that with restrictions still in place, going ahead with the tour is a bit of a "coin toss." But, he's hopeful people will come out and have a good time.
When asked what he spent his time doing during the pandemic, Bamford laughs, and says, "annoyed my wife more than anything."
The Alberta-based musician says he had already planned to take some time off before the pandemic hit, and had recorded plenty of new material. So, he spent a lot of time out at the lake with his family, and says he counts himself "lucky to be living where we're living."
Bamford has an optimistic attitude toward the past nearly two years, saying, "things happen for a reason, I believe. It builds character."
He recognizes that it has been tough on his band and crew who have worked alongside him for the past decade. And ultimately, everyone is excited to get back to playing music and live performances.
Tickets are available for purchase online through www.gordbamford.com, or by stopping by the St. Paul Peavey Mart location. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m., and doors will open at 6 p.m. The St. Paul concert is open to all ages.
There is an option to purchase VIP tables, or general admission seats.
The day after the St, Paul show, the band and crew will head to Birch Hills, Sask., for a Dec. 11 performance. The tour will then pick up again in the New Year, with shows scheduled throughout the province.
In the spring, the tour will come back to the area, with the last show of the tour scheduled to take place at the Smoky Lake Arena on April 23.
Background
Bamford is an Australian-born and Alberta-raised country musician.
"Gord's traditional country music style and delivery of captivating live shows have led him to receive 26 Canadian Country Music Association awards and multiple JUNO Award nominations. With over 85 million streams and five billion audience impressions on radio globally, Bamford is a two-time winner of the CMA Global Country Artist Award, with 27 Top 10 singles in Canada," reads a biography supplied by Bamford's team.
Bamford released his 10th studio album, 'Diamonds In A Whiskey Glass,' in the summer of 2021.
