Matt Andersen delivers blues, roots, rock hybrid

Popular Canadian bluesman performs Friday, Sept. 28, in Whitefish

New & Notable

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents Nova Scotia-based singer-songwriter Matt Andersen with his giant soul-filled voice and powerful blues performance. Back by popular demand, he plays at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sep. 28, at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

With over 10 million views on YouTube, two European Blues Awards, and Best Solo Performer Award at the Memphis Blues Challenge, it appears that the entire world is now discovering this powerhouse performer. With a commanding stage presence and a “big, comforting voice,” Andersen has built a formidable following the old-fashioned way – touring worldwide and letting audiences and devotees spread his reputation through word of mouth.

Matt Andersen
Matt Andersen has won six Maple Blues Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year.Photo © Colin Robertson

Growing up in a logging family of rural New Brunswick, known for its hard times and hard work, Andersen infuses his workingman’s blues with hues of folk, rock, country and gospel. Acoustic Music gave his most recent album, Honest Man, rave reviews: “Every now and again you hear an artist that just pulls you up short, stops you dead in your tracks. Matt Andersen’s voice did that to me the first time I heard it.”

The Toronto Blues Society raves, “Matt’s sprawling blues, roots and rock musical hybrid, with his soulful voice and astonishing guitar-playing, has sparked a phenomenal buzz.”

In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theatres around the globe, Andersen has shared the stage and toured with Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Little Feat, Jonny Lang, Serena Ryder, and more. Additional accolades continue to pile up including a JUNO nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year, a CIMA Road Gold Award, and six Maple Blues Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Andersen last performed in January 2013 at the O’Shaughnessy Center to a nearly sold-out crowd, prompting the Whitefish Theatre Company to book a repeat show.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students with reserved seating and be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish (open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and one hour before a performance), or by calling 406-862-5371. Tickets are also available online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.

Andersen also performs a free outreach concert at the Montana Veteran’s Home on Sept. 28, sponsored by Bet and Doug Wise.