Classic rockers Prism is gearing up for a show at this year’s Westerner Days, performing July 22nd in the Enmax Centrium.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 8 p.m.
Entrance to the show is included with gate admission.
According to their web site, Prism began as an amalgamation of two Vancouver bands.
“In the late 1960s, Seeds of Time formed the basis for what would become the Prism lineup, while other key players who shaped Prism came from the early ’70s Vancouver jazz band Sunshyne, yielding trumpeter-producer Bruce Fairbairn plus songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jim Vallance.”
But the discovery of vocalist Ron Tabak, recruited from the local scene for a recording session with Fairbairn, Mitchell and Vallance in July 1975 was the magic ingredient for the synergy that became Prism.
“Tabak’s voice had a unique brilliance and stunning high range. While that first session was a loose experiment in jazz, R&B and rock, one Jim Vallance song, Open Soul Surgery stood above the rest, becoming the template for the future Prism style, and vehicle for Tabak’s vocal range.”
The group deliberated over a band name until the 1977 self-titled album Prism was chosen to reflect their musical influences of blues, rock and R&B.
Meanwhile, with decades-long membership of Gary Grace on drums, keyboardist Marc Gladstone and bassist Tad Goddard, Prism tours regularly, headlining festivals, sports arenas and theatres.
They’ve sold millions of albums, with songs that have become standards – Spaceship Superstar, Take Me to the Kaptin, Flying, Armageddon, Take Me Away, Young & Restless, Night to Remember, Don’t Let Him Know among them. Indeed, Prism itself is classic rock.
Meanwhile, Westerner Days Fair & Exposition is marking its 125th anniversary this year. The fair runs July 20th-24th.
Since 1891, Westerner Park has been a celebration of everything it means to be ‘Central Alberta’, officials say.
Prior to the parade on July 20th in the City’s downtown, there is also the Bower Place Pancake Breakfast on July 16th from 8 to 11 a.m. with proceeds going to the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter.
Highlights also abound this year for Westerner Days, including eight artists over four days at the ENMAX Centrium.
The Washboard Union and Chad Brownlee perform on July 20th, followed by DJ Spinderella and Salt n Pepa on July 21st; The Stampeders join Prism on July 22nd and USS and Moist are rounding things out on July 23rd.
Entertainment on the Chillabong’s Stage in the Bud Barn and Beer Gardens is also scheduled, including Shiv Shanks on July 20th. Cole Malone and Christian Hudson perform July 21st, Charlie Jacobson plays July 22nd and Jamie Woodfin performs on July 23rd followed by Trinity Bradshaw on July 23rd as well.
“Westerner Days has a long-standing tradition of bringing people together in celebration,” said Meghan Gustum, marketing manager at Westerner Park. “Introduced last year, we gave the community one more reason to come together – Morning of Faith. On Sunday, we’ll be offering our non-denominational service before the grounds open to the general public.
“We will open the grounds at 10 a.m. at no charge to anyone wishing to attend the 11 a.m. service,” she said. “They will then be welcome to stay on the grounds and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the fair. Morning of Faith guests are encouraged to bring food bank donations with them to the service.”
For complete details, check out westernerdays.ca.
– Weber
