Listening to his music, it’s easy to tell that Wiseman’s an original Newfoundlander. He was born in St John’s, but didn’t actually pick up an instrument until on vacation in Vancouver during his early 20s.
“The guitar is quite addicting, in that it’s the one instrument that you can play almost any song to,” Wiseman said, “No matter what instrument the song was composed with, the guitar can replace and/or back up the sound that you are looking for, plus it gives you that ‘round the campfire feel, which entices the audience to get involved and sing along.”
Since then, this self-taught musician has been playing in pubs for over 30 years, recorded in Nashville and also performed at lobster festivals. He even sang on stage with Anne Murray when he was eight years old.
While he performs traditional songs, he also plays song renditions from the 60s and up. Popular ones include Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, Great Big Sea’s Run Runaway and Mumford and Sons’ I Will Wait.
Wiseman also performs at certified Newfie “Screech-In Nights.” The traditional ceremony can only be performed by a natural-born Newfoundlander and mainly involves screech (a Newfoundland rum) and kissing a cod fish.
The inductee must say “long may your big jib draw,” then the honorary Newfoundlander is presented with a certificate.
Screech-ins may be performed at Wiseman’s show for a small fee, so it might be a good idea to come prepared to kiss the cod.
Another passion that parallels Wiseman’s love for music is fishing. He’s been a professional guider since 1987 and spends summers guiding off the coast of Vancouver Island with Saltwater Cowboy Fishing Charters.
The entertainer is known for bringing his guitar on board. “I do play on the boat,” he said. His fishers enjoy the tunes while they’re out at sea.
Wiseman’s show, which is hosted by Arts Jasper, begins at 9 p.m. at the Legion. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and available at Tea Leaf Boutique, Bear’s Paw and at the door on show night.
