Gordon Lightfoot's timeless music will come to life in Kelowna and Penticton this weekend

Fans of Gordon Lightfoot are invited to a special evening at Kelowna's Rotary Centre for the Arts on Friday, June 13, and Penticton’s Cleland Theatre on Sunday, June 15, as local singer-songwriter artist John Paul Byrne pays tribute to the legendary Gordon Lightfoot in his much-lauded “If You Could Read My Mind: The Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Show.”

Byrne, known for his uncanny ability to channel Lightfoot’s rich baritone and poignant storytelling, promises an experience that feels like stepping back into the intimate concert halls of the 1970s.

Having captivated audiences across the Okanagan with sold-out performances, the Lightfoot Tribute Show has been celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth, drawing comparisons to Lightfoot’s original performances. One reviewer noted, “It’s as if Gordon Lightfoot himself is on stage, sharing the songs that defined an era.” From beloved classics like “Beautiful” and “Early Morning Rain” to the evocative ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” Byrne’s performance is a heartfelt homage to one of Canada’s greatest musical icons.

Among the highest praises is a glowing endorsement from Steffan Clements, son of the late Terry Clements, who was Lightfoot’s lead guitarist for over four decades. “You just sang ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ better than anybody I’ve ever heard,” praises Clements. “You sound just like him.”

Clements’ father joined the Lightfoot band as lead guitarist in 1970 and remained with the band until his passing in 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Lightfoot’s music. His smooth, melodic guitar style is prominent on many of Lightfoot’s major albums, such as "Sundown" and "Summertime Dream."

For the die-hard Lightfoot fan, Byrne, spotting a recently-grown moustache, channels “Gordie” not only in tone but presence. “Oh, wow, you sound just like him and have his look too,” gushed a recent concert goer. From 1988 to 2019, Byrne was the owner, Publisher and Editor of Okanagan Life magazine. Best of the Okanagan, Best Restaurants and Best of BC Wine Awards were brands and favourite articles that were read in the Okanagan for 30+ years.

Best known for his intimate café-style performances, Byrne is set to take his tribute to new heights in Kelowna and Penticton backed by a talented band that captures the essence of Lightfoot’s legendary sound. The five-piece ensemble captures the same spirit and musicality that defined Lightfoot’s distinctive sound, blending folk, country and rock elements into a resonant performance.

The upcoming tribute concert at RCA and Cleland offers the perfect venues to honour the legacy of the legendary Canadian icon.

Following the final two of five Okanagan performances, Byrne will continue his tour with shows in Sicamous, Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland and Alberta. Lightfoot fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early for what promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of a Canadian legend.