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Martin Kerr kicks off Stettler Variety Showcase 2022 season, next up Sarah Hagen in March

One of the busiest entertainers of the last two years made a stop in Stettler on Sunday, Feb. 13.

One of the busiest entertainers of the last two years made a stop in Stettler on Sunday, Feb. 13.

Edmonton-based singer and song-writer Martin Kerr kicked off Stettler Variety Showcase’s (SVS) 2022 season in a big way, playing before an audience of around 100 people in Stettler’s Jewel Theatre.

Playing two approximately 45-minute sets, Kerr played a variety of original songs and covers of music which influenced him.

During a time when concerts were being cancelled everywhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying health restrictions, Kerr performed over 500 “stay at home street concerts” in Edmonton and the surrounding area over the last two years.

The entertainer also got some writing done, releasing a collaboration album titled Grateful in 2021.

Helping Kerr out with his performance at the Jewel were Josh Sahunta, who co-wrote one of the songs performed, on guitar and Brennan Cameron on keyboard.

Up next for SVS is a comedy piano show at the Stettler Performing Arts Centre featuring east-coast pianist Sarah Hagen.

Hagen’s one-woman show, titled “Perk up, pianist,” deals with her life as a touring piano recitalist and the point where she reached burnout.

“It’s why I wrote this show,” said Hagen, in a recent interview.

“It’s about overcoming burnout and coming back to the stage. A lot of people relate to that.”

The show also talks about Hagen’s dating life and what an imaginary date with Beethoven would have been like all while playing classical music throughout.

Hagen began writing the show in 2017, then took it to Edmonton’s Fringe Festival to give it some polish before taking the act on the road.

“It was a big hit there,” said Hagen.

Hagen, an award winning artist, has been nominated for four Music PEI awards in 2022; the winners for the awards will be announced the same day she plays in Stettler.

Tickets are still available for the Mar. 6 show through Grate Kitchen on Main Street.



Kevin Sabo

About the Author: Kevin Sabo

I’m Kevin Sabo. I’ve been a resident of the Castor area for the last 12 years and counting, first coming out here in my previous career as an EMT.
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