Country rock recording artist Tommy John Ehman is set to bring in 2014 with a toe tapping show Dec. 31 at Craik Legion Hall for the Craik Lions Club 2013 New Year’s Eve Cabaret.

“It’s going to be pretty fun playing New Years,” said Ehman, who is bringing his band with him to his hometown show. “I haven’t played a New Years in Craik since probably my very first band when I was growing up here. We probably played a New Years or two back then, but not since then. I’m pumped about it.”

Ehman said the band would be treating the crowd to original music mainly from his fourth studio album, 2008’s “Wheels of Life”, and his most recent recording, 2010’s “Turn On The Radio”, during their set. He said they’ll also be mixing in some classic and country rock standards during the evening.

“Generally we start off a little mellower and a little more country,” he said. “As we move into the night we’ve got some Tom Petty, some John Mellencamp, some Steve Earle, some Trooper and who knows. It’s that kind of thing. It’s songs people like to tap their toes to and sing along with and hopefully get them up on the dance floor.”

Since releasing his first album, “Wasted Nights”, back in 1996 Ehman has kept busy writing songs and touring both solo and with his band at house concerts, clubs, cabarets and festivals throughout Western Canada and beyond. Ehman said his focus at the start of his music career was songwriting and that continues to be his focus, but his writing style has changed since those early days.

“It’s matured and I assume it’s got a little bit better and more focused,” he said. “When I pick a topic I want to write a song on I think I can drill down on it a little better. I’ve been writing songs for over 25 years, so you better get a little bit better. I think more than anything I’m just maturing as an artist, as a songwriter, as a singer (and) as a guitar player. You just get better with time.”

The band, which includes bass player Rob Ehman, drummer Rod Mochoruk and new guitarist Billy Ray Houston, has matured as well, which puts a damper on the heavy touring schedule they enjoyed back when they were first starting out. Ehman said 20 years ago they could go on the road and play shows whenever they wanted and that is not the case now with family responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean they have stopped completely or toned down their high energy shows.

To read more please see the December 16 print edition of The Davidson Leader.