Singer Rod Russell will be in our midst and take to stage at the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on Saturday, Nov. 26.
A Canadian pianist, singer and music coach who lives in Kelowna, B.C., Russell is classically trained and began his career in popular piano while still in his teens.
"My favourite music is from what I consider the golden era of popular music – the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s," said Russell.
Having played in dance bands, in his own dinner clubs as well as at large events, Russell has logged over 1,200 performances and sings a wide variety of music, from swing, blues, Latin, ballads, rock n' roll to country and more.
"I'm really looking forward to performing in Stettler on Saturday," said Russell. "My mother grew up in Coronation and I have a sister who lives in Forestburg so I've been through Stetter many times. The people are great."
This will be Russell's third trip to Alberta with his show.
"The first was at theatres in Grande Prairie and Wainwright, with the second being in Forestburg and Brooks, with all having great attendance," Russell added. "I love the Alberta folks who attend my concerts. They are so nice and appreciative of good music. I've found their enthusiasm gives me the extra energy and makes performing exciting and fun."
According to Russell, his concert is an aim is give people a walk down memory lane.
"Music can take us back to another time and another place and I want them to leave with a smile and some nice memories," Russell explained. "The people who come to my concerts know almost every song that I play and often there's an applause when I start a new song because they recognize it immediately."
Russell thinks that the 40s to the 70s were the golden era because he loves the "great melodies and wonderful rhythms."
"The music in those days had lyrics that had substance," Russell added. "People love this music but you don't hear it much anymore. In my concerts I do everything from Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis to Ray Charles and Billy Joel."
Russell said that his concerts are "casual."
"I want people to feel like they're are sitting around my living room and I like to chat with them and give them some background on the songs I play," Russell said. "When people spend their money and their time to come see me, I intend to play my heart out for them."