Ryan McAllister, what a treat. Truly, he is an artist to be reckoned with. The once front man of a high profile Canadian rock band on the rise, his resolve to lead a life centered around family, faith and music is something to behold. As only he could attest, choices that ultimately forced a life of fame and fortune out of reach in turn provided him with opportunities to carve a path that has brought him tremendous fulfillment. Although he jokes about what could have been, he does so with an air of understanding of what it would have meant if it had.

On a hand crafted stage in the heart of a home bursting with love and friendship, Ryan proved that music lives. It lives in the stories he so effortlessly shared through his songs and words with the audience. It lives in the notes of his multiple guitars he switched over through the course of the night. It lives in the way we took in every word, every note, every tone, to get lost in the web he weaved. Ryan McAllister is beloved by this venue and his presence only solidified the force this place has created among music enthusiasts. His genius songwriting and quick wit has earned him a place in the hearts of all who have come to call Serenity home. As he embarks on the development of a new album, along with a much anticipated visit to Africa to record with a village of children in efforts to raise awareness and funds to build infrastructure to support their future, Ryan McAllister has embraced a life of endless possibilities coupled with a healthy dose of uncertainty and self-doubt. He is honest, humble, hilarious, and most importantly, has really great hair. What more can you ask for?

His debut independent album is entitled “Music For a Rainy Town,” and the following are a few of my choice tracks: “Bell Tower”: Hauntingly beautiful, this song reminds me of lost love and a darkness of the heart that is hard to shake; “This Black Heart”: A pop-like tune with a chorus that is catchy and resonates instantly; “I Believe”: This feel-good track written for his wife lifts the spirit in hopes of what love can feel like.

Ryan McAllister performed at Serenity Performing Arts Centre on March 6, 2015.

Visit http://www.ryanmcallister.com for links to his social media feeds, music downloads and more. Check out Ryan’s other music project, his critically acclaimed band North Country Gentlemen at http://www.northcountrygentlemen.com

To learn more about Ryan’s world as a music producer, visit his Five Acres studio in Abbotsford, BC. http://fiveacresmusic.tumblr.com/

Ryan’s bandmate and good friend Jeremy Friesen is an incredible musician and person who has been dealt a mighty obstacle and it would mean a lot to Ryan and the entire Serenity team for you to provide your support. http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-the-friesen-family/309568