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Pete Klein Everyone had a great time, from toe-tapping to dancing and applauding after every song, when singer and songwriter Kerry Cannan brought her band from Rochester to Indian Lake Saturday, July 3, for a special free performance.

By PETE KLEIN
Staff Reporter
INDIAN LAKE—Singer and songwriter Kerry Cannan brought her band from Rochester to Indian Lake Saturday, July 3, to stage a free concert as her way of thanking Indian Lake for naming her “second mom,” Florence “Flossy” Brown, Indian Lake Citizen of the Year.
Cannan, born and raised in Rome, NY, has vacationed since a child in Blue Mt. Lake where she became close friends with the Brown family.
Cannan didn’t mention any of this when she took the stage at Byron Park, but her long-time friend wanted to make it known to the public that the concert was not only free to the public.
Speaking for Cannan, who later verified as did Indian Lake Events Coordinator Vonnie Liddle, Brown said, “Not only is this concert free, Kerry didn’t charge the town anything to come here and perform.”
Brown added that Adirondack Trail Motel should also be recognized for providing a reduced rate for Kerry and the band during their stay.
Cannan began performing and writing music at a young age. “I sang, and played at home and at school events,” says Kerry. “My best friends were my guitar, piano and woodwind instruments.
“Music,” she explains, “was my constant companion. It still is.”
During her college years Kerry performed a solo acoustic act throughout upstate New York and the Adirondack resort region where she spent many of her summers.
Kerry graduated college and pursued a career in medical imaging. A move to the western part of New York state gave her both an advancement in her medical career and opportunity to perform regularly with local rock groups in the Finger Lakes region.
Kerry currently works as the supervisor and chief of a large medical imaging facility in Rochester.
Kerry’s charismatic personality, thoughtful lyrics and melodic writing style continue to capture the attention of new fans. She and her band easily moved between the blues, rock and ballads.
Collaborating with fellow musicians in 2008, Kerry decided to branch out on her own and recorded and released her first two singles. The following year brought Kerry’s first full-length, independent CD entitled, “I Want You.”
“I Want You” was released Nov. 20, 2009 and is available on Itunes, Amazon, CD Baby and Kerry’s website at http://www.kerrycannan-.com.
“My music is a direct expression of what I feel in my heart,” the songstress says. “While some days, you may feel happy, bubbly and full of love, there are also days where you may be full of self-doubt, or hurt or fear.
“When I connect to people through songs or lyrics, it gives me a sense of purpose. I feel like it’s right where I belong.”


IL-Concert Kerry.jpg
- Pete Klein, Hamilton County News

Monday, 22 March 2010
by Bob Ostrow

Sometimes I scroll through my iPod with the intention of selecting one of my more recent discoveries. Will I enjoy it as much on the second or third listen as I did the first, hence the reason its on my player? That's a very different listening experience than turning to an album that's been a favorite for 10 or even 30 years, knowing exactly what I'm going to get and eager to hear it yet one more time.

Although I've only just discovered the new release "I Want You" from indie artist and Upstate New York resident, Kerry Cannan it's an immediate reminder that there are other times I want to listen to music that I know will satisfy, whether it's covering new territory for me or not.



Cannan's style is reminiscent of some of the favorite female pop rockers from the 70s. This is evident on the track Why Couldn't I Say. Here she belts it out like Linda Ronstadt on "Back In The U.S.A." You can hear great confidence in her delivery and she is backed by a band that knows its way around a well crafted song. You want hooks, they're everywhere. You want a tight, punchy band, they supply it. And like the stars of that earlier era, Cannan is not locked into one approach. She's adept at playing it sultry as well. Lose Again for example, hints at the sweetness of Maria Muldaur sharing a heartfelt ballad.

The music that has influenced Cannan was good then and doesn't sound dated now. That an artist on the scene today can pay homage to an earlier, popular genre with songs of a personal nature is what lets her keep the music in the moment and relevant. "I Want You" is one of those albums you will play when you want to hear something you're already sure you like.
- Bob Ostrow, Mic Control