Jim Byrnes to perform for CBC Vancouver's Inspiration Series
Byrnes will share stories from his 'cursed and blessed' life on Oct. 30 at CBC Vancouver
Vancouver's Jim Byrnes may be known for his music and acting — but his ability to tell a moving, inspiring story is the reason why he has been chosen to perform at CBC Vancouver's Inspiration Series: Jim Byrnes in Concert on Oct. 30.
"The man is a great storyteller," said CBC Music's Jon Siddall, who stops by On The Coast every week for his column Music Talk.
Siddall said Byrnes will be telling stories that connect to his music, and he'll perform those songs at the event later this month.
"Some people have a special knack for telling a story. And in Jim's case he's telling the stories of his life," said Siddall. "What a life it's been: both cursed and blessed."
Byrnes lost both his legs in 1972 when he was helping a friend move a stalled truck on the side of the road and was struck by a passing car.
Byrnes has never shied away from talking about that experience, said Siddall, adding that the musician has also faced other adversity.
"Whether his success is fate or thanks to hard work, he has overcome."
Byrnes, who has won multiple Juno awards for his work as a blues singer, will be joined onstage by other notable musicians from Vancouver and Nashville: Steve Dawson, Geoff Hicks, Jeremy Holmes, Chris Gestrin, Kristie McCracken and Tonye Aganaba.
Byrnes will be performing at the CBC building in Vancouver at 700 Hamilton St. on Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. It's hosted by On the Coast host Stephen Quinn.
The event is free, but there is limited seating — you can register on Eventbrite.
To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled: Jim Byrnes' story-telling ability to be showcased at upcoming CBC performance