Osoyoos resident Peggie Nora performs at Music in the Park on July 26 at 6:30 p.m. (Contributed photo)

By Dale Boyd

Osoyoos Times

Osoyoos singer Peggie Nora, 69, had hung up her hat when it came to music, but she wasn’t going to let her age stop her from exploring a new career.

Singing since she was four years old, she let some critiques about her age stop her temporarily.

Now she has her songs played on radio stations around the world.

“We all know when we can’t do it anymore, or when we should. As long as you can still do something and you love it, you have a passion for it, you should do it,” Nora said.

She will be joined on stage at Gyro Park on July 26 by the Vernon band Rockin’ Horse, recent winners of a Vernon battle of the bands, comprised entirely of seniors. She feels that age alone shouldn’t stop people from following their dreams.

“Just keep doing what you do, love what you do and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t,” Nora said. “I just want to inspire people, if you paint, keep painting, if you write keep writing and if you sing, keep singing.”

The country singer, with some old rock ‘n’ roll mixed in, returned to music recently after a bit of a hiatus to create an album with CCMA Award-winning artists and award-winning producer Bill Buckingham entitled I’ll Sing My Song.

“I let (music) go and always felt incomplete I guess,” Nora said.

Sending her music around the world she eventually received a response from a radio show in England. As her music continued to reach new audiences. She now has had radio play in 36 countries. 

As well, Nora recently shot her first music video through connections to some friends in Scottsdale, AZ.

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However, music is just one piece of Nora’s life. She has been a long time fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Canada.

“It’s very close to my heart and I donate every cent from my CD sales to Childhood Cancer,” Nora said.

CDs will be available for purchase at her Music in the Park show, with proceeds going to families affected by childhood cancer.

A vocal coach in town and Nora can also be found singing at assisted living facilities in Osoyoos once a week.

“That’s one of my favourite things to do. When you touch somebody it’s pretty amazing,” Nora said.

Nora plays Gyro Park on July 26 for a free Music in the Park concert at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.