Chemainus’ Ken Lavigne was happier than Willie Nelson to be On The Road Again.
Lavigne just completed four shows of 3 Knights with a Tenor in four nights on a B.C. tour, performing with a small ensemble in Kitimat April 20 followed by stops on consecutive days in Prince Rupert, Burns Lake and Quesnel. He’ll be heading to Tofino for a fifth show April 30 at the Clayoquot Sound Theatre.
“Touring in some ways feels just as it ever has, sounds of laughter and applause from the audience, the camaraderie of band mates on the road and the momentum of the tour all feel familiar and we are very much settled back into some of those well-worn routines of touring a show in Canada,” Lavigne indicated in an email to the Courier.
“The major difference for me is the pre-show butterflies. I really haven’t experienced that for some time. I’m certain that after a week or so on tour those will melt away. I did find myself questioning whether or not I could in fact still do this, but the joy I feel over being able to perform again has me pushing past those doubts.”
Lavigne added the audiences were all enthusiastic and appreciative during the concerts on the tour.
The 3 Knights with a Tenor show features the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.
“It’s music I enjoy singing privately and it’s music I don’t get the opportunity to perform outside of my shower,” Lavigne chuckled. “What makes them stand up is that their music still inspires young and old alike and I want to carry on the tradition.”
He added it would be overwhelming enough to work through the bodies of work of one iconic artist, never mind the three from this high profile group. “I just put them all in a basket and pick them out,” Lavigne reasoned.
“It was extremely difficult to choose because all three are extremely prolific and they have a mountain of work. The conclusion is you want to include them all, but you can’t. I’ve decided to weave them into a medley, with some pieces that will stand alone.”
The concept for the show had been developing for many months and Lavigne was ready to try something new for larger audiences when the pandemic hit.
He’s very aware paying tribute to three of the world’s most celebrated musicians is not a tribute act. “I will perform true and faithfully to who I am and I know the ultimate arbitrators of good taste is the audience.”
