This weekend he will have his chance.

Olsen, who has lived in Tonganoxie for 16 years, will sing seven songs Saturday night at Annie’s Country Jubilee.

Olsen first sang in a choir in college. For years after that he’d sing to his children and he’d sing while driving the car.

As time went on, he began singing more and more. Olsen, who works at the Wal-Mart distribution center in Ottawa, sang the national anthem at a national Wal-Mart convention. And he’s sung at weddings, funerals and church services. He currently sings with the worship team at West Haven Baptist Church.

After a divorce four years ago, Olsen began singing more.

“I started karokeing a little bit, kind of got hooked,” Olsen said. “The more I did that, the more I got out. It gave me an avenue to get out and sing.”

Now, friends and family, including his new wife, Sue Olsen, continue to encourage him to continue his crooning.

So about three months ago Olsen, who is 47 and has five grown children and nine grandchildren, auditioned at Annie’s. To his delight, he was asked to sing at a show.

His Saturday gig will be preceded by his only rehearsal, which is slated for 5:30 p.m. The show starts a couple hours later.

“I’m very excited,” Olsen said. “And a lot nervous.”

And, even though the singing isn’t a paying job, Olsen’s thrilled.

“It would be fun if it turned into something like that, but really I’m just more excited about getting in and doing it,” Olsen said. “I just definitely like to get up and sing in front of people and feed off the crowd and off the audience.”