The Jeffery Straker Trio performed two relatively full, and fun, shows in Stettler’s Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on April 8 to conclude the 2023-24 Stettler Variety Showcase (SVS) concert season.
Straker, a classically trained pianist based out of Regina, was joined on stage by Bryn Besse, on guitar, and Connor Walsh, on bass.
Audience numbers for the two shows were not available as of press time, but according to organizers once season ticker holders were factored in both shows were well attended.
Performing at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., the trio performed two sets of all original songs written by Straker himself.
The songs the group performed covered a spectrum of topics ranging from growing up in small-town Saskatchewan to living with life’s regrets and falling in love.
“If you’re not living life with regret, you’re not doing it right,” Straker deadpanned during his evening show.
Each set the trio performed lasted just under an hour and consisted of eight songs. Intermixed with the songs were engaging stories of Straker’s life and life’s observations.
During the intermission, Straker, Besse and Walsh all headed into the PAC lobby to mingle with the audience and sign CDs, which he had for sale.
“There are so many nice people in Stettler,” said Straker, coming back from the break.
“It’s got to be the friendliest town in Alberta.”
While most of the trio’s music featured Straker on the piano, for two songs he left the ivory keys and picked up the ukelele.
Straker closed with his song “Where I Belong.” In introducing the song, he talked about how he got his start performing for Saskatchewan Arts Councils and left the audience with a final takeaway of “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
With the 2023-24 season now complete, SVS is now looking forward to the 2024-25 concert lineup.
Beginning Nov. 2, with a dinner show, will be Alberta-based country singer Trevor Panczak.
The showcase will then break in December before returning on Jan. 19, 2025, with roots/swing duo “Over the Moon.”
On Feb. 23, classical musicians the Prairie Sons will take the PAC stage.
In March, a Beatles tribute entitled Becoming the Beatles Unplugged hosted by Haley Marie will come to the PAC.
Finally, the SVS season will draw to a close in April 2025 with mentalist and magician Jeff Newman coming to town.
Tickets are already on sale for the 2024-25 SVS season, and early-bird pricing remains in effect until May 15.
One change for the upcoming season is with ticket sales; sales have been moved online through a portal on the SVS website.
According to SVS volunteers at the Straker performance, assistance in ticket purchases can be sought at the Stettler Library and Stettler Learning Centre.
SVS can be found online at stettlershowcase.com.
