By KIRSTEN BOLTON
For ArtSpring
Back by popular demand, acclaimed musical chameleon Zachary Stevenson returns to ArtSpring on Friday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. with Dead Ringer, a one-night-only concert that blends music, storytelling and nostalgia into pure magic.
Stevenson wowed sold-out Salt Spring audiences last season in The Buddy Holly Story, and now he’s back—not just as Buddy, but as Hank Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Phil Ochs and more. In this intimate new show, he shares the behind-the-scenes journey of the artists he portrays and how he became one of Canada’s most sought-after musical tribute performers.
Described by the Victoria Times Colonist as a “dead ringer for dead singers,” Stevenson is more than a voice match. He seems to channel the soul, swagger and spirit of the icons he inhabits. The Chicago Tribune called him “a bravura performer” and declared, “If you don’t like him, you don’t like much of anybody.”
Dead Ringer is more than a greatest hits tribute. It’s a heartfelt and often hilarious glimpse into a performer’s life spent dancing between the lines of tribute and transformation. Expect classic tunes, vivid impersonations and a few surprises along the way.
Stevenson’s career spans stages from the Commodore Ballroom to Chicago’s Jeff Awards (which he won for his Buddy Holly role), and festivals like Folk Alliance and the Ottawa Blues Festival. He’s played with legends, led his own bands and raised over $10,000 for Doctors Without Borders through music sales.
Now he brings it all to ArtSpring’s stage, just in time to support the annual Treasure Fair, ArtSpring’s beloved fundraiser supporting year-round arts programming.
Whether you grew up on rockabilly, folk or vintage country, or you simply love a great showman, this concert promises to be one of the feel-good highlights of the summer.
Tickets — $35 adult, $5 youth — are available through the ArtSpring box office or website. Angel Tickets ($15) are available on 20 seats, first come, first served.