The Stampeders, says their drummer, Vernon resident Kim Berly, are still playing more than 50 years after their debut for fun and profit.

And Berly makes it clear: it害羞草研究所檚 in that order 害羞草研究所� fun, profit.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e still here and we enjoy the buzz we get from being on stage,害羞草研究所� said Berly as he and bandmates Rich Dodson (lead guitar) and bass player Ronnie King get set to kick off an 11-date tour of B.C. June 18 in Trail. The tour will stop in Vernon, at the Performing Arts Centre Monday, June 20, and at Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Community Theatre Tuesday, June 21.

害羞草研究所淲e have a very interactive show. There害羞草研究所檚 nothing better than hearing a theatre full of people laughing. We don害羞草研究所檛 just play our songs and leave. It害羞草研究所檚 wonderful.害羞草研究所�

The predominant Canadian rock 害羞草研究所榥害羞草研究所� roll band of the 1970s, The Stampeders are bringing along all their classic hits: Wild Eyes, Carry Me, Oh My Lady, Devil You, Monday Morning Choo Choo, Minstrel Gypsy, Hit the Road Jack and, of course, the quintessential Canadian 害羞草研究所� and Hall of Fame 害羞草研究所� song, Sweet City Woman.

No 害羞草研究所�70s group represented Canada害羞草研究所檚 musical identity to the world like The Stampeders. A quick look at Canada害羞草研究所檚 music scene from 1971 until 1976 confirms the group formed in Calgary before moving to Toronto was truly the country害羞草研究所檚 international musical ambassadors, touring more extensively in Canada and overseas than any other Canadian group during that time.

Formed in 1966, the legendary Canadian trio is coming off a month害羞草研究所檚 rest following a 25-gig tour of Ontario. It was their first live shows since the beginning of COVID.

害羞草研究所淚t was truly spiritual,害羞草研究所� said Berly, originally from Dawson Creek. 害羞草研究所淧eople were so happy to be out. We were so happy to be playing live.害羞草研究所�

During the pandemic, Berly took to social media weekly, creating videos of him playing not drums but guitar, and singing obscure Stampeders害羞草研究所� album cuts.

害羞草研究所淚t was great for me. It gave me a reason to keep playing and singing,害羞草研究所� said Berly, conceding, though, that he害羞草研究所檒l be on the skins for the tour. He sings lead on Stampeders害羞草研究所� classics like Minstrel Gypsy, Oh My Lady and Wild Eyes.

Asked if he had a favourite Stampeders song, Berly said he loves all of them.

害羞草研究所淭he songs are all our children,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淓ach one is special.害羞草研究所�

The Stampeders took time apart from one another in 1977, reuniting in 1992 and have been together ever since. Berly said he, Dodson and King are lifelong friends.

害羞草研究所淲e are performing better than we were during our (1970s) run,害羞草研究所� he said, adding with a laugh: 害羞草研究所淭he two up front aren害羞草研究所檛 running around the stage as much.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e still playing and singing very well.害羞草研究所�

The Stampeders have been recognized by SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) for their Lifetime Achievement, been inducted into the SOCAN Songwriters Hall of Fame on five occasions and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame for their 1971 seminal hit Sweet City Woman.

Reserved seating tickets for The Stampeders are $66.50 (tax and facility fees included, service charges may apply) and are available from Ticket Seller in Vernon (250-549-7469) and from all Select Your Ticket outlets for Kelowna (250-762-5050). Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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