Singer-songwriter Barney Bentall is looking forward to hosting The Grand Cariboo Opry when he rolls into Chilliwack on Nov. 7.

Going from the physical demands of cattle ranching, back to the rock and roll world is a bit of a "cake walk," he admits.

Bentall formed The Grand Cariboo Opry with a bunch of talented musicians as fundraising vehicle for residents of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver a couple of years ago, and has been touring the show around B.C. and Alberta.

"I've jumped back in with both feet," he tells The Progress in a phone interview from somewhere near the foothills of the Rockies.

"These are such fun shows to be a part of. I've been doing this for so long, travelling and playing. It fits well with me."

Bentall works through a very funny and entertaining monologue during the performances, and fronts a big band made of The Legendary Hearts augmented with lap steel and piano (Johnny Ellis) as well as fiddle (Kendel Carson).

The original idea for the Grand Cariboo Opry comes from the heart of historic Cariboo, where Bentall owns a ranch.

"Everyone plays and everyone sings...sometimes all at once," said Bentall, adding that his son, Dustin will also be joining him.

Musical guests who sometimes join Bentall include Ridley Bent, Leslie Alexander, Wendy Bird, Romi Mayes, and Cameron Latimer. The concerts usually feature Bentall's originals, like from his latest album, Inside Passage, as well some classics reinterpreted for the Opry stage.

Bentall released the album, Grand Cariboo Opry in 2008.

The prolific Juno winner said he particularly enjoyed working with Jeff Bonner of Tractorgrease studios in Chilliwack, which produced a DVD of his work earlier this year, and will be available at the Chilliwack show.

"The DVD really tells the whole story," he said. "Jeff worked so hard on it, and he's just a great guy."

The Opry showcases two generations of some of the finest roots/country musicians presenting tunes with old-time country and western flavour, as well as laughter, and some storytelling.

Barney Bentall and the Grand Cariboo Opry at the Chilliwack Arts Centre, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 as part of the Chilliwack Community Arts Council's 2009-2010 Chilliwack Concert Series. $25. 604-792-2069.

jfeinberg@theprogress.com