I just finished watching our little ‘Stage Hanna’ theatre group perform the musical ‘Shout’… a teacher, a banker, a veterinary tech, a hairdresser, a student, a funeral director, a daughter, a mother, my friends, a menagerie of small town regular folk, none of them professional entertainers, none of them perfect (who among us is?) but all of them bringing something unique and wonderful, all of them giving their whole hearts and leaving everything they’ve got onstage and having fun doing it. Too many times, the entertainment business is cutthroat and judgy and shame on those people. I am so thankful for our local visionaries, the believers who bring these opportunities to our special little town and I am so proud of the cast, crew, set builders, techs, those behind the scenes and in the spotlight, every hard working person that makes the magic happen, supporting and encouraging each other, bringing the very best of themselves to the stage for their friends and family and our little town to enjoy and admire and applaud. If this was a review, it would be 5 stars, two thumbs and a standing ovation from this theatre critic. Well done, Stage Hanna, well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Feelings are difficult to put into words but, if I get right down to the root of it, it’s simple. I am grateful. It is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to be recognized by the Canadian Country Music Association and to be inducted into the Musician Hall of Honour but it’s not a new feeling… I’m grateful every time someone claps or looks up from the audience beaming or sings along with their favourite song or seeks me out after a show to tell me how much they enjoyed the music. I’m grateful for every time I’ve been acknowledged in any way for making music. I feel blessed every time I step stage, I’m grateful for all of it. I am and have always been grateful to simply do what I love every day of my life. Thank you to everyone that has ever made that possible in even the smallest way.
Just enjoying a little pre-show nap in the Ranchman’s green room before Brandon Lorenzo shakes the rafters! Come join us for some down home country music and wear your two stepping boots! #realcountrymusic #90scountry #ranchmans
Today was Johnny Cash’s birthday. I have always loved this picture of him. This is how a life in music should be done. He paid his dues. He continued to create art until the day he died. I hope I can do that.
Another fun AI trend! I tried two different AI apps and a stylizer and got three very different creations. Thanks to Stella Stevens and her amazingly spectacular caricature for the idea!
CMAB Nom Day is here! Congratulations to the nominees, one and all! I’m beyond honoured to once again see my name among Alberta’s best and brightest. I have mad respect for the incredible musicians and artists that make up our beautiful, crazy, wickedly talented music family! Let’s keep doing this forever! ❤️
As for the fans and friends… Get out there and see a band or a show this weekend! If you’re not yet a member, sign up and join us in listening, learning, appreciating and supporting the fertile Alberta music scene!
The exact moment that I saw the mouse run across our living room floor was 8:15 pm. Rest assured, there is no longer a mouse in our house. #teamwork #couplegoals #🐭
Had a fantastic and festive last gig before Christmas in Lethbridge with Brandon Lorenzo, Johnny 6Pak and Ballroom Blatz, did the final Costco shop and had a wonderful brunch with Cal and Ildi! Now I have time to drink eggnog in front of the fire with my boy and our dog and devote my full attention to the latest AI/ChatGPT trend! Why wait for Christmas? I say we bring back the disco sparkle 70’s jumpsuit all year round!
Hats off to Hick and Sticks for these incredible 3D printed masterpieces! Marty also does phenomenal wood and epoxy work as well as custom laser etching!
Happy birthday to this astoundingly talented musician and incredible human being. It’s been a pleasure to share thousands of stages, millions of miles and countless songs, laughs, stories, adventures and great times with you! Have a truly happy birthday, Ryan, and a wonder-filled year ahead.
