Whitefish Theatre Company hosts dynamic New Brunswick singer-songwriter Matt Andersen in concert Jan. 18.

Known for his imposing voice and slashing slide guitar while making a monolithic impression on audiences, the Canadian blues singer is an award winner whose reputation has grown steadily since his international debut in 2002. Andersen’s Whitefish show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

Andersen grew up in a logging family in an area known for its hard times and hard work. His music can be characterized as workingman’s blues with hues of folk, rock, country and gospel.  

After seven albums, in 2010 Andersen became the first Canadian to win Memphis’ famed International Blues Challenge, which led to festival dates in France, Italy and the United States, where he toured with Old Crow Medicine Show.

His newest album is “Coal Mining Blues.”

“The album's underlying theme is best summed up by the title track, a workingman's anthem that also reflects Andersen's approach to his career up to this point. There's nothing fancy about what Andersen does, but his passion and commitment continue to win over loyal fans with each show. ‘Coal Mining Blues’ is sure to satisfy all of them, and attract many more,” Exclaim Magazine raved.

Tickets to his Whitefish show are $27 with reserved seating. Tickets are available at www.whitefishtheatreco.org, at Whitefish Theatre Company’s box office, 1 Central Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (and one hour before performances) or by calling 862-5371. Season brochures are still available at the box office and on the website.

To find out more about Andersen, find him on YouTube or visit www.stubbyfingers.ca.