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 Vernon鈥檚 Powerhouse Theatre March 4 and 琉璃神社鈥檚 Rotary Centre for the Arts March 5.

鈥淲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 wasn鈥檛,鈥� McCann said. 鈥淥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.鈥�

On tour for his fifth solo album, There鈥檚 A Place, McCann said his songs tell of his hardships and his healing in hopes that it will impact others.

鈥淚 believe music is medicine, and I credit it with my ability to heal,鈥� McCann said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been successful in my sobriety because I鈥檓 out there. It鈥檚 very liberating.鈥�

McCann鈥檚 writing changed significantly when he began to share his story, using his music as a medium to convey his message.

鈥淭hese songs are about things that are hard to say,鈥� McCann said. 鈥淭he songs speak for themselves. I鈥檝e made peace with my past. I鈥檓 in a happier place and I want to bring people there with me.鈥�

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.

There鈥檚 a Place, the 50-year-old singer/songwriter and Juno-nominee鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 am starting from zero. I鈥檓 preaching something different now,鈥� McCann said, laughing that he only misses the money from Great Big Sea. 鈥淚鈥檝e never had so much reassuring feedback. I鈥檝e never had so much fun going to work.鈥�

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

鈥淯ltimately, music is still there for me as a friend. You鈥檙e never alone with a guitar in your hands. It鈥檚 a bit of a healthy calling for me. I鈥檓 very grateful to be doing this,鈥� McCann said, adding that he鈥檚 the best version of himself when he鈥檚 on stage. 鈥淎t the end of the day, to be able to get on stage and help people with music, that鈥檚 hugely rewarding. It keeps me grounded. It keeps me sober.鈥�

Because for McCann, sharing his story and his music is what it鈥檚 all about.

鈥淢usic for me is now my religion. To me, there鈥檚 nothing more powerful than being in a room and sharing music face-to-face,鈥� McCann said. 鈥淎 secret can kill you, but I know how a song can save your life and that is what I would like to speak about.鈥�

McCann shares his story at Vernon鈥檚 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 McCann鈥檚 March 5 performance in 琉璃神社 are available for $45 through .