‘Music is medicine, we need a dose right now': Great Big Sea member stopping in Edmonton on Canadian tour

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2 days ago

Séan McCann of Ottawa and St. John's, N.L., is invested as a member of the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. McCann was a founding member of folk rock band Great Big Sea, and now advocates for mental health as a solo artist. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)
Séan McCann, founding member of Great Big Sea, is taking the road less travelled this summer as he tours Canadian cities and towns.
'The Great Big Canadian Road Trip' tour kicked off in May in Sudbury, Ont., and is something of a love letter to Canada. McCann will be hitting venues that are off the beaten path in towns less travelled.
'It's about reminding Canadians, from Kamloops to Kenora, that their stories matter and their voices count,' said a press release. 'Together we are strong enough to overcome every challenge we may face as a country moving forward.'
McCann will be bringing his one-man show to the Grace United Church in the Fulton Place neighbourhood on June 14.
The Order of Canada recipient said the tour isn't about hating on Americans, but embracing his home country by bringing music to people who need it most in places that don't always make the tour poster.
'I love Americans,' said McCann in a statement. 'I love them so much that I even married one, but I won't return to the states until the current president is gone and our neighbours change their angry tone.'
McCann has already hit Medicine Hat and Calgary, playing at the public library and Parkdale United Church, respectively.
Before coming to the city of champions next week, McCann will play a benefit concert in Jasper on June 13 at the Historic Jasper Baptist Church to raise funds for victims of last year's wildfire.
'I believe that Canada needs a little more singing and a little less shouting.'