Jim Byrnes

Presented by Piva in collaboration with Anvil Theatre

Jim Byrnes, born in St. Louis, Missouri—blues country—has been on the blues highway for over 45 years. Raised on the north side, he was immersed in music from an early age, performing professionally by age thirteen. Byrnes moved to Vancouver in the mid-70s, forming the Jim Byrnes Band in 1981, which became a local staple. Despite a serious car accident in 1972, Byrnes’ passion for music endured. His evocative, smoky vocals and collaborations with producer Steve Dawson have led to multiple acclaimed albums, including the Juno-winning House of Refuge.

Jim has also built a notable acting career, with roles in series like Wiseguy and Highlander. Despite his success on screen, his first love remains the blues, a genre he continues to explore and celebrate through his music. From blues to gospel, and even country, Byrnes’ work reflects a deep respect for musical traditions, always delivered with heartfelt authenticity. Whether performing in intimate clubs or international stages, Jim Byrnes remains a living musical treasure.