There is no question that roots and folk artists have taken up their instruments for decades to bring awareness to causes close to their heart. And John Wort Hannam is no exception.

Perhaps it's the growing list of accolades, which these days includes a JUNO nod, a Canadian Folk Music Award, a Galaxie Rising Star Award and a Kerrville Texas New Folk Songwriting Grand Prize. Or perhaps it's the lofty comparisons reviewers have made to Tom Russell, W.O. Mitchell and Margaret Laurence. Whatever it is, John Wort Hannam is writing songs with a new-found confidence these days.

He recently wrote the official song for the University of Lethbridge 50th Anniversary. Plus, Hannam's song, "Man of God", was heard by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and they included his song in their compilation project of songs and poems about the legacy of Residential Schools.

And he's headlining a jam-packed evening of folk music at the 2017 Mountain View Arts Festival, Saturday, September 9th.

Your evening begins at 6:30 pm with the husband/wife duo, Lauren & Joal Kamps. These two are deeply passionate about connecting with people through folk/roots music and laughter, and were one of the favourites at last year's Arts Festival.

By blending storytelling with songwriting, Joal and Lauren create "Rocky Mountain Folk-Pop" songs filled with rich stories of human experience influenced by Canadian history, rocky mountain folklore, and their own personal journey. Perfect for our Canada 150 tribute!

Joal's awards are nothing to sneeze at either. He was last year's Bell Media Prize winner for the Artist Entrepreneur Program, and received an Honourable Mention in the 2015 International Songwriting Competition. In 2012, he received the Western Canadian Music Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year and also was the Independent Music Award winner for Contemporary Christian Song of the Year. You might have seen them perform at the Window on the West Showcase at last year's Calgary Stampede.

Another "Back by Popular Demand", is a gal we like to consider "ours" ... Ruth Purves-Smith. Ruth's childhood rambled the prairie highways between urban and country homes. Her mother, a cultured English teacher, lived in the city, and her father and stepmother operated Custom Woolen Mills just outside Carstairs ... and her family still operates it to this day!

This paradox is apparent in Ruth's music. She spins a yarn that abounds with the light and shadow of prairie life. While the stories may appear to be simple, traditional country, they are supported by a sound that pulls influence from the city: complicated, restless and sometimes loud.

Ruth is joined by Jarred Albright, a guitarist with a love for Celtic, folk, old-tyme, and bluegrass. This Albertan has kept busy gigging with many familiar names including Allan and Arnell, the June Bugs and Allen Christie ... and now, right here in Didsbury ... with Ruth Purves-Smith!

All in all, this is going to be an amazing evening of music. Tickets are only $20 in advance and include all 3 fantastic artists! Seats are reserved, so get yours early to ensure the best spot for you and yours! Doors open at 6 pm, Saturday September 9th, 2017 at the Didsbury High School.