“If I couldn’t perform? Boy oh boy, I just can’t imagine.”
An internationally-known performer known for his Kenny Rogers persona, Marty Edwards is staying in town for the time being – and planning a couple concerts over the next two weekends.
On September 20, there’s Pure Country at the Westbank Lions community centre, featuring longtime collaborators Betty Anne Northup, Craig Brown and Pam Ferens. The 2pm show will treat you to hits from Hank Williams to Shania Twain (and many more between).
You can purchase tickets here.
And on September 27, a fundraiser for the Peachland Food Bank. This concert starts 2pm at the 50+ Centre and it’s called The Power of Music – something Edwards says sustained him through a couple battles with cancer, the latest within the past year.
As of now, he’s not cancer free, but says recent treatments have resulted in “negligible” PSA scores – so it’s back to the stage. Late last week, we sat on a bench outside the Peachland Wellness Centre. His last performance in town was Christmas.
“They won’t say that (I’m cancer free) I think they have to be five years before they say it. But it’s certainly encouraging and the thing is, I’m 77.”
And at 77, the stage is among the places he’s happiest.
“When I’m singing, it’s not coming from here,” he says, pointing to his head.
“It’s coming from the heart.”
Through the years: The Phoenix spoke with Marty before his Australian tour
Roy Orbison was his first music idol.
“I was not what you would say, a popular young man. I remember renting an apartment, got to know the Super really well. He gave me the key to an empty apartment and my Friday, Saturday nights, I’d take my phonograph and I’d put Roy Orbison on (he launches into a little ‘Only the Lonely’ and ‘Crying’) – and I would sing along. And that’s what influenced me a lot.
So it was those singers – Roy Orbison, Gary Puckett, and Elvis, of course. I love that material.”
Add some Tom Jones, Englebert – and contemporary Michael Bublé, and you have a Sunday afternoon experience that will take you back.
“It’s music that for a lot of folks, it’s going to bring back some great memories.”
Edwards is doing the concert as a 100% fundraiser, which means every dollar from ticket sales goes to the Peachland Food Bank.
“They’re great people,” says Edwards.
“I mean Judy Bedford. Wow, like an angel. She’s amazing. You know, they need help even more so now. There’s people who rely on the Food Bank, and this is my community. And that’s why it’s important to me. I’m hoping that this becomes an annual event.”
ED NOTE *This is a Peachland Phoenix promotional story. Marty Edwards is a longtime subscriber and advertiser. In this case, I waived the advertising fee and wrote this piece to help support his fundraiser for the Food Bank.
As a business, The Phoenix works on promotional content with advertisers and community groups who support local, professional journalism.