'Neil Diamond' to shine in Gladstone
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- Published on Monday, March 13, 2017
By Banner staff
The Neepawa Banner
This month, the music of Neil Diamond is coming to Gladstone, for a show that’s sure to please. From Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood, through the turbulence of the 1960s and on into the 21st century, the songs of Neil Diamond continue to attract new fans to go along with the legions of old.
On Friday, March 24, the Gladstone Legion is hosting Jason Scott’s “Diamond Forever, a Celebration of Neil Diamond”, it’s an entertaining recognition to the music and talent of this 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,” says Scott, creator and performance artist for the one man live stage extravaganza. “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.”
The process of interpreting Neil Diamond’s harmonious combination of notes is not dissimilar to a symphony conductor interpreting the music of Beethoven from a score, explained Scott. “Certainly Neil Diamond is not just a simple songwriter, but a composer and performer as well. 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 musical resume is extensive. He began attending a Conservatory of Music in Toronto at the age of five, achieving first degree honors and graduation by age 15. In his twenties, Scott toured extensively with nightclub and concert bands and in his thirties he was a Canadian record label signed recording artist, writer and performer.
British Columbia-based Scott’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, he was the only Canadian “Neil” performance artist chosen to be part of “Diamond Mountain”, a world release, feature length documentary. The movie was filmed in the United States, England, Ireland, Australia, Chile and British Columbia and looks at the off and on stage trials and tribulations of 14 artists struggling to survive in the highly competitive live music industry, while performing the songs of an American music icon.
When the cast walked the red carpet for the screening of “Diamond Mountain” in April 2016, they performed a concert on the “Showroom” stage at the Suncoast Hotel in Las Vegas and were joined by five members of Diamond’s band.
In 2005, Scott was the first Canadian international performer to win the “Be a Legend” celebrity tribute artist competition in Las Vegas as Neil Diamond, at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino. A well received audition followed with On Stage Entertainment owners of the world famous Legends in Concert.
In September of 2010, Scott was awarded the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tribute Artists “Best Platinum Showcase Award”. In February 2011, he not only won the second place “2nd Annual Vegas Tribute Artist” trophy, but was honoured to be specially invited to perform as the opening act for the headlining Country Superstars show at the fabulous Las Vegas Golden Nugget Showroom.
In February 2012, Scott returned to Las Vegas and performed his award winning show on the “First Street Stage”, breaking attendance records at “The Fremont Street Experience”. As well, he was specially invited to perform at The Reel Awards Show gala held at the Golden Nugget Casino Hotel. During the evening’s event, Scott said he was surprised, humbled, proud and honoured to win the Reel Award in the Pop and Rock category. The Reel Award considered to be the Oscar of the tribute industry.
In addition to numerous Las Vegas performances, Scott has also made appearances at major resorts and cruise ships.
Scott’s “Diamond Forever a Celebration of Neil Diamond” is described as an exciting, must-see evening’s entertainment event. It personifies and delivers the look, the sound, the moves and the music of icon Neil Diamond, enhanced by background stories, humour, authentic costuming, studio recorded audio tracks and incredibly realistic “spot on” vocals. This highly audience interactive show creates a sight and sound experience that transports delighted Neil Diamond fans, old and young, down memory lane.
“The music bridges generations”, says Scott, “The show is structured but also spontaneous, loose and huge fun, as its very audience connected. Sometimes I find myself in the crowd and then other times, I’ve found some of the audience on stage with me. The show is one big ‘Neil Diamond’ Party!”
Neil Diamond himself has said, “If I had one message, I would say, be open and receptive to the music and possibilities without, giving it too much thought. Really feel it and it will be an immensely worthwhile experience.” Such a presentation to experience is Jason Scott’s “Diamond Forever” show.
“Diamond Forever a Celebration of Neil Diamond” will be coming to the Gladstone Royal Canadian Legion, Friday, Mar. 24. Tickets include “Lunch Fare” appetizers. Doors are open at 7:00 p.m., food at 7:00 p.m. and showtime is 8:00 p.m.. Tickets are available at Clarke’s of Gladstone, the Gladstone Pharmacy, the Gladstone Royal Canadian Legion or you can call 204-385-2525. Members and Public welcome!
