One of the Maritimes’ favourite singer-songwriters is making his first foray into the area later this month.
Lennie Gallant, known for songs such as Peter’s Dream and Lifeline, brings his Innkeeper’s Christmas show to the Midland Cultural Centre Nov. 29.
“We’re very excited to be taking the tour up to your part of the world,” Gallant explains during a telephone interview from his home in Mont Carmel, Prince Edward Island.
“Midland seems like a neat place. Any town that has a buttertart festival can’t be all bad,” he jokes.
Gallant, whose discography goes back more than 30 years, has won multiple awards over the years for his passionate songs that celebrate both life, love and the struggles of the working man. He also occasionally pens a tune in French, a salute to his francophone roots.
“I think I’ve been put on this planet to write songs and perform,” says Gallant, whose love of touring is evidenced by anyone who’s had the good fortune to see him perform live.
Gallant says that being away from the stage for the past two-plus years has been extremely difficult for him.
He adds: “It’s been great to get back out there and we’re really looking forward to performing.”
For several years, Gallant has performed new editions of The Innkeeper’s Christmas in Atlantic Canada to sold-out crowds with a mix of newly penned tunes, classic songs and captivating stories.
With the release of his first and long-awaited Christmas album, Christmas Day on Planet Earth last November to much praise and critical acclaim along with the formation of his new band — including partner and Acadian star Patricia Richard, multi-instrumental phenom Keelin Wedge, and piano marvel Julien Robichaud — this show promises to be the best one yet, according to Gallant.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun with a band on stage," he adds.
There’s also an accompanying multimedia show featuring an enchanting array of related images and paintings.
“It’s kind of a mix of folk art and impressionism,” Gallant says. “Given all the murals in your town, I think people will appreciate it.”
While the show features a Christmas theme with a wide array of original songs curated from his Christmas album, he'll also by playing popular tunes cultivated from his huge catalogue of material such as Pieces of You, Sequoia and, of course, the aforementioned Peter’s Dream.
Over the years, the P.E.I. native and bilingual artist Gallant has won a host of awards and nominations, including JUNOS, Canadian Folk Music Awards and 19 East Coast Music Awards. His music transcends boundaries, and he has written and performed in folk, rock, Americana, and Acadian genres. He has recorded 14 albums of original songs, 11 in English and three in French.
The show begins at 8 p.m. with tickets starting at $41.
For more information about Gallant check out his website.