John Wort Hannam performs in Strathmore in April

Times Contributor  

 

Award-winning musician John Wort Hannam brings his music to the Travelodge Ballroom on April 13 from 8-11 p.m.

Singer / songwriter Wort Hannam, from Fort Macleod, plays guitar, tenor guitar and harmonica. For this show, he’s bringing “fiddler extraordinaire Scott Duncan” from Calgary, and a new member from Canmore, Tyson Maiko who plays upright bass. They’ll perform original music from Brambles and Thorns, Wort Hannam’s latest CD.

Wort Hannam, who’s won and been nominated for numerous awards, won Contemporary Album of the Year at the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Awards. 

“I’m influenced by roots music, elements of acoustic, western, folk and country,” he says. “I’m very influenced by great song-writing. When I listen to music, I listen to lyrics foremost and then the melody and structure on the song after that.”

Linda Storkson of the Strathmore Musical Arts Society, who’ve invited Wort Hannam to return to Strathmore for his third show, says “he’s an awesome musician as well as a great songwriter … he always tells a story through his songs.”

“He’s very down-to-earth in his lyrics, and he somehow connects to people through his lyrics,” she says. “He has a way of touching each person in the audience and they can relate to what he’s singing about.”

She’s observed that Wort Hannam’s music touches people of all ages. 

“It’s cross-generational,” she says. “It’s not focused on anyone age group. He’s not so old that he won’t appeal to the young – and not so young that he won’t appeal to the old.” 

Plus, John Wort Hannam is a pleasure to have as a guest. 

“He just has a very warm personality and is very easy to talk to,” she says.

Lindsay Goebel, an up-and-coming Strathmore musician, will open for Wort Hannam. 

“She’s a young gal here that’s very talented,” Storkson says of Goebel. “She’s gone into the folk type (music) too so there’ll be a good combination.”

The event will also include a cash bar and snacks for purchase. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m.

John Wort Hannam says those who haven’t heard his music can “have a listen” at www.youtube.com/bluecollarrootsmusic. And on April 13, he invites everyone to “come see original Alberta-made music.”

Storkson adds, “we encourage every age group to come out and join him …. come out and have some fun.”

Tickets are $20. They’re available at Pro-Water and PJ’s Appliances, or by calling Linda at 403-680-7721.