KIPLING - The Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC), along with the Kipling & District Arts Council, proudly presented their first concert of the 2021-22 Stars for Saskatchewan series last Friday evening to a crowd of 100 people.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Martin Kerr, a folk artist from Edmonton, took the stage with accompaniment by Josh Sahunta on keyboard/guitar.
Kerr’s style is contemporary folk music inspired by many of the folk revival artists of the 1970s, including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.
“They had a real poetry to their lyrics. The melodies were moving and memorable,” explains Kerr, who emulates them in his style of music.
Although some of his later music has leaned to the pop style, he says folk is where his heart is.
Kerr says he’s been singing for as long as he can remember.
“I just never stopped. I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 13,” explains Kerr of his music career.
“And falling hopelessly in love with girls out of my league.” Kerr says with a smile. “That’s how most get started I think.”
“The inspiration for my early songs was from a lot of heartbreak but I’m happily married now for the past 16 years. Now I find other things to write about.”
Playing guitar was a great outlet for Kerr, putting his thoughts and feelings into songs and sharing them with people.
“I’ve always loved music.” says Kerr. “I had lots of opportunity when I was a kid to perform in choirs and plays. I’ve always loved being on stage.”
Born and raised in England, he eventually moved to Edmonton and married his sweetheart. After his wife-to-be sent him a mixed tape, including the song Book of Love, he felt it was meant to be. He started his career as a busker although he had bigger dreams. He wanted to hear his songs on the radio and play at festivals, theatres and stadiums.
One day he auditioned for The Voice and although he didn’t make it, things did turn around shortly after that. One by one all of his dreams started coming true.
Kerr has performed in various venues throughout his career thus far.
“I’ve done a bit of everything,” he explains.
He’s played in a lot of theatres, at the Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals, and opened for Sarah McLachlan at Rogers Place in Edmonton in front of thousands of people. That was another dream come true for Kerr.
Performing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra was also an incredible experience.
Kerr found a way to make the best of living through the pandemic.
Throughout COVID, Kerr has been performing mainly with street concerts he set up in the middle of the street, inviting everyone to listen from their front yards. He brought music to the communities one block at a time.
Whatever is happening in people’s lives they always need music.
Over the past two years, he’s played over 400 street concerts.
While living through the lockdown, Kerr and other musicians came up with fitting lyrics for the pandemic situation, making the song and video for Isolation Groove.
“I love the feel of all the small towns I’m visiting on the Saskatchewan tour with the arts councils,” says Kerr. “Kipling is a very friendly place.”
“I love the small shows as well,” explains Kerr. “I enjoy connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds in all kinds of communities.”
A big part of his show includes the stories, explaining how each song came about.
Other than original songs, Kerr also includes familiar classic cover songs during his shows.
“The audiences have been so appreciative to be able to have live music again,” explains Kerr.
“I really appreciate and enjoy the intimate shows in a small venue.”
Kerr performed an old familiar classic from 50 years ago entitled Drift Away by Dobie Gray and a tune by the name of Wear Something Out, to which there was encouragement of audience participation.
Kerr spent time visiting with the audience while at his merchandise table, featuring CDs of his original music for sale.
He ended the night with a double encore, the first was a song he sang on Canadian Idol, Yellow, and the last song of the evening was a Canadian classic by Leonard Cohen, Halleluiah.
Kerr has many things he’s grateful for but family comes first.
“I’m very proud of my family, my wife Tara and my three kids.”
“I’m very proud of all the connections that I’ve made through doing something sincere, putting my heart out there. I’m amazed at how much support and joy there has been just standing up in the middle of the street and singing a song and how it attracts people’s hearts. I’m very proud of the ripples of good things that have gone out just from singing a song.
“I’m happy with where I’m at as a musician,” says Kerr. “I feel like I’ve made it.”
Kerr’s proudest moment becomes very apparent in his nostalgic songs about his young family when he sings about his kids.
And he dedicates a song to his wife, You’re Amazing.
Watch for Kerr’s latest album entitled Grateful, a collaboration album featuring eight of his favourite local artists.
“Thanks for coming out to support the Kipling & District Arts Council,” says committee member Mona Lynn Stender. “Don’t miss our next show featuring The Bromantics in March.”
