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Séan McCann of Great Big Sea fame promises intimate experience at Dekker

Apr 13, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Battlefords residents taking in Séan McCann’s performance at the Dekker Centre next month will see a softer side of the singer-songwriter who achieved fame with Canadian celtic-rock band Great Big Sea.

McCann will be performing songs mainly from his solo career, but is open to audience requests, he said.

“It’s my first time in North Battleford, so I’m really looking forward to that,” he said. “My show is all about singing, bringing people together in song… My goal is to melt that room and to lift hearts.” 

Originally from Carbonear, Newfoundland, McCann now resides near Ottawa.  

McCann will also be talking a bit about his personal struggles with mental health also during the show.

“I’m really grateful for the second chance that I have,” he said.

McCann overcame alcoholism over the years, and is also a survivor after being the victim of sexual abuse as a teenager.

He said writing songs and performing has been his therapy.

“This is my counselling. This is what works for me, and I know it has a positive effect on other people who may be struggling as well,” McCann said.

“I think I have a story to tell,” he added. “My journey’s been a rather interesting one. I’ve been sober for almost seven years. I’ve faced my path and I’ve managed to move ahead.”

The troubadour hopes he can help others too by talking about his own experiences. 

“I like to share my truth with the people. I like to encourage them to not give up, to keep trying no matter what state their life might be in, because life is worth fighting for, real life, living, awake,” McCann said. “The world is a beautiful place. We just got to put our vial down, our joint down, or our needle down, or our Facebook down and look into each other’s eyes and sing together.”

In addition to touring with his music, McCann also gives speaking engagements to share his story. He said he is also currently writing a book with help from his wife that he hopes to complete by the end of the year.

McCann describes his solo work as a singer-writer as very personal.

“I am who I am,” he said. “It is what it is. The truth is the truth. It’s important to not be afraid of it.”

He said people taking in his show in North Battleford will see he is “coming from a place of sincerity” in his songs.

“It’s not just a show. It’s really me, and I really do have something to share with you,” he said.

Séan McCann will be performing at the Dekker Centre in North Battleford Friday, May 4.  

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW