Jason Scott is one performer who shines bright like a diamond.

The entertainer is coming back to Drumheller with his show called “Diamond Forever, a Celebration of Neil Diamond.” It pays tribute to one of the biggest stars in music.

“Neil Diamond has recorded his music so many times, and changed it so much, that interpreting that music can in itself be an art,” said Scott, creator and performance artist for the one-man live stage extravaganza. “When you look at Neil Diamond’s history and career of six decades, you realize the music and the possibilities of that music are unlimited.”

Scott is an accomplished artist in his own rightand was long before he began his tribute performances. But his portrayal of Neil Diamond has won him accolades and awards. He was the first Canadian Performer to win the Be a Legend “Celebrity Tribute Artist” competition in 2015 in Las Vegas. He was awarded the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tribute Artists “Best Platinum Showcase Award” in 2010.

Most recently he was selected to be part of the cast of a documentary called Play Me. This depicts the stories of tribute artist, focusing on Neil Diamond tributes.

“Diamond Forever a Celebration of Neil Diamond” is described as an exciting, must-see show, enhanced by background stories, humor, authentic costuming, studio recorded audio tracks and incredibly realistic “spot on” vocals.

“This music bridge’s generations. The show is structured but also spontaneous, loose and huge fun as the performance is very audience interactive,” said Scott. “Sometimes I find myself in the crowd and then other times I’ve found some of the audience on stage with me.”

“Diamond Forever a Celebration of Neil Diamond” is coming to the Drumheller Royal Canadian Legion, Friday, August 21.

One of the joys of summertime in Alberta is biting into a big juicy cob of Taber corn.

But with imposters out there, how do you know you are getting the real deal?

With a hot July, the corn signs are already popping up in the area. While moist fresh corn on the cob can be yummy, it takes a certain kind to satisfy the discerning palette.

“The key is look for the certificate,” said Dave Jensen of Jensen’s Taber Corn. 

He explains that a few years ago there were a few kiosks out there selling corn using the famous Taber name, when the corn was grown elsewhere. To curb this, growers got together and produced a certificate that prove the origin of the corn.

He says the problem hasn’t completely gone away and at times it has eroded consumer confidence.

“Last year we were there and Drumheller people were very skeptical about buying corn from us because they had other people there, brokers who had sold bad corn,” said Jensen. “We were giving corn out on the street saying, ‘this is from the farm.’ Towards the end of the year it turned out.” 

Jensen has also found a way to make sure consumers are getting right goods. They operate many of their own sale stands throughout the province.

“We don’t sell it to someone, else, it goes directly from the farm to the consumer and they will have the certificate,” he said. “If you see our certificate and it’s from our kiosk at Canadian Tire, it’s legitimate.”

When asked what gives Taber corn the reputation of being a top quality product, his answer is simple.

“Soil type, heat units and irrigation.”

He adds getting the corn to the consumer is just as important.

“Another thing that is very important to quality is how you look after it after it leaves the farm, that’s the key. You can take perfectly good corn and wreck it if you don’t look after it,” he said.