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30 mins and a pair of boots: Kelowna musician takes the stage when illness strikes

Kelowna musician Mitch Zorn grabbed his boots and hat and headed to Prospera Place to save the day after the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's opening act fell ill
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Mitch Zorn Steps in to open for Nitty Gritty Dirt BandÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s Farewell Tour stop at Kelowna's Prospera Place

With less than an hourÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s notice, Kelowna-based country artist Mitch Zorn went from relaxing at home with his girlfriend ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” waiting for sushi delivery ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” to performing in front of 3,000 people.

On the evening of May 9, about an hour before the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert was set to begin at Kelowna's Prospera Place, Zorn got a call from an unknown number. The band's opener Kathleen Edwards, had fallen ill and organizers were wondering if Zorn could be on-stage for sound check in 30 minutes.

Zorn said that after agreeing to the last-minute performance he turned to his girlfriend and said; "Cancel the order, I just got asked to open for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band," and the pair jumped into action.

Zorn said he had no set list, no time to prepare and no time to think. 

"I just put on my boots, went out there and gave 'er my best."

Without a set-list or time to prepare,

"The crowd was so receptive. I played Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen and they went insane," said Zorn.

While being asked to sing in front of thousands of people at a moment's notice is certainly anxiety-inducing, Zorn said that he has been playing and performing for two decades, and country music is in his blood. 

"It was nerve-wracking obviously, but it is something that I've been working on for like 20 years. Opportunities like these are the kinds of things you're working towards."

Zorn said that at just eight years old, he played in a country music band with his father, and recounted how family gatherings often involve performances as nearly all of his relatives play an instrument or sing.

 "This is something I've dreamed about my entire life. So this is such an amazing experience, and I was definitely fighting some tears out there.ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

, he will be Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed attendee at the event. 

 

 

 



Jacqueline Gelineau

About the Author: Jacqueline Gelineau

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