Gord Bamford to play Falls country bar
Less than a year after he played FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and two years after headlining Scotiabank Convention Centre, Canadian country star Gord Bamford is returning to Niagara Falls.
But this time he’s performing in a surprising venue.
Instead of an arena, theatre or festival, the “Honytonks and Heartaches” singer will be playing to an intimate crowd at Big Texas Niagara on Ferry Street Nov. 22.
The show is being presented by local promoter CDC Entertainment, owned by Niagara Falls musician Mike Richards.
“I’ve been working on this (show) for a year and a half,” says Richards.
The show is part of a promotional tour of smaller clubs and bars for Bamford, who released a new single, “Dive Bar,” over the summer.
Big Texas has capacity for about 350 people, says Richards.
The Australian-born Bamford took the long road to Canadian stardom, releasing a mostlyignored debut album in the early 2000s before briefly walking away from the music industry.
“I did come off the road for quite a while and just missed it too much,” Bamford told The Review earlier this year.
“I don’t think you can decide in one record if you’re going to make it in the business or not. It’s longevity that wins, usually. I’m glad I decided to do what I did, that’s for sure.”
He returned with 2004’s “Life is Good,” starting a run that would make him one of Canada’s most decorated country performers. He has 16 wins at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards to go with 52 nominations. He released his ninth album, “Neon Smoke,” in January.
He came to live in Alberta as a child after his parents’ divorce.
Tickets for the Big Texas show are $45, or $95 for VIP. On sale Thursday, 10 a.m., at www.cdentertainment.ca.