When singer Jim Thomson hits the stage at Royal Canadian Legion Saturday night, waves of nostalgia will hit the audience, and hopefully waves of laughter as well.
The local singer, a longtime performer known for his Elvis Presley tributes, has put together a solo show featuring hits from the ’50s and ’60s, including Buddy Holly, Neil Diamond, Cliff Richard and the aforementioned Elvis, as well as Scottish folk songs, stories and jokes.
“As soon as people start to hear some of the songs they go, ‘Wow, I haven’t heard that in years.’ It all goes over well; it’s very well received, otherwise I wouldn’t do it,” laughs Thomson. “You only do the things that work.”
Thomson did a similar show last year and says the legion was “jam-packed.” He anticipates an even better turnout this year and says he has a good following there. “Last year we had to set up tables on the dance floor because there were so many people coming in. We used every chair we had in the legion.”
Thomson was born and raised in Scotland and came over to Canada in 1968 in his early 20s, later moving to Powell River in 1971. After his retirement, he spent some time in Sechelt, but ended up back in the area again. “I got this accent in Cranberry, I think,” he jokes.
In an effort to dress up the legion for his show, Thomson is setting up a stage and will also have lights and nightclub-style seating in the venue. As for any chance of stage fright, he says he got over that long ago.
“I’m so used to being on stage,” he says. “I’ve been doing it pretty much all of my life, so I don’t have any worries about it. It’s a lot of fun.”
In addition to featuring the classic hits of yesteryear, his show also features comedy bits from fellow countryman Billy Connolly and some funny stories sprinkled throughout the performance.
“It’s a good, fun night; a nice evening,” says Thomson. “And it’s only $10. Where are you going to get real good entertainment for that?”
A Night with Jim Thomson
When: 7 pm, Saturday, February 13
Where: Royal Canadian Legion (6811 Alexander Street)
Price: $10
Info: 604.485.4870
