On Thursday, September 3, Liam Titcomb stopped in Golden as part of a cross-country tour raising money for children affected by war. Titcomb’s busy “busking tour” features stops in 50 towns across the country, sometimes with four shows in a single day. Afternoon rain clouds almost caused an early end to the intimate show. Determined to play on however, the Kicking Horse Culture website reports that Titcomb raised over $450 in a little over an hour.

Sun showers didn’t stop the folk/rock sounds, which featured original music and cover songs from the likes of Bruce Coburn and others. At one point during the show, Titcomb said, “if we need to, we’ll put a tarp over the equipment and play under the trees. We can go acoustic.”

Quite fittingly, the show was all about the children. There were little tykes dancing in the square. Parents were giving their kids money, asking them to put it into Titcomb’s busking bucket. The musicians were actively engaged with the young ones while performing, encouraging and praising them for all their help. All the proceeds from the tour will be given to a non-profit organization called War Child to help affected children in war torn countries.

Liam Titcomb is one of Canada’s many musical secrets. In 2004 he performed at the Juno’s. In 2006 he was nominated for the best new solo artist award from Canada Radio Music. His single, entitled “Sad Eyes” reached the top 10 on the Canadian Charts. He’s toured with the likes of David Usher and Tom Cochrane, and his sounds has been compared to U2, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp.

The Star had a chance to speak with Titcomb after the show about how he became involved with War Child and some of the highlights of his tour. Titcomb recounted the events that lead up to his cross-country busking efforts.

“I had only just recently been signed to Sony Music when the company asked me if I would be willing to donate one of my songs for a tribute CD. I had done a song called “War” and they put it on an album with a tonne of other well known artists,” relates Titcomb. “I really liked what the organization was doing and I’ve been involved with them ever since.”

When queried about some highlights of the tour, Titcomb said there were a lot of great moments, but one in particular stands out. In Guelph, Ontario, the band played for a small sized backyard party for about 70 people. In one show Titcomb raised $3000. Titcomb also found a generous philanthropist to match the funds he raises.

Titcomb says he hopes the money will help build a health clinic or a school somewhere in Africa. His group doesn’t take any of the earnings for their travels. With the tour almost completed, close to $30,000 has been raised. They set out with the goal of raising $10,000.

For more information or to donate, check out www.liamtitcom.com.