In the afternoon, he picked his way through farmer’s markets, and in the evening, he’d hit the stage.
It was just like every other day when Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Chris Ronald filled the Vernon farmer’s market air with his contemporary folk jams, when something unexpected happened. A Silver Star Mountain Resort representative heard Ronald’s mad picking and it sparked a lasting bond between Ronald and the North Okanagan.
And five years later, Ronald still comes through town, this time on tour for his newest release, Fragments, with a Sept. 14 stop at Record City.
“It’s kind of a nod to the way I write songs, picking up these fragments as I walk through life,” Ronald said of his sophomore release.
The Borealis Records signed artist’s songs are often based on real life events, such as when he found his wedding ring in the basement after eight years of it being lost, and the world around him.
“The environment has been something that always runs through my writing,” Ronald said.
And with his new connection to the Okanagan, Ronald had to include something from the valley on Fragments: Okanagan Sunsets.
Written by Ronald’s friend Bruce Madole, Okanagan Sunsets is Madole’s story of driving north from Kelowna after losing someone close to him, and it’s one that Ronald feels will resonate with Vernon audiences.
Moreover, Okanagan Sunsets marks a journey into new territory for Ronald.
“This is the first time I’ve included a song on an album that was written by someone else,” Ronald said.
Drawing inspiration from ’60s American and British tunes, his laidback and inviting grooves are carried by his smooth tenor vocals and backed by guitar, ukulele and harmonica.
“People have told me that my music is very accessible,” Ronald said. “I don’t often ramble on too much, but I might if the crowd is really into it.”
SMG Endeavors presents Chris Ronald alongside Origami Army Sept. 14 at Vernon’s Record City. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 pre-sale from www.okomfest.com/smg-tickets.