Beamer Wigley delivered a strong performance of current country hits at Music in the Park on Thursday night. Anyone familiar with his work as an actor and singer in Penticton’s Soundstage productions will know he packs a lot of charisma and stage presence into his slender 14-year old frame. He’s mastered the country “slides and growls”, and his musical theatre background has taught him to convey the emotion of a song.  His youthful voice has an impressive range, handling the falsetto with ease, and reaching down into light baritone.

Appealing to all ages, Beamer mixed contemporary hits by Ed Sheeran and Enrique Iglesias with  some oldies by Percy Sledge and Jim Croce, putting his own style on the classics by serving them up with a side of country.

Mr Wigley was ably backed by Dustin McGifford on acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. McGifford, a music teacher at Wentworth Music Kelowna, entertained with deft flamenco style on one Latin number, and provided some amusing “transition music”. Content to stand in the backline, this guy was a solid pro.

Most impressive of all, Beamer premiered two of his own compositions, showing some real talent with catchy melodies and an enviable way with lyrics. His romantic ballad “Greener”  was a good example. Watch for his debut album, “Meteorite” on sale this August. For this busy and gifted young man, youth is definitely not wasted.

Check out a video from the concert, and updates on Beamer’s music at www.beamerwigley.com

Next in the Music in the Park lineup: classic rock duo Timbre Wolves on Thursday July 14, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Photo by Penelope Johnson