Wilkes-Barre — New Brunswisk bluesman Matt Andersen will play the F.M. Kirby Center Aug. 14. The Juno-nominated guitarist and singer/songwriter said music was passed down to him from both his family and his community.
“I’m from the East Coast in Canada and music’s a big part of the tradition there, a big part of my life,” Andersen said. “Naturally, that’s how I got into it. My grandfather played. Every time family got together there was music and every time my friends got together there was music.”
Andersen joined forces with a few friends in high school to form what would become the band Flat Top, but it’s when he began to pursue a solo career Andersen found musical success. He was nominated for numerous awards throughout his solo career, including the Euro Blues Award for Best Solo/Acoustic Act and multiple Maple Blues Awards. Since the release of his newest album, “Weightless,” Andersen received a Juno nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year and a Canadian Independent Music Association Road Gold Award.
Andersen said the inspiration for his award-winning music comes from what he listened to growing up—old blues, old country and classic rock.
“It’s just me and my guitar and I do mostly my own music, (but) sometimes I feel like an alternative cover,” Andersen said. “I like to keep the energy up and try to make the show as entertaining as possible. I tell some stories. It’s a lot of fun.”
This is Andersen’s first time in Wilkes-Barre, and he’ll be playing in one of the city’s most intimate venues—the Chandelier Lobby at the Kirby Center. The unique setting, which allows for an up-close, personal experience for artists and attendees, features non-traditional concert seating in an effort to bridge the gap between performer and audience.
Matt Andersen’s performance starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $25.