What sporting event is complete without music? Be it the iconic bugle call before horses step onto the racetrack, a powerful delivery of the national anthem, or even "Lady of Spain" cheekily played as the visiting team takes to the ice, James offers the perfect accompaniment (pun intended!) to any sporting event, enhancing the experience for participants and spectators alike.
National Anthem Singing
James has performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "O Canada" at hundreds of sporting events, from high school baseball and basketball games in his teenage years to a number of appearances as the de facto Canadian anthem singer for the Bridgeport (Conn.) Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. In addition to his current duties as the play-by-play commentator and media director for the University of Delaware hockey teams, James also serves as their anthem singer.
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
James — pulling double duty on vocals and organ — performs the American national anthem before an Eastern Hockey League game. Video courtesy the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.
"O Canada"
Hear James perform a bilingual rendition of the Canadian national anthem prior to a 2019 Bridgeport Sound Tigers game against Belleville. Video courtesy David Title.
Hockey and Baseball Organ
A vast repertoire of songs from many eras and genres enables James to bring a classic, time-honoured atmosphere to any baseball or hockey game. He has provided live organ accompaniment for the Binghamton (N.Y.) Mets and Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, among other teams and leagues.
Learn more about how you can bring James' unique 'Game Day Experience' to your arena or ballpark here.
Racetrack Bugling
"First Call" may only consist of 34 notes, but they're instantly recognizable to any racegoer and an important aspect of the pageantry of a big race.
James was the chief bugler at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey from 2013 to 2016, and has had the honour of calling horses to post for the Breeders Crown in 2013 and 2018; the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions of the Adios; the 2017 Illinois Derby; the 2017, 2018 and 2019 editions of Illinois Night of Champions; and the 2019 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot.