I was saddened to learn of the death of Jerry Reed at age 71. His big hits on RCA were When You’re Hot You’re Hot, Amos Moses and East Bound and Down. Jerry appeared in the Smokey and the Bandit movie series with Burt Reynolds. He was also a very good actor and carried his own in movies such as Gator, Hot Stuff and High Ballin’. Jerry Reed was a gifted guitarist who also turned out some great songs, wrote some and performed vocals. Jerry appeared in Vancouver on Timmy’s Christmas Telethon in 1991. He was quick witted and a joy to work with. He will be missed.
Also, movie trailer voice king Don LaFontaine has died at age 68 from complications due to a collapsed lung. Don worked on nearly 5000 films including The Elephant Man, Batman Returns, and The Terminator. He has also been the voice of NBC, ABC, Fox, TNT, TBS and the Cartoon Network. He was seen recently on a GEICO commercial, spoofing himself by interpreting a testimonial from an insurance company customer. Movie trailers will never be quite the same without him.
It has been a busy two weeks for me as host of the PNE Red Robinson Talent Showdown, held on the stage of the Rogers Amphitheatre. The winner — the Jesse Burch Band from Surrey — took home a prize of $10,000. They are tight and they are going places.
Craig Hodge photo
My co-host was a lovely young lady named Adera Angelucci. I see bright things in her future as she has a winning personality and is willing to learn. She was an absolute delight to work with. Even on rainy days people came to see the talent perform and we all agreed that this was the best array of talent we have seen in years. I am looking forward to next year.
Craig Hodge photo
Dal Richards (90 years young) with me and PNE president Michael McDaniel. The man hates umbrellas, which we can all understand.
As it is the second anniversary of the opening of the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam it was only fitting that two of my celebrity friends should come to town for the 2nd Elvis Tribute Day at the PNE. Wink Martindale, his wife Sandy, Darwin Lamm and his wife Mimi joined us on stage at the theatre they named after me as guests for the Bonnie Raitt concert.
Kevin Statham photos
Bonnie graciously posed for photos with us backstage. She had two shows at the theatre and both were sold out. Colin James surprised everyone by appearing on her show at the end of the concert on both nights. What a treat for the audience who had not expected to see Wink, Darwin or Colin on stage.
Patrick Roberge photo
The next night it was Elvis Tribute Night at the Rogers Amphitheatre. Over 10,000 showed up and the photo shows you what an unbelievable crowd came to see the various artists perform the King’s music. The PNE has made arrangements with Penticton Northwest Elvis Competition organizers to have the winners of their annual festival appear at the PNE each year for the next four years.
To kick the show off we presented the young amateur winner from Penticton, Adam Fitzpatrick, who started the exciting evening off on the right note.
Kevin Statham photo
Third place winner from this year’s event, Corny Remple brought the house down with his gifted voice as he paid tribute to the Vegas, touring years of Elvis.
Kevin Statham photo
This year’s champion, Ben Klein, had the audience roaring approval.
Kevin Statham photo
My wife Carole and Corby Coffin are responsible for this event each year and deserve kudos for putting on a first class professional program.
Just prior to the big night Wink Martindale, his wife Sandy and I rode in the PNE daily parade in an open convertible.
Patrick Roberge photo
Thanks for your applause and smiles when we rolled through the fairgrounds. It is a thrill to be part of the fair and to have good friends like Wink and Sandy come here for our annual show.
While at the fair CKNW‘s Gord McDonald had Wink and me on as his guests on Friday afternoon. We also guested on Crave FM and CISL. I was surprised to see Dave McCormick there but my understanding is he will become a permanent fixture and can call this his new home .
I am thinking of taking a few weeks off in early October to rest from this hectic pace!