After two years of touring, things are looking up for David Newberry, who released his first formal record this year on Vancouver’s Northern Electric imprint (Rodney Decroo, Pointed Sticks, Violet Archers, Herald Nix).

His current tour is taking him all over British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan and this month to Yorkton.

“I feel lucky to have this job every time I get a chance to get out on the road,” he says. And he is lucky, indeed. It is a wonder that he can play guitar at all, after a carpentry accident left him without use of his left hand in 2001. It was only after his doctor suggested that he turn to guitar as a form of physiotherapy that he found his natural inclination – and talent – for writing songs.

It’s a talent that critics and peers have begun to notice. He has caught the eye of several of Canada’s folk-elite, including three-time Juno winner David Francey, who calls him “absolutely brilliant...” While national music magazine EXCLAIM! says “his voice has a ring of truth and there is poetic insight aplenty,” and suggests that he is “an artist to watch.”

“I’ve toured through much of Saskatchewan,” Newberry reflects, “but this will be my first time in Yorkton. Many of my friends touring the country have stopped in Yorkton and speak really highly of it, so I’m excited to spend a day in town and play the show.”

Newberry’s live shows are known for his storytelling, audience interaction, and off the cuff comedy. His new CD, “When We Learn The Things We Need To Learn,” produced by Jon Wood, has established him as a legitimate force in Canadian music, reaching #6 on the national Folk/Roots/-Blues charts in just its first week.

David Newberry will be appearing at the 5th Avenue Cup and Saucer on October 21 with a full backing band. He is optimistic about the show, the tour, and the future. Hard work, in his case, has been paying off.

“Things have been growing consistently since we got started,” he recognizes, adding that he feels “really fortunate, because I know this isn’t always the case in today’s music business.”