When he was 15-years-old, S茅an McCann was sexually assaulted by his priest.

McCann, former singer and founding member of Newfoundland folk-rock legends Great Big Sea, hid from his truth behind a wall of alcohol addiction. Now six years sober, McCann is a touring solo artist and mental health advocate.

Presented by and in support of CMHA, McCann will share his story and songs of healing at Vernon91裸聊视频檚 Powerhouse Theatre March 4 and Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 Rotary Centre for the Arts March 5.

91裸聊视频淲hen I was 15-years-old, I was sexually assaulted by my priest. I spent the next 35 years drinking heavily to numb my pain and avoid my truth. Twenty of those years were spent singing in the iconic Canadian party band Great Big Sea. I was high functioning and hiding in plain sight and everything was fine, until one day it just wasn91裸聊视频檛,91裸聊视频� McCann said. 91裸聊视频淥n Nov. 9, 2011, I put down the bottle and finally faced my past. I have been in recovery ever since and I credit my work in communicating through music as being essential to my continued clarity and overall well-being.91裸聊视频�

On tour for his fifth solo album, There91裸聊视频檚 A Place, McCann said his songs tell of his hardships and his healing in hopes that it will impact others.

91裸聊视频淚 believe music is medicine, and I credit it with my ability to heal,91裸聊视频� McCann said. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檝e been successful in my sobriety because I91裸聊视频檓 out there. It91裸聊视频檚 very liberating.91裸聊视频�

McCann91裸聊视频檚 writing changed significantly when he began to share his story, using his music as a medium to convey his message.

91裸聊视频淭hese songs are about things that are hard to say,91裸聊视频� McCann said. 91裸聊视频淭he songs speak for themselves. I91裸聊视频檝e made peace with my past. I91裸聊视频檓 in a happier place and I want to bring people there with me.91裸聊视频�

Stoked to be back in the region following his last Okanagan tour in 2015 with the Vernon Folk-Roots Society, McCann sings from his impressive discography of more than 200 recorded songs in the two-set performance.

There91裸聊视频檚 a Place, the 50-year-old singer/songwriter and Juno-nominee91裸聊视频檚 third record that speaks loudly about his past and recovery, brings together 11 tracks that draw from both the deep message weaved throughout Help Your Self and You Know I Love You and the acclaimed sound of Great Big Sea.

Formed in 1993 by McCann, Alan Doyle, Darrell Power and Bob Hallett, Great Big Sea rose to international acclaim for their maritime Celtic folk rock and sea shanties sound. After nine studio releases, McCann left the band in 2013 to seek a change of pace. Great Big Sea ultimately disbanded, though some former members continued on to pursue solo careers.

But, after two years of sobriety, McCann knew leaving the band was the right thing to do.

91裸聊视频淚 am starting from zero. I91裸聊视频檓 preaching something different now,91裸聊视频� McCann said, laughing that he only misses the money from Great Big Sea. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檝e never had so much reassuring feedback. I91裸聊视频檝e never had so much fun going to work.91裸聊视频�

Now self-employed and working 10 hours per day, the husband and father of two has never been happier.

91裸聊视频淯ltimately, music is still there for me as a friend. You91裸聊视频檙e never alone with a guitar in your hands. It91裸聊视频檚 a bit of a healthy calling for me. I91裸聊视频檓 very grateful to be doing this,91裸聊视频� McCann said, adding that he91裸聊视频檚 the best version of himself when he91裸聊视频檚 on stage. 91裸聊视频淎t the end of the day, to be able to get on stage and help people with music, that91裸聊视频檚 hugely rewarding. It keeps me grounded. It keeps me sober.91裸聊视频�

Because for McCann, sharing his story and his music is what it91裸聊视频檚 all about.

91裸聊视频淢usic for me is now my religion. To me, there91裸聊视频檚 nothing more powerful than being in a room and sharing music face-to-face,91裸聊视频� McCann said. 91裸聊视频淎 secret can kill you, but I know how a song can save your life and that is what I would like to speak about.91裸聊视频�

McCann shares his story at Vernon91裸聊视频檚 Powerhouse Theatre March 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35, available from or by phone at 250-542-3114. A portion of proceeds support local CMHA operations. Tickets to McCann91裸聊视频檚 March 5 performance in Kelowna are available for $45 through .