J.P. Cormier at King’s Theatre August 16

By Lawrence Powell

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Annapolis Valley music lovers just can’t seem to get enough of Cape Breton superstar J.P. Cormier – and Cormier keeps coming back to packed venues, applause, and encores.

King’s Theatre manager Geoff Keymer has the musical giant lined up for Saturday, Aug. 16 and expects a packed house for the 8 p.m. concert.

“The thing that makes him so special is that he plays all instruments so well, and equally well,” said Keymer. “And he’s a great singer and songwriter and does all these things effortlessly.”

The King’s Theatre audience will no doubt get a taste of Cormier’s versatility Saturday, and Keymer said there’s plenty of room on stage for all the instruments – guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo. Plus Cormier’s wife Hilda Chiasson-Cormier will plunk the ivories while Darren McMullen will accompany on bass, guitar, bouzouki, and banjo.

“He’s a great banjo player,” Keymer said, noting that Cormier has played with some of the major bluegrass bands in the United States.

Cormier began playing guitar, self-taught, at the age of five and quickly became immersed in the rich musical heritage of his Cape Breton roots. By the age of nine, he was considered a genuine prodigy and won his first guitar competition against 30 other players three times his age. By his mid-teens, it became obvious Cormier could play almost any stringed instrument he picked up. He later went on to become a regular on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and performed with many of the American country and bluegrass legends.

As a performer, J.P. is known for his flawless delivery of original 'story songs,' most often basing his lyrics on true events. Inspiration comes when he least expects it and, in his words, "I just hold the pen."

As one quote puts it: “Is there any other performer, anywhere and in any genre, who can play so many instruments so well? It is doubtful. The word virtuoso springs to mind when thinking of J.P. Cormier. Then, to top off his incredible skill with the guitar, fiddle, banjo or mandolin, the man can sing and write songs of heartbreaking beauty.”

Underlying all this experience is a young man with an ancient soul who has traveled the world for the past 23 years bringing his unique brand of joy to audiences wherever he goes.

Tickets: $20 Advance, $22 Door, $18 Members, $5 Youth. To book tickets phone 902-532-7704. Visit kingstheatre.ca for more information.