A fixture in the Canadian music industry has expanded his tour to include a stop in Simcoe County. Jim Cuddy is well-known for being a lead singer and co-founder of the iconic Canadian band Blue Rodeo. Currently, the celebrated singer-songwriter is on a tour of his own with his band, The Jim Cuddy Band. Recently announced is the expansion of his Ontario tour, which includes a stop at the Orillia Opera House on Nov. 19. “We’re so thrilled to be welcoming Jim to the Opera House,” says Emily Martin, theatre manager at the Orillia Opera House. “To have talent of this calibre is astounding.” Cuddy happens to have a connection to our region, as he owns a rural property in Mulmur, near Shelburne. Special guest Billianne, known for her soulful and genre-mixing sound, will join Cuddy on the road as well. Cuddy’s music, spanning four decades, brings a lifetime of ultra-Canadian lyrics and stories. Guests will enjoy Cuddy’s extensive music catalogue along with songs from his acclaimed album All the World Fades Away, a celebration of memories past and the present moment. “Yes, this album is about looking back,” Cuddy says. “However, I tried to make sure the record is affirming of life as it is now, reflecting how much I like where I’m at today. It’s not wrapping up or being nostalgic for old times. It’s just… surveying.” Cuddy is a 15-time JUNO award winner, a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and an Officer in the Order of Canada. Some of his classic Blue Rodeo hits include “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet,” “Try” and “Lost Together.” He and his band will also be stopping in other parts of our region during previously announced shows. He’ll be performing at the Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts in Keswick on Nov. 12 and at Meaford Hall in Meaford on Nov. 25 and 26. Tickets go on sale for the Orillia show on Thursday at 10 a.m. and will be available through his website.
