By Amy Dove

BLACK PRESS

Ken Lavigne is coming home.

Now based in Chemainus, the Colwood native is kicking off a 17-show “Direct from Carengie” B.C. tour at the Church of the Advent Sept. 10.

Travelling with a two-man ensemble, Lavigne describes the show as an eclectic mix of classical repertoire, musical theatre, ballads and more.

“It’s a bit of a mixed bag,” he says. “People should expect the unexpected at these shows. Anything can happen. We might pop out with a country tune.”

Performing for a home-town crowd is a bit nerve wracking, he says. It has been a long time since he has performed on the West Shore, and as the first show of the tour there is a lot to try out, he adds.

“In a way I really ought not to be (nervous) because it’s the home-town crowd,” he says. “It’s the perfect spot to try out new material.”

After his Carengie Hall performance in January he gets recognized more when he goes out, Lavigne says. People are always eager to know what’s next, but he is just enjoying the moment.

“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster,” he says. “I just wanted to bask in the glow a little bit.”

The performance, which was accompanied by the New York Pops Orchestra, did lead to some work with famed L.A. producer David Foster. That’s a relationship Lavigne is looking forward to building, he says.

For now though, the focus is on the B.C. tour. There is a different atmosphere with small engagements, he says, and a lot less pressure.

“I also like that informal atmosphere that is created in smaller venues,” he says. “There isn’t that great divide between you and the audience. That’s kind of neat.”

The tour will be the last small ensemble tour for a while though, he says. There are bigger plans in the works, but for now there is a very good reason to stay close to home.

“My wife is expecting our third child, so we are stoked about that,” Lavigne says.

“I’m crossing my fingers it’s going to be a boy this time.”

The Sept. 10 concert is at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Advent, 510 Mount View Ave. Tickets are sold out. For more information on Ken Lavigne go to kenlavigne.com.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com