By Carson Ellis
For the independent Stettler
Stettler Variety Showcase (SVS) opened its 2023-24 season with a performance by John Wort Hannam.
Taking place at the Community Hall, ticket holders enjoyed a full evening with dinner before Hannam and his band took the stage.
The Lethbridge resident told the story of the first time he played Stettler when he was hired to perform at a house concert. The most unique thing about the house of its hosts, Ed and Beth Lynes, was that although it played in houses built on hills, he had never played in a house built In a hill. Hannam added that he was excited to finally play Stettler. The Showcase committee had already booked it on two other occasions, but due to COVID, those dates were canceled.
Hannam, who arrived in Canada at the age of 8, taught for several years, but stopped teaching in the early 2000s to become a songwriter.
Since then, Hannam, who says you’re not in southern Alberta “…until you drive past the Dairy Queen in Claresholm,” has released 7 albums and received a JUNO nomination in addition to awards and appointments on both sides of the border.
Hannam is the Solo Artist of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards and the winner of Contemporary Album of the Year at the Folk Music Awards.
Between songs, Hannam shared stories from his life, many of which inspired the songs he performed. This included a song inspired by 24-hour roadside dinners and being grateful for what he had during COVID, after his (then) 8-year-old son pointed it out.
The subjects of his music range from “Hurry up Kid”, about his desire as a parent to see his son born, contrasted with the fact that he does not want his son to grow up too quickly, to the tradition of a small town in Legion meat is pulled. After playing “Meat Draw,” Hannam then held a meat drawing for a pack of bacon, drawing a ticket number from a jar and awarding an audience member accordingly.
Hannam also spoke about losing his voice and the soul-searching he experienced when Western and alternative medicine didn’t seem to help him. He said that of the different ways he identified himself, singing was one of them and he realized he had to take care of himself physically and mentally if he wanted to continue.
From songs ranging from meat pulling to parenting to 24-hour dinners to membership in the Church of the Tall Grass, Hannam’s range of topics is vast. He entertained audiences with his ability to tell stories in song and words.
Tickets for the remainder of the SVS season can be purchased at the Grate Kitchen Shoppe on Main Street.
Next, brass quintet Buzz Brass will take the stage at the Stettler Performing Arts Center on December 3.
Arts and entertainmentEntertainmentStettler
John Wort Hannam performs with his band at the 2023-24 season opener Stettler Variety Showcase. (Photo by Carson Ellis)
