After spending 22 years as two-thirds of Canada’s most famous children’s entertainers Sharon, Lois & Bram, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison are far from ready to retire.
When Lois Lilienstein decided to stop touring in 2000, Sharon and Bram packed up their instruments and went back on the road doing what they’ve always done best, singing for children and their families.
The show is simpler now, built around the folk-based music they began with, the lively action songs, the rhyming and counting songs, the energetic silliness and rhythmic audience participation songs that fill an entire concert hall with roaring, exuberant joy.
Their songs have become indelibly fixed in the musical memories of generations of Canadian children.
What is the secret? What is their music all about?
“The joy of sharing music,” says Bram, “is giving children the opportunity to hear real music played on real instruments, in many different musical styles, from many different musical traditions.”
You won’t find curriculum embedded in this music, although many a child has learned to count by singing along with those naughty little monkeys.
These are songs that often go back generations, that have been sung by parents to their children since before our grandparents’ time and have become part of our musical heritage.
Other additions to the festival slate include three Canadian acts – cellist Cris Derksen, acoustic musician Don Amero and Vancouver-based Guerrista, a band with a progressive rock/blues sound with a retro feel.
The 19th annual Roots and Blues Festival will take place Aug. 19 to 21 at the Salmon Arm Fall Fairgrounds. Limited earlybird tickets are on sale for $99 only until Feb. 25. Get them online at www.rootsandblues.ca, at 250-833-4096 or at 490 Fifth Ave SW.