A night of energetic piano performances is coming to The Mary Winspear Centre on Thursday, March 15, when Canadian songwriters Royal Wood and Jeffery Straker present The Piano Men tour.
Jeffery Straker, a singer-songwriter pianist with roots in a small Saskatchewan farming town, has evolved into a seasoned performer with over 100 shows annually across Canada, Europe, and Latin America.
Raised by a church organist mother and an auctioneer father, Straker’s music draws inspiration from his upbringing, offering rootsy storytelling with rich narratives. His versatile songwriting has been likened to the greats such as Harry Chapin, Kris Kristofferson, and Jackson Browne. Straker’s ability to transport listeners to different landscapes and connect with them on a personal level has earned him accolades, including being named “Roots-Folk Artist of the Year” in the 2020 and 2021 Saskatchewan Music Awards. He was also thrice named “Keyboard Player of the Year” at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.
Straker’s latest roots/country recording will be released in early 2024.
Royal Wood, proclaimed “Songwriter of the Year” by iTunes (2010), continues to evolve and refine his musical craft. With two Top 30 debut albums, multiple JUNO nominations, and a 5-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Wood has also garnered widespread recognition from features in popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Wood’s illustrious career has seen him headline iconic venues such as Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto. He has also supported artists like Bonnie Raitt and David Gray on their national tours.
Wood continues to expand on the success of his latest album, What Tomorrow Brings, released in Nov. 22. Crafted by producers Linda Perry (Adele, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera) and Jamie Scott (Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber), the album draws on an intense period in his life when he lost a parent, got married and became a father.
Together, the duo promise to bring exceptional piano performances and rich storytelling to The Mary Winspear Centre.
Tickets are $55.65 at marywinspear.ca.
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