Retired in 2022, Jim's energy is focused on his western heritage performances Farewell To The Frontier (while constantly tweaking them!). His accumulated history, songwriting, poems, stories, graphics and artwork synchronize perfectly with all his material and the flow of each presentation.

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Jim has developed two versions of Farewell To The Frontier:  there are several (grade-related / age-appropriate) one-hour interactive presentations for elementary and junior high school students. These versions are a balance between educating, entertaining and participation.  There are also extended version designed for community, arts council, library or special events concerts.  It is a two and a half hour concert with two fifty minutes sets.

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Here's the boring ancient history stuff:  Jim has shared the stage with Kenny Rogers, BJ Thomas and Tommy James, (if you're old enough to remember those guys!) during his band haydays. He has accumulated numerous songwriting awards and nominations in the U.S. and Canada. Of note, he won the Western Canada Summer Games themesong contest from over 100 submissions.  Jim and Montana songwriter TJ Casey teamed up for a duo album in 2011 that was awarded ‘Western Album of the Year’ from the Traditional Country Music Association in the U.S..

 

Capitalizing on his own unique finger picking style and paying tribute to many of his major musical influences, Jim performs a 2 hour concert of James Taylor's timeless songs as well as a full set of "Songs I wish I had written!" from our notable Canadian folk artists including, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson, Bruce Cockburn, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Murray McLauchlan and of course... Stompin Tom Connors!

 

Jim and Marion are empty nesters (proud parents and grandparents!) and live at the foot of southern Alberta's magnificent Rocky Mountains.

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Jim's Personal Website is:    wwwjimreader.com

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