In what is being called the Valemount Arts and culture committee’s biggest concert to date, four established Canadian artists will be performing at the Valemount Community Theatre on Oct. 7.

Lunch At Allen’s, featuring the musical talents of Murray McLaughlin, Cindy Church, Mark Jordan and Ian Thomas will be performing at the Valemount community Theatre on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m.

“We’re really lucky to have them,” said Neysa Weatherbee of the Valemount arts and culture society.

Weatherbee is particularly excited about the arrival of McLaughlin, who has been a household name in Canada for decades.

“Murray McLaughlin is like an icon. This is a pinnacle for us,” Weatherbee said.

All four artists have made their mark on the Canadian music scene. Mclaughlin is renowned as one of the country’s best songwriters, having captured 11 Junos over his career and being named to the Order of Canada in 1993. His best known works include ‘The Farmer’s song’ and ‘Hurricane of Change.’ He also has his pilot’s licence.

Cindy Church began touring with Ian Tyson early in her career and later joined Quartette with Sylvia of Ian and Sylvia fame. She is widely considered one of the top female vocalists in the country, and recently has been touring with a tribute to Hoagy Carmichael.

Ian Thomas is best known for his 1973 hit ‘Painted Ladies’. He’s written songs for Santana, America, Chicago, Bette Midler and Anne Murray and has recorded 15 albums. In recent years, he’s scored many television series, and also does the voice of Snap in rice crispy commercials. He’s also the younger brother of comedian Dave Thomas, and wrote the theme song for the movie ‘Strange Brew.’

Mark Jordan, famous for writing the song ‘Marina Del Ray’ and ‘Rhythm Of My Heart’ has also provided hit material for many international artists, such as Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins, Cher and Rod Stewart.

The group formed as part of a weekly meeting at Allen’s pub in the Danforth neighbourhood in Toronto, where Jordan, Thomas and McLaughlin would hang out. Church was added to the group and ‘Lunch at Allen’s’ was born.

The booking is through the British Columbia Arts Council, which has a program to allow smaller communities such as Valemount to book larger acts, Weatherbee said. Many of the artists have loved their time in Valemount.

“We’ve had nothing but amazing feedback for our little stage,” Weatherbee said.

The committee’s next concert comes on Nov. 17, when the McDades are coming to Valemount.