Poised for the big time

Multiple musical endeavours keep Elkord rocker John Paul Smith busy

The band Sleeping With Tuesday

Each member of Sleeping With Tuesday is from the East Kootenay—Photo courtesy Dan Berdusco

by Glynis Fediuk

Looking for an East Kootenay musical success story? Look no further than Elkford’s John Paul Smith. Smith is the vocalist for rock band Sleeping With Tuesday and the John Paul Smith Trio, as well as the owner of a recording studio in Lethbridge, Alberta. Though he spends two or three days per week on the road touring, he still enjoys living in Elkford.

“I have always felt better at home, whether it’s Elkford, Fernie or Nelson,” said Smith. “For me, Elkford is really easy to tour out of, because it’s sort of central to Calgary or Lethbridge or Vancouver.”
Sleeping With Tuesday is releasing its second LP, Shuffle, in August. Single Fa-Fa-Phone reached no. 6 on the Top 40 charts. However, Smith said that his greatest musical accomplishment has simply been finding happiness and being able to support his wife and children by doing something he loves.

“It’s been a hard road, with a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “The biggest challenge is to financially stay with it. There were times when I really had to consider what I was doing, but I don’t regret anything. I have a family and I try to keep them happy and healthy. Being able to support a family playing my guitar is very nice.”

To take in a little of the Elkford music scene, stop in at Sneaky’s Pub, renowned for its excellent live music.

Back to the Kootenay Rockies landing page.

Kootenay Rockies key contacts

  • BC Tourism Advertisement
    British Columbia

    Enter to win a dream B.C. vacation

    Spend a few weeks touring B.C.'s great outdoors, create the ultimate road trip or choose any other adventure you would like to have in our beautiful province. Enter to win a dream B.C. vacation worth $20,000 and get your free 2010 vacation planner now.

    BC Tourism
    www.hellobc.com
  • Copper Point Resort Advertisement
    Invermere, BC

    Slow the pace, change the scenery and bask in the moment.

    Own your piece of adventure with a resort condominium in Invermere, British Columbia. Nestled in the heart of the Kootenays, between the Purcell and Canadian Rocky Mountains overlooking the The Ridge at Copper Point, Copper Point Resort is more than your ordinary destination property. With easy access to premier golf courses, world renowned skiing and the picturesque Lake Windermere, Copper Point Resort offers year round attractions. With a condo at Copper Point Resort, you can enjoy all the amenities of a five-star hotel at home, including a full service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, restaurant, lounge and much more. Whole and fractional ownership is available.

    Copper Point Resort
    www.copperpoint.ca