Anyone in west Rocky View County looking to put a smile on their face, a hum in their throat, and a spring in their giddyup should clear the evening of Oct. 30 on the calendar, as Newfoundland’s Ennis Sisters are coming to Bragg Creek.
The three St. John’s sisters’ blend of sibling rivalry, humour and beautiful tunes is a staple of kitchen gatherings in the Maritimes; they perform on the Chieftains album Fire in the Kitchen.
But the rich musical heritage of Newfoundland is a relatively rare find in this part of the country, so the Bragg Creek Performing Arts (BCPA) Society organizers are hoping that surrounding communities will come out in force to give the group a warm western welcome.
And though there are no guarantees, it may even lead to some dance-floor jigs.
“They’re just good fun. I mean, what isn’t there to love about Newfoundland musicians?” asked Peta Stuart of BCPA. “I’m such a big fan of anything from Newfoundland.”
“There’s this lovely 'joie de vivre' that Newfoundlanders have, this spirit and enthusiasm for life,” she added, which should make for an exciting concert.
It promises to be a family-friendly show, according to Stuart, filled with stories as well as upbeat music and dancing. The group just returned from touring Ireland.
“I’m sure there will be a chat about that, and that should be fun too,” Stuart said.
Research on the group indicates the two younger sisters are step dancers, but Stuart stopped short of guaranteeing that aspect of their performance will happen come the 30th.
“But the crowd might like to,” she said with a chuckle.
The three sisters – Maureen, Karen, and Teresa Ennis – are all gifted singers and musicians. Maureen is a guitarist and songwriter. Middle sibling Karen plays the tin whistle and flute and does step dancing. The youngest of the family trio, Teresa, step dances and plays the bodhran.
Since 1997, they’ve performed at arts centres in their home province and even for international leaders and delegates at the 75th anniversary of D-Day on Juno Beach.
They’ve won a Juno award, multiple East Coast Music Association awards, Music Newfoundland & Labrador awards and a Society of Composers, an Authors and Music Publishers of Canada award for top grossing Canadian country song – along with endless accolades from fans and critics alike.
Influenced by Celtic and traditional Maritime music, the sisters are known for their captivating harmonies and their powerful, often humourous, storytelling. Their music offers a broad mix of original songs as well as uniquely interpreted tunes and ballads.
They released their first album in 1997, and 25 years later have 11 albums to their credit.
They will be performing some of their new collection of original songs, produced by Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea fame. The latest album, On We Go came out in June this year.
For more information on the group go to theennissisters.com. A sampling of their performances is available on YouTube.
The Ennis Sisters play the Bragg Creek Community Centre at 23 White Avenue, on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online for $35 ($25 for seniors and youth under 18 years old) at bcpa.ca or by calling Ticketpro at 1-888-655-9090.
The next event in the BCPA concert series will be Feb. 25, 2023.
