John Wort Hannam will perform roots-rock music on Friday at Red Deer’s Elk’s Lodge with his band.
The show’s opener is Red Deer group Off the Rails.
Hannam quit teaching 17 years ago and released his first recording, Pocket Full Of Holes. Since then, the Alberta musician has recorded six more albums and been nominated for a Juno, a Canadian Folk Music Award and a CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award. He’s also won multiple Western Canada Music Awards.
Becoming a dad, turning 50, moving to the “big city” of Lethbridge, and suffering some vocal issues and a bout of depression have challenged Hannam. But he “has emerged a better songwriter, a better singer, and a better player.”
On his album Acres Of Elbow Room, he has further crafted his songwriting and penned some of his most personal songs.
The local band Off the Rails features siblings and cousins April Irwin, Brent Cheek, Melanie Cheek, and Judy and Lloyd Jackson.
The group members’ instrumentation and rich harmonies are enhanced by years of singing together around the piano and guitar.
Off the Rails will perform songs from the past and the present — cover tunes and originals.
For more information about the show, please visit www.centralmusicfest.com.