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Russell DeCarle coming to Beeton for a single performance

August 22, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

He is a performer who has been in the music business for over 50 years, and Russell DeCarle will be bringing his show to Beeton.

You may remember Russell from his days as lead singer and bassist with the Prairie Oyster band. His days with Prairie Oyster earned him six Juno Awards, more than a dozen Canadian Country Music Awards, and numerous gold and platinum records.

While Prairie Oyster may have faded into Canadian music history – last performing together in 2011 – Russell never stopped performing and is bringing his show to George Scott’s Songwriter’s Showcase at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beeton.

With the recent release of his fourth solo album titled, ‘Alone in this Crowd,’ Russell continues to write and sing songs that touch the heart, celebrate the truth, and provide warmth and company in the noise of the crowd.

True to the eclectic range of music that he has become famous for, Alone in This Crowd offers a mix of Southern soul, jazz, blues, old-school country, and Western swing.

Russell surrounds himself with brilliant and talented musicians to complete the performance. For this performance, he will be joined by Steve Briggs on guitar and Russ Boswell on bass.

Over the years, Russell has performed at just about every music venue in Ontario, as well as across the country.

Playing in Beeton is just like coming home for him. In his early days, with his first band, the King City Slickers, he played at several well-known local establishments, including the Loretto Inn, Windsor House in Alliston, Beetonia – now called the Muddy Water in Beeton, and even the old Tottenham Hotel.

“I started playing in Tottenham Hotel with the King City Slickers,” Russell said. “We played in the basement there, around 1970-71. We also played at the Loretto Tavern and the Windsor House in Alliston, as well as the Muddy Water, which was then called the Beetonia – we played in the Beehive Lounge. I am excited to be coming back to Beeton. I always enjoyed playing for audiences in the area and hope to see some familiar faces in the crowd.”

During his performance, Russell plays a variety of different styles of music. Being a solo performer, Russell explained, allows him the freedom to do what he wants on stage.

“I’m really connected to everything I do on stage,” Russell explained. “I could tell a lengthy story about every song I perform, but I don’t. I play with some great musicians. My buddy, Steve Briggs will be joining me for this gig.”

Russell met Steve when his band was opening for Merle Haggard, and they have been playing together for over 40 years.

“I’ll also be bringing a fantastic bass player – Russ Boswell.”

Russell has never stopped touring. He refers to his career as his ‘lifelong tour.’ He readily admits he loves being on tour and enjoys playing for audiences around the country.

During the Beeton concert he will be performing everything from new music to some obscure cover tunes.

This will be one outstanding performance that music lovers will enjoy.

The concert will take place at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beeton on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are still available.

For tickets, contact George Scott by email at georgescottjr328@gmail.com or by telephone at 416-722-9795.

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