ByJenna Anderson
Special to the Herald

The 2009 Ag Days Banquet promises to provide entertainment for all levels of western enthusiasts. This year western singer/artist Ben Crane will entertain at the Triangle Nite Club.

Crane comes from Alberta, Canada, with strong roots in the western way of life from working with local ranchers and farms in his early years. Crane blends his western music with little hints of bluegrass, jazz, blues and swing, and his vocals include everything from cowboy ballads to more recently written songs depicting the cowboy way of life. Currently, Crane has four albums circulating through both Canada, the United States, and even in Europe and Japan. He’s also done various other albums in a wide variety of forms – singer, producer, a session player or another vocalist – and continues to leave an impression on the western music field, which has earned him nominations for awards in the United States. Even with his rising status, Crane still loves to perform at local functions and events ranging from festivals to private parties.

Music isn’t his only area talent, though. Crane is also one of only two Canadian artists drawing for well-known Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards. Crane’s drawings come from his view on life and are often inspired by events which have happened to either him or friends.

As a family man with strong core values, Crane works hard to keep his cartoonist humor clean, meaning he often finds himself breaking new ground in the art industry.

His career at Leanin’ Tree started after meeting a group of cartoonist at a western art show in Cody, Wyo. When the group realized they all shared the same philosophy and style of art they combined to create the Cowboy Cartoonist International. Many of these artists he met while at the show were already Leanin’ Tree artists, including a few whose careers he had tracked as a child.

“The main characteristics of my work is its family appeal,” Crane says. “I have always aimed to stay clean in my humor; to prove that there are things in everyday life over which to have a good belly laugh.”

A family man to the core, Crane lives with his wife and two daughters in Alberta, Canada. During his Ag Days performance he will be accompanied by his 14-year-old daughter on the violin. No matter what, Crane promises to provide good quality music, entertainment and family fun for all ages. So round up your crew and join Crane at the Triangle Jan. 9 for a great time.

editor@sidneyherald.com