JR Goodwin has been making music since he was 14.
Now, as a veteran musician in his 60s, Goodwin is looking to improve the lot of entertainers in the Quesnel area and in return bring much-needed musical tourism to the area.
“We could be the Branson of the North,” he said with enthusiasm.
“They built their town in Missouri into a world-class show site.”
As Goodwin’s zeal mounted, he spoke of the possibilities of trading in on Quesnel’s gold rush connection.
However, he knows this will take a coordinated effort by the community and considerable planning, but also knows Quesnel needs an infusion of diversification and his vision could be a piece of that puzzle.
“We could capitalize on that designation as the Gold Rush Capital and become a destination.”
He went on to describe a particular plan that has been percolating in his brain for some time. The plan involves what he calls the Gold Pan City Charity Musical Showcase where local talent put on performances, possibly during an expanded Billy Barker Days and possibly in one of the two Carib Theatre’s screening rooms.
“This would help musicians and charities, it could be a win/win,” he said.
Goodwin recognizes there are many challenges to his plan, not the least being the need for a bypass which would removed the heavy trucks from the downtown core and allow for a more people-friendly community.
“This would set the stage for a pedestrian-friendly type of entertainment festival that could last all summer,” he said of a season-long music festival.
“Businesses would benefit, tourists could enjoy music at many small stage venues day and evening during the summer.”
Goodwin said with more than 1,000 people taking music lessons and developing their talent there’s endless possibilities for future performers.
“Music seems to go through most people’s lives, even if they don’t become professionals,” he said.
As ideas streamed from his mind, Goodwin pondered the possibility of a regional awards night recognizing local talent.
Regardless of how you look at this, Goodwin recognizes the need to have local businesses, musicians and elected officials on board with such a grand scheme.
“We need that support,” he said.
“The next step, as I see it, is to create a musicians database and form a discussion group to refine the process which will define the creation of a destination community.”
Throughout his career, Goodwin has written music, performed music, written about other performers, been nominated and won several prestigious musical awards and toured extensively, always taking note of what worked and what didn’t work in the venues where he performed.
He’s watched government’s come and go, some more motivated than others, but ultimately no significant funding has ever been put in place by any level of government to promote local musicians, songwriters, recording artists and entertainers and in turn promote the heritage and beauty of the Cariboo.
Goodwin feels there’s a will and enough talent to begin that discussion.
This vision haunts Goodwin, keeps his mind very busy and compels him to pitch his dream of Quesnel as the Country Music Capital of B.C. every chance he gets.
His proposals don’t end there, though. He envisions a entertainers employment and career centre, a more effective and well-organized musicians association, tapping into modern social-media and technologies.
But at the heart of his idea is very simple.
Make it possible for those in the entertainment industry to earn a living and enhance their community at the same time.
To learn more about Goodwin’s ideas he can be contacted at 250-747-4526.