A man who has made a good living by his acclaimed tribute to legendary American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond is returning to Osoyoos this weekend.
Jason Scott’s Diamond Forever: A Celebration of Neil Diamond is being brought back, by popular demand, to the Osoyoos Legion Branch 173 in Osoyoos on Saturday night.
Scott performed at the Osoyoos Legion in front of a sold-out audience last fall.
From Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood, through the turbulence of the 1960’s and on into the 21st century, the songs of Neil Diamond continue to attract new fans to go along with the legions of old, said Scott.
Scott has performed across North America and numerous other countries with his extremely entertaining recognition to the music and talent of the legendary singer-songwriter.
“Neil Diamond has recorded his music so many times, and changed it so much, that interpreting that music can in itself be an art,” said Scott. “When you look at Neil Diamond’s history and career of six decades, you realize the music and the possibilities of that music are unlimited.”
Neil Diamond is not just a simple songwriter, but a composer and performer as well, said Scott.
“His music has that universality and timelessness that transcends his own personality and the personalities of anyone performing his music. The proof of this is the audience itself, crossing all generations, with new fans added every year, and the songs themselves, which are so well known as to be archetypal.”
Scott’s love of music dates back to his childhood.
He began attending the Toronto Conservatory of Music at the age of five, achieving first degree honours by age 15. In his 20s, Scott toured extensively with nightclub and concert bands and in his 30s, he was a Canadian record label signed recording artist, writer and performer.
In 2005 in Las Vegas, Scott became the first-ever Canadian international performer to win the “Be a Legend” celebrity tribute artist competition with his tribute to Diamond, at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino.
In 2010, Scott was awarded the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tribute Artists Best Platinum Showcase Award. In 2011, Scott won the second place in the Las Vegas Tribute Artist competition and was also honoured to be invited to perform as the opening act for the headlining Country Superstars show at the Las Vegas Golden Nugget Showroom.
It was recently announced Scott will be featured in the feature length documentary motion picture from director Steve Tatone and Midnight Pass Entertainment showcasing the on and off stage lives of select Neil Diamond performance artists around the world.
The world premier of “Diamond Mountain” will be held in Las Vegas in late April.
Tickets for Saturday’s performance are $20 per person and are available at the Legion canteen and at the door. A community bus is available to pick up and drop off local residents who want to attend the show. If interested in a ride, phone 250-495-7447.
The show begins at 7 p.m.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
