After growing family roots in Penticton, singer-songwriter Kym Gouchie endured harsh circumstances, and she’s back in town to headline a concert and share her healing process.
“My show is called Home Away from Home because I spent 12 years here and this feels like home to me,” she said, adding that her children and grandchildren live in town. “This is really important to me because I’m sharing what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown in the last year with people that I care about and people who follow my music. I didn’t just choose Penticton out of a hat, I’m here to play in a community that I love.”
While living in the bedroom of her niece’s house who passed away in 2013, Gouchie was a resident of Penticton as recently as February. She then moved to Prince George to take care of her mother after learning she was diagnosed with cancer.
Gouchie said her mother is now doing well. The decision to move to Prince George gave her a change in pace that allowed her to reinvent herself, even at the age of 50.
“I have devoted my life to my music career and being with my mom has allowed for me to do this as we take care of each other.”
While her teen years are long over, Gouchie said she now feels like a teenager after graduating high school.
“The world is out there for me. Let’s just pick a direction and go. I’m feeling very adventurous.”
Gouchie performs at the Orchard House on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Opening for her will be Billy Walker, Chynna McLean and Jen Peters, as well as a latin dance set by Tasha Woiczyk. Tickers are $30 at the door or $25 in advance through St. Germaine Café and Classic Guitars.