PREVIEW
New Year’s Eve Concert and Fundraiser
Monday, Dec. 31. Doors 6:45 p.m., concert 7:30 p.m.
McDougall United Church
10025 – 101 St.
Admission: A donation to the Edmonton Food Bank
New Year’s Eve is the biggest event night of the year. People of every stripe come out in droves looking for that special something to remember.
There’s a party on every corner. Which one do you choose?
Exactly 10 years ago, McDougall United Church just off Edmonton’s Jasper Avenue hosted the inaugural New Year’s Eve Concert and Fundraiser.
The church wanted to provide a warm, welcoming place with music for anyone searching for a warm refuge during the last night festivities held on Winston Churchill Square.
(Due to heavy construction around Winston Churchill Square, the 2018 New Year’s Eve events have moved to the Alberta Legislature grounds.)
Penny and Jim Malmberg, a popular St. Albert husband-wife duo on the acoustic roots scene, were asked to organize it.
It has grown into a fundraiser for Edmonton Food Bank and last year, nearly 800 people arrived to support it.
“I’m really looking forward to the 10th anniversary. It’s wonderful that we’ve been able to host it and that performers have given up their time to make this New Year’s Eve concert a success. Together we can make a difference,” said Penny Malmberg.
Seven special guests including Edmonton Fiddlers, Back Porch Swing, Bill Bourne, Travis Matthews, Harmonic Flamenco, Braden Gates and Celtara will raise the church roof for a night of camaraderie.
The Edmonton Fiddlers, a dynamic student group of musicians led by Rod Olstad and Bonnie Gregory, kick-start the concert at 6:45 p.m. with a 45-minute set.
“I’ve seen them play at the Fringe. The kids are fantastic and Rod is an absolutely amazing teacher,” Malmberg said.
At 7:30 p.m. Malmberg’s own band, Back Porch Swing, checks in with old-time swing, folk, bluegrass and jazz. The Malmbergs, with additional talents from Cam Neufeld (fiddle) and Kevin Jacobson (bass), are renowned for presenting original compositions showcasing harmony, guitar, mandolin and a hefty dose of humour.
Travis Matthews, son of legendary country guitarist Gord Matthews, also a guitarist and singer-songwriter, makes his appearance at 8 p.m.
“Travis has played at the Edmonton Folk Fest and he’s making headway all around him. He’s a great performer and we’re happy to have him on board.”
At 8:30 p.m. there is a change of pace with Harmonic Flamenco, a fiery mix of flamenco music, singing and dance coupled with jazz under the leadership of Jim Findlay.
“It’s going to be super entertainment, something the crowd will really enjoy.”
Fiddler-guitarist Braden Gates, with his unique blend of Americana, steps on the stage at 9:30 p.m. Backing him is Elliot Thomas, a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is carving a poetic and soulful style of his own.
At 10 p.m. bluesy roots ambassador Bill Bourne will wrap the audience in his gritty Delta bluesman style.
“He has such a big following. He’s worked on lots of projects. Bill played with us seven years ago and I wanted him back for our 10th anniversary.”
Closing the evening at 10:30 p.m. is Celtara. The spirited Celtic band just released a new 2018 recording titled Seven Long Years, celebrating the quintet’s long-term musical friendship.
“They’re high energy and very upbeat. They’re all very good musicians.”
While the concert rages upstairs in the church proper, children’s events are programmed in the basement.
Joan Holden of Puppet Palooza returns with another series of adventurous stories and mischievous puppets. Holden’s 45-minute show starts at 8 p.m.
In addition, volunteers will assist with children’s crafts, games and face painting.
“We get a lot of families coming out. It’s a very sober event. Kids who don’t get exposed to live music can sit and listen. And if they get bored, they can go downstairs. We’re very casual.”
The Edmonton Food Bank will have a table set aside to accept non-perishable food and monetary donations.
“This is a free event. Everyone can come. We encourage people to bring a donation for the food bank, but even if you show up without anything, you’re still welcome.”
