New Year's Eve concert benefits food bank

In a few short years, the New Year’s Eve Concert and Fundraiser held at Edmonton’s McDougall Church has become one of the city’s most popular downtown events.

And this year St. Albert producer Penny Malmberg has stepped it up a notch with an eclectic lineup of singer-musicians, clowns, face painting, crafts and activities.

Now in its sixth year, this free family night of entertainment not only brings together the community at large, but is also a popular fundraiser for the Edmonton Food Bank.

“It’s all about the community coming together to do something unselfish for the greater community. I know the food bank struggles after Christmas, but people are still in need. And I’m a firm believer that together we make a difference,” says Malmberg who is also one-quarter of Back Porch Swing.

Last year, the indoor event attracted close to 800 people and raised $3,000 in donations as well as 4,000 pounds of food.

This coming Wednesday, Malmberg has programmed a versatile evening of performers. Opening the show are the sweet old-time harmonies of The Carolines, also known as Chloe Albert, Lesley Pelletier and Katie Perman.

Once The Carolines scoot off to their second New Year’s Eve gig, folk artist Braden Gates steps up to the microphone. The young Icelandic singer just released a new CD Ferris Wheel.

“He’s a multi-instrumentalist and someone to look for in the future.”

The Jim Findlay Trio ramps up the groove with a lively jazz break while Marco Claveria and his band shifts the vibe to sultry Cuban dance music.

“He’s (Claveria) a world-class Cuban musician and one of the best local Latin musicians. He’s the real deal. If you are into Latin music, you will get a real treat.”

Prairie balladeer Scott Cook & the Long Weekends are recording a new album during the Christmas holidays and will be singing several of the new tracks.

And of course Back Porch Swing, with Malmberg, her hubby Jim (both on vocals, guitar-guitar), Cam Neufeld (violin) and Kevin Jacobson (bass) take the party to a new high with their special blend of “cowjazz,” folk and bluegrass.

As soon as doors open and folks saunter into the church, the Gateway Festival Fiddlers, a youth group of fiddlers and cloggers, will step up to deliver.

“One of the things that’s going to make this a great concert is the sound in the church. It’s very warm and inviting. People describe it as the calm before the New Year storm (fireworks) hits.”

The church has opened the downstairs area for a variety of children’s events. New this year is weaver Noreen Crone-Findlay.

“She’s going to bring a loom and help kids weave a friendship bracelet.”

Also new this year is Angie Klein, former premier Ralph Klein’s daughter, who operates a flower shop. Klein is stopping by to show children how to make miniature flower arrangements.

Returning is Netti Spaghetti, the hoop clown as well as Mindy Blueberry, the clown greeter. Also on tap are free face painting and games.

“Just bring a couple of cans of food and come. Everyone is here from grandparents to kids. It’s like the old bluegrass world, a family party.”