Sea Cavalcade, the big family festival in Gibsons, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, July 27 to 29. Just one week before Sea Cavalcade begins, on Saturday, July 21, the organization will host a fundraising concert, Rockin’ by the Sea, from one of the Coast’s most popular entertainers, Bobby Bruce. You haven’t heard of him? That’s because he’s better known as Nearly Neil, the Neil Diamond tribute performer.
Bobby and Leanne Bruce live on Gambier Island, that is, when they’re not on the road. The Nearly Neil show toured Australia for many years starting in 1996 and after a short break they have continued every winter to complete over a dozen tours Down Under. They love him there. Bruce was nominated for two years in a row for an ACE Award (Australian Club Entertainment) in the International Touring Artist category. He lost to Hot Chocolate and Melissa Manchester. (He did win the Entertainer of the Year award from the PNE in 2009.)
Bobby and tour organizer Leanne are always happy to get back to Gambier. “We run for home, really,” said Leanne. “He’s been very busy working at the house, tearing down our back deck and replacing a roof and, of course, caring for our ridiculously spoilt Indian runner ducks – Maude, Laverne and Edith. We did Spring Dance on the Easter Weekend here on Gambier. It was great, as always. Many new faces on the island and very good to see a new influx of residents.”
The style of Bruce’s music is evolving. Recently he performed something slightly different at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley. Classically Diamond featured only piano and string quartet. However, that is not what the show will be presenting on the Coast. For the Sea Cavalcade event with the Solitary Band, they will blend Neil Diamond’s greatest hits with some classic and more contemporary hits to please the all-ages crowd.
Following the Rockin’ by the Sea event, it’s off to Amsterdam. After two shows in Holland, they fly to Italy for a private event. The next big show, following the Gibsons show, is not until Sept. 8 when Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band are closing out the Whistler Presents Outdoor Concert Series.
The July 21 concert starts at 6:30 p.m. in Winegarden Waterfront Park in Gibsons. Tickets are $15 per person, $25 per couple and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at many ticket outlets in Sechelt, Roberts Creek and Gibsons or can be bought online at www.share-there.com.
