Review of Trevor Panczak - Canadian Country Music Star Brings Heart-Warming Show to Pinawa

Review by: Brian Adolph

Photo credits: Derrek Owen

Hailing from Alberta, award-winning artist Trevor Panczak treated an enthusiastic audience to a performance featuring both new and traditional country music.

Described as Canada’s "gentle giant," Panczak—standing 6’5”—is a commanding and engaging presence on stage. Joined by Luc Desharnais on pedal steel guitar, drummer Dave Oostra, bassist Ronnie Kerr, and lead guitarist Trevor Christensen, the quintet worked their way through a songbook of original and classic country tunes.

While Panczak’s original music leans toward the new country genre, his roots were evident in his renditions of songs by Waylon Jennings, Don Williams, and Merle Haggard. Having toured with Don Williams, Panczak shares a special kinship with the late country legend and beautifully delivered two of his classics: Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good and Come Early Morning.

Panczak’s lyrics draw from his experience growing up in small-town Alberta. Songs like Where I Go to Come Back and Riverbank exude a down-home authenticity, conjuring images of traditional rural life. His wry humor shone in I Curl, a song about wooing a girl with curling metaphors that is sure to become a hit at bonspiels.

A highlight of the evening was Panczak’s warm engagement with the audience. Identifying the longest married couple in attendance, he offered them a prize for either sharing a dance or a kiss. To the delight of the crowd, the couple—Ann and Dennis, married for 67 years—did both, swaying together to Merle Haggard’s Today I Started Loving You Again.

Photo credit: Amanda Nash

With a voice steeped in the Alberta foothills, Trevor Panczak is a true Canadian country music treasure.

Don't miss EMCA's next show: Indigenous husband and wife duo, Burnstick, coming to the Pinawa Communty Centre on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 pm (doors at 6:45 pm). Tickets are available at www.emcaconcerts.com and at the Pinawa Solo (Adults/Seniors - $30, Under 30 - $15).