Time: 8 p.m.

Cover: $20

Three of southern Alberta’s finest songwriters, Dave McCann, Leeroy Stagger and John Wort Hannam, get togehter in a van every December and tour together, sharing their songs and audiences all over Alberta

The snowballing side project of Juno nominated songwriter John Wort Hannam, Leeroy Stagger and Dave McCann. When it's all said and done, it's a inspiring night of songs and stories from three remarkable Alberta based artists, that leaves you wanting more. 

Leeroy Stagger http://www.leeroystagger.com/

Born in Victoria, British Columbia and raised on a little island on the very west coast of Canada, Stagger spent most of his youth with his grandparents who exposed him to the world of country music. Developing his musical drive early on, Stagger formed his first punk rock band at age 18. Songwriting came shortly after with themes revolving around his childhood, traveling, relationships, substance abuse and the tribulations of life. Having collaborated with one of his icons, Danny Michel, Stagger found commercial success in the song, “Just in Case”, which was featured twice on the television hit, Grey’s Anatomy.

The life of being on the road and touring at a fast pace did not wear easily on Stagger, who at age 26, realized he had an alcohol problem that was affecting his ability to perform with the commitment and heart his songs demanded. Clean and sober since, Stagger has a strong desire to inspire young musicians that they do not have to succumb to the pitfalls of substance abuse, which can be prevalent in a musician’s touring lifestyle.

Dave McCann http://www.davemccann.com/

Road ghosts, fallen shows and the blur of years built by song, sweat and stage noise. Americana-edged rock and roll tangled with the continuous trail of broken strings, headlights and a hell of a lot of laughter. You’re looking at the guiding force behind Dave McCann and his fourth release “Dixiebluebird.”

Produced by guitarist, producer and Nashville alt-icon Will Kimbrough (Emmylou Harris, Todd Snider, Mavis Staples, Rodney Crowell), “Dixiebluebird” is Dave’s strongest work to date. A wealth of road and heart worn original material that lays a torch to the influence of Bruised Country Soul, Heartfelt Americana and Southern Tinged Rock and Roll. “Dixiebluebird” also brings transition, with an introduction to Dave McCann and the Firehearts. It’s a new name, but the same superlative line up: long time guitarist Dave Bauer, multi-instrumentalist Pete Loughlin on Bass, Tim Williams on Drums and all the sagacious force of Charlie Hase on the Pedal Steel Guitar.

“Dixiebluebird” was recorded at the Toybox Studio-a backyard studio hidden out in the old neighborhoods of East Nashville. Owned and operated by Eli “Lij” Shaw and aptly named after it’s incredible collection of historic and vintage gear. Beautiful compressors, incredible mics, and the analog MCI console that was rescued out of Florida’s Criteria Studios after the Seventies. It’s recorded the luminaries, Neil Young, Steven Stills, Elvin Bishop, Eric Clapton, Joe Walsh, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Eagles, the list goes on and you can sense that historic heartfelt rock influence.

From the title track “Dixiebluebird” to the high-caliber rockers like “Bloodpines” and “Fireheart” or following through to the pendulant swerve of “Tuscaloosa Blues” and “Unfamiliar Ground” you can hear right off what this band is all about...Heart. From the spine chilling and crunch-tangled crackle of the guitars to the uncommonly high standards of song craft, “Dixiebluebird” is full speed. With it’s consistent and matchless musicianship this recording finds itself the benchmark.

Previous releases “Shoot The Horse” (2008), “Country Medicine” (2004) and “Woodland Tea” (2000) garnered Dave international acclaim with fans and critics alike and found him sharing the stage with both legendary performers and the overlooked heros of the musical world. Songs from “Country Medicine” and “Woodland Tea” were also included in the award-winning sound track to the film “Hank Williams First Nation”, as well as the TV series. The film sound track included songs from Joe Ely, Billy Joe Shaver, Hank Williams and others. It ended up taking home “Best music in a motion picture” at the Nashville Film Festival in 2005.

John Wort Hannam http://www.johnworthannam.com

In the 10 years since he became a working musician, Fort macleod based John has released 5 albums and captured 7 Grand prize/First place awards for his songwriting as well as a Juno nomination for Best Traditional/Roots album and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Album of the Year.   His music has taken him from his home in Alberta to his birthplace, the Isle of Jersey, UK,  to appearances in festivals from Trafalgar Square to the Smithsonian to Kerrville, TX.  John Wort Hannam in concert is a powerful singer with poignant lyrics to match.