McLaren feels rejuvenated musically
Gord McLaren has been one of the Okanagan Valley’s most prolific live entertainers for more than 35 years, yet seldom performs a sit-down, shut-up and listen to original material-kind of show.
McLaren will perform a set of original music on Saturday, March 24 at The Nest and Nectar in Penticton, beginning at 7 p.m.
“I’ve got a few new songs and I want to give them a test drive before we go into the studio,” said McLaren. “There are some older tunes I’ve reworked and, of course, a few novelty tunes. I’m also going to include five or six covers.”
“Gordie” is a regular at the Penticton Scottish Festival and over the years has held residency at the Shatford Centre, wineries, charity events, Gyro Park, the Osoyoos bandshell, and The Barking Parrot’s patio.
His show next week will include bass player Ken Mehrer, of Flashback fame, who will also provide harmonies.
“I’m really excited to still be performing and writing,” McLaren said. “Playing with Kenny is great. He’s really inspired and encouraged me to focus on original material.”
Of his original songs, McLaren is most fond of “Step Down,” a blues tune he wrote during the George W. Bush administration — “but, unfortunately, it’s still relevant today.”
While McLaren’s music is mostly a cross of folk, rock, and country, he has been known to be political in his writing.
In 2013, he headlined a protest in support of Penticton senior Elvena Slump, who was threatened with legal action by city staff after writing a series of letters to the editor of The Herald. (Two former mayors, Ivan Messmer and David Perry, plus city councillor John Vassilaki attended.) For that occasion, McLaren reworked Bruce Cockburn’s “Wondering Where the Lions Are” to “Wondering Where the Lawyers Are.”
Reworking songs in the style of Weird Al Yankovic is something he’s been doing for years.
His most recent novelty song, which is drawing a lot of attention on YouTube, is called “Licking A Memory,” inspired by his dog Romeo, after getting fixed.
McLaren’s name often comes up in conversations about potential city council candidates for the Oct. 20 election. He’s a former city employee who, in retirement, has been outspoken.
“It’s still too early to say,” he said. “If I were to run, I’d want to spend very little money on a campaign because the last thing I’d ever want is to be beholden to anybody. I’d just go in and do what I think was right.”
His other passion is soccer, this week winning the Masters indoor championship. At age 65, he’s still consistently in the league’s top 10 scoring.
McLaren’s one and only CD, “Decades” is available on CD Baby. He hopes to record a follow-up.
He’s grateful to the Nest and Nectar staff for promoting live local music.
“A young couple is running it, they’re very nice and the food’s excellent. I’d encourage everyone to come down early. It’s as good as any live venue in Penticton and it’s great to see them promoting local entertainers.”
Tickets for McLaren’s show are available from The Nest and Nectar or by phoning 250-493-7275.