April, 2005

Hey everyone,

Today marks exactly one year since my first audition in Edmonton. I had no idea what was about to unfold- I was thinking it would be cool to get a free trip to Toronto! Well, I got the trip to Toronto and since then it has been a non-stop whirlwind of excitement.

I am finally feeling rested from the tour and I have a lot to look forward to in the next few months. I didn't realize I had been running on fumes the last weeks and kind of crashed when I got home. If it wasn't for the incredible fan support and the opportunity to meet so many of you on the tour, I'm sure that I would have had a much more difficult time enduring the pace. I received so many encouraging comments and thoughtful cards and gifts. Once again I cannot put into words what all of your support has meant- not only in helping my career but reinforcing that there is good here after all.

The Junos were an exciting way to wrap up a very memorable couple of months. It was extremely humbling and intimidating. From playing local bars one year earlier, to playing in front of the entire Canadian music industry alongside long time established artists, the adrenalin was definitely pumping. I hope one day I'll have the chance to do it again- who knows, maybe a duet with Jan Arden!

It was also great to have had the chance to work with so many professionals on the tour. The whole crew got along really well, they were a great group of guys. There were lots of laughs, and world problems solved. I really enjoyed having Amanda Stott along. She is the ultimate professional and I have the utmost respect for her, not only for her talent and beliefs but for putting up with us and all of our practical jokes.

I finished a photo shoot yesterday and I will be filming a new video this week. Then I will be able to head home for a few days and catch my sister Mackenzie's performance of "Anne" in "Anne of Green Gables". After that I will be going AWOL with some of my hometown friends and my sister Kelsey. I bought an extra large bottle of Coppertone so I may finally get my 'moment in the sun'. When I get back I will start a six concert tour out West - never been to Melfort before. We are also booking a number of major summer dates across Canada so it looks like I will see a lot of you again soon.

It's been a crazy ride this year, one that I will always remember and no matter where this all takes me I'll have had the time of my life. Thanks for sharing the journey!

Kalan