STEVE STRONGMAN: TWENTY YEARS OF HONEY, A LIFETIME OF BLUES
An all-star evening at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre celebrates a landmark album and an extraordinary musical journey.
There’s a moment in a great blues performance when the guitar, the groove and the voice come together—and the whole room feels it. Steve Strongman has built his career around making those moments happen.
His career has brought him alongside blues royalty, including B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter. More recently, he co-wrote, co-produced and performed on The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ 50th-anniversary album, Struck Down, with two GRAMMY nominations, this recording and experience has added another significant chapter to his work as an artist and collaborator.
Now, the JUNO Award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter brings that energy to the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre for a special celebration of the 20th anniversary of Honey, complete with a vinyl re-release of the album at the show. It’s an opportunity to revisit the record that helped launch his solo blues career, while celebrating an artist whose musical ambitions continue to grow.
Strongman’s credentials tell an impressive story: a JUNO win for A Natural Fact, multiple Maple Blues Awards recognizing his guitar playing, songwriting and recordings, and the 2019 International Blues Challenge award for Best Guitarist in the Solo/Duo category. Behind those honours lies the combination that makes him such a compelling performer—commanding guitar work, soulful vocals and songs with something to say.
For this anniversary evening, the Steve Strongman Band will welcome three distinctive musical voices. Hall of Fame inductee and JUNO Award winner Harrison Kennedy brings his unmistakable soul and blues authority. Award-winning keyboard player, singer, songwriter, producer and funk revivalist Joel Parisien adds his dynamic musical presence, while Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Kim Doolittle brings powerful vocals and a storyteller’s heart.
The setting gives the occasion a character of its own. Located in historic Ancaster Village, the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre combines the restored character of the former Memorial School with a contemporary performance facility and carefully designed acoustics—a fitting home for an evening built around musicianship, connection and the pleasure of listening.
For longtime followers, the return of Honey on vinyl offers a tangible connection to Strongman’s beginnings. For newcomers, this gathering provides an exciting introduction: an acclaimed bluesman, a formidable band and three special guests bringing blues, soul, funk and roots together on one stage.
Twenty years of Honey. A remarkable cast of artists. Every reason to be in the room.
Peller Hall is fully accessible, with parking behind Memorial and in nearby lots, and bar service on site. The show starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available exclusively through our box office, online or at 905-304-3232.
Admission: $52.72 + HST
Friday, December 4
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Parking is available behind the centre and in nearby public lots.
Peller Hall is fully accessible, with parking behind Memorial and in nearby lots, and bar service on site.
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre · 357 Wilson Street East
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