Ben Klick releases new Christmas tune on the heels of 2 more BCCMA awards

It’s been a big few weeks for West Kelowna country musician Ben Klick, with new additions to his trophy case and the release of an original Christmas song.

The new hardware came at the 2023 BC Country Music Association (BCCMA) awards, where Klick won a pair of honours.

He left the Lower Mainland with the Gaylord Wood Traditional Artist of the Year trophy and the President’s Citation Award, his fifth and sixth career awards from the BCCMA.

The Gaylord Wood Traditional Artist of the Year award is presented to the act whose music is based on traditional country style, but is different from what’s considered ‘mainstream country’ through its innovations and originality.

The President’s Citation Award is presented by the BCCMA president to an individual, group or organization who makes a significant contribution to their community.

Klick raised more than $170,000 for MS Canada through charitable efforts with his Music Fest MS fundraiser and other endeavours.

“It was a shock to have won two awards at this year’s BCCMA awards,” said Klick. “Being recognized by the community for what I do and who I am as an artist personally and professionally is something I don’t take lightly.”

Despite the accolades, there has been no time to rest for Klick, who was in Abbotsford in the days that followed the BCCMA awards to record a new song.

On Dec. 1, he released “Santa Rides a Harley,” a light-hearted, fun Christmas tune that is quickly gaining traction on streaming platforms and local country radio.

The song’s official music video was filmed in Kelowna with help from Kelowna Powersports and Kelowna Harley-Davidson, and it will be released on Friday, Dec. 8.

“I’ve always loved motorbikes. My dad and I used to go to the Vancouver motorcycle show every year when I was growing up. I guess I got a bit of a bug and got my motorcycle licence a few years ago to be able to ride,” Klick explained.

“Writing the song ‘Santa Rides a Harley’ was a fun experience with my friend Rhett McDaniel and my girlfriend Cassidy Bastien when we were living in Nashville at the beginning of the year. And I’m thrilled to have this be the Christmas single release for the year!”

Klick has a few local shows lined up in the coming weeks, starting with the Vibrant Vine on Friday, Dec. 8, then Red Bird Brewing on Dec. 19 and Dec. 30 and finally the Kelowna Community Theatre on Jan. 23.

He’ll then head back to his second home in Nashville at the end of January to get back to work on recording new music.

You can check on Klick’s website and socials to stay up to date with his work and find “Santa Rides a Harley” on all digital download and streaming platforms.