NEW GLASGOW – Kim Mitchell has toured the world so you’ll forgive him if he can’t remember the last time he was near Pictou County.
“I’m so bad with years,” he said. “I know periods of time: short, medium, long.”
The last time he was anywhere near Pictou County is getting into that long ago category, he admits, but is something he’ll soon be changing.
Mitchell will be bringing rock classics he’s spent the last four decades creating and perfecting to the Glasgow Square stage as he performs at the New Glasgow Jubilee on Aug. 5.
A native of Sarnia, Ont., Mitchell started touring when he was just 17 years old. For years he played with the band Max Webster, which he formed with Pye Dubois, before starting his solo career. He became known across the country and internationally for hits such as “Alana Loves Me,” “Easy to Tame” and “Patio Lanterns.”
Now 60, Mitchell’s last record "Ain't Life Amazing" was released in 2007. While he has written many songs since then, which he describes as “prettier,” he said he’ll be sticking to the familiar tunes when he’s in Pictou County.
“People just want to hear the classics and I’m all about meeting the demand,” he said.
He said he hopes to transmit some energy to his listeners as he plays the songs.
He particularly enjoys outdoor festivals like the Jubilee.
“I was born and raised in a small town. As a kid I remember my parents taking me to things like that. I just love the outdoor summer atmosphere.”
It’s also enjoyable for him to spend time with other musicians and to sit down for a beer after a gig.
“The people I love make me laugh and these guys all make me laugh,” he said.
Currently with a full-time radio job, Mitchell doesn’t tour as much as he used to, but he said he’s enjoying this stage of life with weekend gigs that allow him to reacquaint himself with fans.
“They’re all my kids,” he said.
The New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee will run from Aug. 3 to 5 with performances held at the Glasgow Square Theatre.
