Time: 8 p.m
Cover: $10
After five years in Michigan and Minnesota, Alberta singer songwriter Ken Stead has returned to Edmonton,
a few thousand miles of road behind him, and a few hundred songs to be written on the road ahead.
Ken released his EP called "Unfinished" in Nov. 2013 which got press such as this "The only
disappointment for me was that there wasn't more tracks on here!"-Elizabeth Wilkie-Fort Saskatchewan Record.
and "His easy listening style is just a joy to behold, but it's the content and conviction of his lyrics and
emanating vocals that really pull you in"-Tony Stacy-Mix 107.9FM
After a busy summer of successful festivals such as Canmore Folk Fest, Come By The Hills Festival,
Beaumont Blues Festival, 8 others, and two Western Canadian Tours, singer/songwriter
Ken Stead is planning a new album in the Spring of 2015. "Unfinished" has sold over 1500
physical copies and charted on college/university/community stations across Canada.
Please check out his Tour Page to see if he's playing a city near you!
Ken has always been a singer and a musician. At nine, he appeared in a Broadway version of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” alongside Donny Osmond. The money he earned from his
appearances was used to purchase a much loved piano and he was soon playing tunes by ear. Piano
eventually gave way to guitar and musical theatre evolved into something else initially - and with some family consternation-rap. Blond-haired kid, musical theatre, big, big voice, and… rap. Paints a picture,doesn’t it? Ken tells the story of being forced to go to the Edmonton Folk Fest as a punishment from his mother. He had no idea he was about to take a step into a world he had never quite imagined existed.
And then he heard Eric Bibb perform, opening the door to that moment of magic that raised the hair on his skin and touched something deep in his soul. Ken’s life changed. He began to write music that takes us on journeys we do not expect when we first sit down to listen. We are drawn in by his smile, his
quiet charm and gentle way of talking. Today he writes of his experiences, his joy with life and the world around him, his faith and hope that love and peace will always prevail.
Ken has been compared to the likes of Craig Cardiff, Foy Vance, and Ray Lamontagne. This talented folk musician is inspired by family, friends, and the people he meets on the way. He engages a crowd
of listeners like no other. Telling stories of internet dating, social anxiety, square dancing, and of
course, cheesy love. His songs reflect life’s experiences, his spiritual journey, and lessons he has
learned on the road. He delivers in an uplifting and affirming manner that leaves an audience
energized, connected, and knowing that life is better at the end of the evening than it was at the beginning. Ken writes with depth and insight and his strong voice takes his listeners on a journey along with him, drawing them in, lifting them up, and leaving them wanting to hear more when the song is over.
In 2008, Ken recorded “Start Over”, a three song EP. He was on CKUA Radio Network, was in demand at venues around town, and was a busy musician. After moving to Michigan, Ken performed both as an acoustic artist and with the folk group, “Ken Stead and the Messengers.” “Start Over” received radio play and Ken was on local television with his group. In 2011 he moved to Minnesota, started a new job, and continued to perform as an individual acoustic artist. Music has always been Ken’s first passion and he has returned to Edmonton to focus on writing and performing new material. Ken is also traveling around Alberta, mentoring other songwriters alongside Rhea March and the School of Song.
Ken's journey is nothing but finished as this songwriter is truly just getting started in a long and
successful career as a songwriter and performer. He is playing across Canada and has started playing at such festivals such as Canmore Folk Festival and Come By The Hills Festival. He is also playing
at folk clubs and house concert series across Western Canada.
