Local realtor turning pages with musical performance

When Will Rowe isn’t assisting clients with buying and selling homes, he’s usually working on his craft as a songwriter, and that includes bringing a concept performance to a local bookstore next month.

His project is called Grandhurst and his setlist is a “book” that tells his life story through original songs, as well as a couple of covers.

The show takes place May 11 at 2 p.m. at Lakeside Books and Art in downtown Ridgeway.

The themes of his lyrics touch on family and friends, and the ups and downs of life, he told Fort Erie Radio in a recent interview.

He grew up in Sandhurst, an Ontario town near municipalities like Kingston, Napanee, and Bath.

That’s where the “hurst” in Grandhurst comes from, with the first syllable being inspired by the love of his life, Kelly, being from Grand Bend.

Rowe said he has struck chords with people in recent performances through songs that can tug on emotional heartstrings.

He’s confident in his lyricism, but also his musicianship.

“I don’t want to gush about it, but I can play guitar,” said Rowe.

“It’s not just campfire stuff,” he added.

One of the covers he will perform is ‘Bobcaygeon’ by The Tragically Hip, inspired by he and his friends riding bikes as kids past an old home that later became The Bathhouse Recording Studio, which is owned by the prolific Canadian rock band.

Rowe has opened for the Family Brown, Good Brothers and the Dixie Flyers. He also recorded a live album “Live at La Strada” in the late ’90s and has been a featured songwriter for the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International Toronto Chapter at Hugh’s Room Live in Toronto.

As well, Rowe has produced and performed local fundraiser shows–Local Folk for Local Folk, Passion for Paws, and The Neil and I–says a news release he provided to Fort Erie Radio.

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