SJFAC Events
Another Grand Ole Christmas Concert & Tea
by Kathleen Parewick

The second annual Christmas Concert and Tea in aid of the SJFAC’s Youth Folk Arts Education Fund took place on Sunday, December 19th, 2004. It was a lovely night of music and song in the spirit of the season, this year in the glorious setting of the Gower Street United Church.

As those attending settled themselves into their seats, they were treated to a series of carols sung from “on high” (the second balcony) by the Potluck Singers, a local group lead by Eric West.

Our host for the evening, the incomparable Pete Soucy (as himself, not Snook), introduced the Brother Rice Celtic Choir who got things underway with a couple of songs, including a gleeful rendition of a parody of the Twelve Days of Christmas - the Twelve Days After Christmas - wherein we heard what the disgruntled girlfriend actually did with all her suitor’s ridiculously lavish gifts! This was followed by an energetic performance from the well-known local bluegrass band, Crooked Stovepipe.

A Christmas Tea was held during the intermission downstairs in the church hall. The delicious array of treats there were provided by SJFAC volunteers and donors including the Georgestown Bakery, Purity Factories and Belbin’s Grocery. The tea and coffee were generously supplied by Oxfam. The break also featured a performance by the Potluck Singers of the Mummers’ Song, complete with a mummering puppet operated by dancer Katherine Wright.

Bellies full, the audience reassembled in the church and were treated to a beautiful set by Pamela Morgan. Kudos to Pam for managing this solo performance on short notice. Pam’s duo, Amber Christmas (see www.ambermusic.ca for details), had been the intended third act but her partner, Anita Best had been involved in an automobile accident late that afternoon and was unable to appear. The thoughts of all present that evening were with Anita, and you’ll be happy to know that she sustained only minor injuries and has made a rapid recovery over the holiday period

The closing act was a real delight. At this year's Newfoundland and Labrador Music Industry Association's award show, the Janet Cull Band was named Jazz Artist/Group of the Year, Group of the Year, and New Artist/Group of the Year. Everyone present at the Christmas Concert had a great opportunity to see how well-deserved those awards were. After her performance, Janet offered that she’d love to help out again, so, provided her tour schedule doesn’t conflict with our 2005 date, perhaps you can look forward to hearing from her then! In the meantime, check out www.janetcullband.com.

Notwithstanding the usual plethora of competing Christmas entertainment options, the 2004 Concert and Tea was well-attended and several hundred dollars were raised to support the development of young folk artists in Newfoundland and Labrador. A great deal of food was also collected for the Bridges for Hope Food Bank. The members of this year’s organizing committee - Caroline Clarke, Ford Elms, Marnie Parsons, Tina Ricketts, Christina Smith and I - wish to thank all the artists who so generously gave of their time and talent to make this event possible. We couldn’t have done it without our trusty sound artist, Wallace Hammond; our favourite ticket sellers at Bennington Gate and O’Brien’s Music; poster-copying privileges at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador; the lovely folks at the Gower Street United Church; or the terrific publicity given us by CBC Radio, VOCM - Steele Communications, VOWR, and the Independent. A big thank-you as well to all our wonderful programme-passing, ticket-taking, coffee-making, and treat-schlepping event volunteers. Finally, to all of you who wish you could have been there - and especially to those who were - thank-you for your interest in the folk artists of tomorrow.

Hope to see you all next December for our third annual Grand Ole Christmas Tyme!