Songs for Ken fundraiser an evening of music and art at the Empress

Alberta singer-songwriter John Wort Hannam is gathering together his musical contemporaries The PolyJesters, Brooke Wylie, Tanner James, Maureen Chambers and The Sadlier Brown Band for the third annual Songs for Ken fundraising concert at the Empress Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert is in memory of John’s lifelong friend Ken Rouleau, who died from ALS, a neurodegenerative disease, in 2012. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the ALS Society of Alberta.

“When I first approached John about producing some kind of annual event for the Empress, he didn’t hesitate for a moment,” says Tim Ranson, executive director of the Empress. “He knew exactly what it was going to be all about.”

John and Ken met when they were eight year olds. “We were inseparable growing up,” says John. “To say Ken was a great friend is an understatement. He was a compassionate, smart, thoughtful and loving person and he was a huge influence on the person I strive to be.”

Rosebud, AB visual artist Randall Wiebe will again be on hand lending his talents to the cause by painting a portrait of a lucky audience member.

Songs for Ken tickets are $25 and available at www.macleodempress.com or by calling 403-553-4404 (toll-free at 1-800-540-9229).

John is also presenting a Songs for Ken concert in Calgary at the Southwood United Church (10690 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Feb. 10 at 7:30. Tickets are $25 and available at Saks Music (21, 11440 Braeside Dr. S.W.) or www.fishcreekconcerts.com.
About the artists
John Wort Hannam is a Southern Alberta-based roots musician and singer-songwriter who pens winsome folk tunes. He has released five albums, capturing a Juno nomination for Best Traditional/ Roots album and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Album of the Year.

The PolyJesters describe their music as “swingin’ folk”. Whatever you call it, these four funny fellas hailing from Carstairs, Alberta will put a smile on your face with their humorous tunes.

Brooke Wylie spent her early musical career developing her own original country/roots sound in Calgary and throughout Southern Alberta. She captivates audiences with her strong and commanding vocal ability and stage banter.

Tanner James is a young Canadian folk singer and songwriter who took first place at the Calgary Folk Music Song Contest and was a semi-finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest. His funny and confessional songs tell the stories of the people he’s met and the places he’s been.

Maureen Chambers is a well-known Fort Macleod gem, having taught music to hundreds of local school students. She recently released an album with her children called Another One About Flowers and continues, with her husband Trent Moranz, to be deeply involved with the South Country Fair.

The Sadlier Brown Band are musical chameleons whose songs range from country two-steps to 50s rockabilly jive, blues, swing, folk and proto-jazz. They mix original songs with covers to create an entertaining, creative show.

For information about the concert, contact
John Wort Hannam
403-308-6082
johnworthannam@telus.net

For more information about the Empress, contact
Tim Ranson, Executive Director, Empress Theatre
403-553-4404 or info@macleodempress.com