An annual fundraiser event for Powell River Community Foundation will bring the living legend Neil Diamond to town, or at least one of the world’s closest facsimiles.
Longtime Neil Diamond tribute singer Bobby Bruce brings his world-renowned Nearly Neil show to Evergreen Theatre next Friday night for the foundation’s annual fundraiser event.
"I started this tribute to Neil Diamond over 20 years ago. Originally, we gave it five years. However, the popularity of the show snowballed and it has taken me around the world,” says Bruce. “Part of what keeps this fresh for me so long into my career is the opportunity to perform for so many different audiences and to craft a show just for them."
Nearly Neil will bring to life the greatest hits from Diamond’s heyday. Bruce will be joined on stage by the Solitary Band. The show focuses on Diamond's rise to fame from the mid 1960s to his historic 1980 Jazz Singer album.
"We saw Neil Diamond in concert this summer and he's literally a living legend,” says Bruce. “He is currently on his 50th anniversary tour, a remarkable accomplishment in any field, never mind superstardom.”
Bruce has lived with his wife on Gambier Island north of Horseshoe Bay for the past 14 years and says it is wonderful to have a home base in such a beautiful area.
"While it is the international touring that gets the most press, I have to say that I really enjoy playing close to home,” says Bruce. “It is a pleasure to bring the Solitary Band to the Sunshine Coast.”
Powell River Community Foundation began 17 years ago and has given out more than $275,000 to nearly 60 different organizations in Powell River. It is also known for publishing the Powell River Vital Signs report. The concert marks the fourth year the foundation has thrown an annual fundraiser event.
“We started doing it to bring awareness to our organization and what we do,” says foundation president Ross Cooper. “This year we are very excited to bring in Nearly Neil and his band, a tribute to all of the great songs of Neil Diamond.”
Tickets are available at the Powell River Peak office.
Nearly Neil
When: 6:30 pm, Friday, September 29
Where: Evergreen Theatre
Price: $30
Info: nearlyneil.com, prcommunityfoundation.com
