Photo: http://www.bandidoscerveza.com/

From Saskatchewan to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and now Kelowna, Ken Hartfield's career in music has come full circle.

Hartfield was born and raised in Regina where his love for music began at a young age.

“By the time I was 18, I was music director for some of the productions for Regina Buffalo Days,” said Hartfield. “They sent me to Chicago as well, then I joined the RCMP Concert Band in Ottawa.”

From there, he took off and worked as a composer, arranger, musician and producer in L.A. and Las Vegas.

He moved to Kelowna 13 years ago for personal reasons and moved into the business world. He ran an animation studio and games company, but his heart was still in music. 

A few years ago, when he turned 65, he decided it was time to do what he loved again.

“I put this 22-piece symphonic classic rock band together, Bandidos Cerveza, that I created custom arrangements for,” said Hartfield.

“When I was in a rock band in the '60s, playing these classic rock songs, I could hear brass and strings in my head that weren't there on the original recordings, so I decided to do that.”

He said the band's music is unique and has been well received.

“We've been playing to full houses in B.C.,” said Hartfield.

Bandidos Cerveza performs at Kelowna Community Theatre on Saturday.

“When you combine a 22-piece rock band with brass and strings from the symphony, a rhythm section and six really good lead singers, it is just an amazing sound that comes out,” said Hartfield.

“The arrangements that Ken creates maintain the rock n' roll integrity of the original song, ensuring that every beat of the drum, or strum of the lead guitar is fully recognizable, while using perfectly balanced classical elements such as horns and strings and woodwinds to breathe new life and inspiration into some of the most beloved rock songs of all time,” said theatre manager Randy Zahara.

Some tickets are still available online, at the Kelowna Visitor Centre, 544 Harvey Ave. or by telephone at 250-861-1515.

“They are going to hear a sound they've never heard before. They are going to hear these arrangements like Riders on the Storm, Stairway to Heaven, all these classics, like they've never heard before,” promised Hartfield.