‘A passion that will never fade’
Rachel MacLean releases new Christmas album
“I always joked about recording another Christmas album,” says Kentville-based singer-songwriter, Rachel MacLean, “but people took me seriously, so I had to!”
After a year in the making, MacLean released the Christmas album Falling Snow this fall.
The album is a mix of traditional and original songs featuring musicians Jamie Robinson, Kris McFarlane, Ian Sherwood, Ronald Hynes and Dave Staples.
There are a few pieces that are particularly meaningful, says MacLean.
O Come O Come Emmanuel is a special duet version that she sings with Angie Campbell having arranged and sung it for Christmas With Friends one year. Breagha Hawley, MacLean’s 16-year-old daughter, performs the duet, Gift of Love, an original song MacLean wrote for the two of them to sing together. Myah Hawley, MacLean’s 13-year-old daughter, is part of the female chorus, along with Camp- bell and Breagha, on the recording of Angels We Have Heard On High.
The album was recorded and produced at Jamie Robinson’s home studio in Waverley and recorded, mixed and mastered at Wee House of Music in Lyon’s Brook, N.S. by Dave Gunning.
“I feel we really captured exactly what I wanted for these songs,” says MacLean. “Jamie knows me so well now and I believe that plays an important part in that.”
When asked what her favourite
Coco Love Alcorn concert, workshop at King’s Theatre
Dec. 8
Music lovers and singers are in for a big treat on Dec. 8 as soulinspired singer-songwriter Coco Love Alcorn delivers a concert at King’s Theatre in Annapolis Royal in the evening and a singing workshop in the afternoon.
Participants in the workshop, which is free with a concert ticket, will form a “pop-up choir” that will perform with her during the concert.
Described as one of the most charismatic, compelling, and genuine performers in Canada, the Antigonish-born artist has an ability to deliver shows that are an empowering, inspiring, and unforgettable experience.
For tickets to the 7:30 p.m. Coco Love Alcorn concert, or to register for the choir workshop, call King’s Theatre at 902-532-7704 or visit kingstheatre.ca.
Lauren Soloy
ARCAC artist in residence The Annapolis Region Community Arts Council has selected Lauren Soloy as its new artist in residence. The residency, which started Nov. 20, is supported by the Parker Mountain Wind Turbine Society, and runs until Dec. 20.
Lauren recently signed a twobook contract with Tundra Books (a division of Penguin Random House Canada) to write and illustrate two picture books, and will be using the residency to work on the final art for the first book.
As part of the residency, she will be offering open studio hours, hands-on activities, and storytimes for families, and an artist talk on her path to representation and publication. To see more of Lauren’s work, you can visit her at: www.laurensoloy.com
Annapolis Region Community Arts Council is located at 396 St. George St. Annapolis Royal.
Open hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. (It’s operated by volunteers so call ahead.)
Info: 902-532-7069.
Go Online: https://arcac-artsplace.weebly.com/
Trent McClellan in Wolfville,
Annapolis Royal
The newest cast member of the award-winning show ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ is launching his Maritime ‘ Laugh Every Day Tour’ in 2019 and he’ll be making stops in Wolfville and Annapolis Royal.
McClellan, originally from Corner Brook, is a stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster, and actor known for his approachable, candid, and effortless observational comedy.
McClellan joined the cast of “This Hour has 22 Minutes” in 2017 after contributing as a writer songs on the album were, MacLean said she had two. Ave Maria was her dad’s favourite, she says, other than O Holy Night, which she already recorded, and Santa Baby.
“Eartha Kitt’s original version is the best and I couldn’t help but at least attempt it,” says MacLean.
Falling Snow marks the seventh album MacLean has recorded, and the second solo album, the first five being with her sister, Mary, as the MacLean Sisters. After Mary had her third child, and because she lives two hours away, trying to keep up with travelling and being away from home was just too much.
“I was, naturally, disappointed because I absolutely love her voice and enjoyed singing with her,” says MacLean about her sister. “We still sing tunes together in the car on our way to dinner or shopping when I visit.”
Singing was always a natural part of MacLean’s life. Her father was a Baptist minister and he and her mother sang together all the time. Her mother played piano and her father always harmonized, and they really thought everyone sang like that, so it came very naturally to the children. MacLean says they would
for several years. He has had numerous filmed television performances from the Just for Laughs Montreal, Winnipeg and Halifax comedy festivals for CBC Television, and has recorded comedy specials for CTV and the Comedy Network.
He is also a favourite on the Canadian airwaves. He can be heard on the CBC radio program ‘The Debaters’ and he was a panelist on CBC’s ‘Canada Reads’ where he defended ‘February’ by Lisa Moore.
The ‘Laugh Every Day Tour’ is produced by Premiere Entertainment Group and travels to Festi- go to their friends’ houses and wonder why their parents didn’t sing every evening.
“Singing has always just been such a part of me, something I never really over-thought or made a big deal about. It’s just something that is so deeply rooted in who I am. It’s a passion that will never fade, I’m sure. I’m often surprised, and thrilled, of course, that people enjoy what I do,” she says.
Locally, Falling Snow is available at Occasions Gifts in Kentville, Stirlings Fruit Farms in Greenwich, Hennigar’s in Greenwich, Marshall’s in Digby, and Windsor Home Hardware. More locations will be announced, so check rachelmaclean.ca for updates.
val Theatre, Wolfville on Feb. 22 and King’s Theatre in Annapolis Royal on Feb. 23.
For full tour dates, locations, and tickets visit www.trentscomedy.com