BEAUTIFUL VOICES

​Is there anything more beautiful than the human voice? There’s one thing I can think of and that’s when many human voices sing together. I love choirs. And I love choral music. In fact, I sang in the Calgary Boys Choir from the age of 9-12. It’s where I learned to sing. But more importantly, it’s where I learned to love to sing with others. 

Tonight I remember why. I’ve mentioned before, that I have a part-time contract booking the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod. Each year I book a Christmas show around the end of November or start of December. This year I presented the Mcdade Family Christmas. Each year for the last 30 years, I’ve heard about this show happening in Edmonton and I’ve always wanted to drive up and attend the show. This year, I thought to myself, why don’t I bring the show to Southern Alberta, specifically to the Empress Theatre. 

If you don’t know the McDades, they are a band of siblings and they are some of the best musicians in Canada. The McDade’s are Shannon Johnson, Jeremiah Mcdade, and Solon McDade. They are often accompanied by Andy Hillhouse. During their annual Christmas show their father Terry McDade joins them all on harp.

The show tonight was amazing. The musicianship was of international caliber. You could put this band on any stage in any city in the world and it would stand up. You should check out the Mcdade’s at www.themcdade.com

The show was a mix of contemporary and traditional Christmas and winter themed songs. The McDades thrilled the audience of Fort Macleod but my favourite part was when the Mcdade’s asked the audience to sing Oh Holy Night.  

I had full body chills - the good kind  - listening to people who come from various communities, various backgrounds, and various demographics, all joining together in a moment of community, that I dare say only happens when music is involved. It was truly beautiful.