Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon to Tribute John Denver at SCERA

The spirit of the late, great singer John Denver will be clearly evident at SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem on Saturday, Oct. 22 when Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon pay tribute to Denver using their own talent, warmth and humor.

The show is so highly anticipated that the 7 p.m. performance has already sold out, but a second show at 4 p.m. has been added.

Reserved-seat tickets at $14 for adults and $12 for children age 3-11 and seniors age 65 and older are available at scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, or in person between 10-6 weekdays and noon-6pm on Saturdays at the SCERA Center, 745 South State, Orem. SCERA will also offer a 6 p.m. post-show buffet-style barbecue. Reservations for the $12 meal are available by calling 801-225-ARTS.

Collins regularly tours the country with a similar sound to the legendary artist-and even has a bit of the Denver look-but the show is not an impersonation performance. Rather, Collins and his musicians honor the Denver legacy with their own energy and musical integrity.

Joining Collins are Kevin Delmolino, Paul Swinton, Mark Nelson, Alexander Mitchell and Bill Powell. The group formed after several of the band members met each other in Aspen, Colorado, at the largest annual celebration of John Denver's life and music.

Collins discovered music at 17 when he learned the guitar. He discovered a passion, and rarely went anywhere without his musical instrument. He performed regularly in Milwaukee area clubs while he attended the University of Milwaukee in his native Wisconsin. He then took his music from college to the road and by 2001 had recorded his first album.

He has been quoted as saying, "I frequently hear fans tell me what a gift I am to them. But the truth is, that the audience is a much greater gift to me, and we so appreciate their support." The band plays Denver's biggest hits, including "Rocky Mountain High," "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Annie's Song."

Vocalist and lead guitarist Paul Swanton has spent nearly 35 years perfecting the guitar licks in the John Denver cannon and completed a solo performer Denver songbook. Kevin Delmolino has been performing as a bass guitarist and soloist since the '80s. He met Collins and Swanton in 2002, and their impromptu jam session led to his inclusion in the group.

Mark Nelson contributes drums, percussion, synthesizer and pitch perfect vocals. Among other groups, he has toured with the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band and Brickyard Road.

Performing fiddle, mandolin and vocals is Alexander Mitchell, who toured nationally with the Missouri Repertory Theatre performing Woody Guthrie's American Song. He also appeared in and recorded music for the soundtrack of the Ted Turner movie Gettysburg, along with numerous other stage and theatrical productions.

Pianist Bill Powell plays keyboards for the band. He holds a doctorate in organ performance and is the director and organist at Glade United Church of Christ in Walkersville, Maryland and serves on the adjunct faculty at Hood College. His association with Boulder Canyon allows him to improvise and experiment with various musical styles.

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