A MESSAGE FROM RACHEL

Tonight, we celebrate 15 years of sharing the stage with so many talented musical artists who walk away loving our audience as much as we all do! We couldn’t have this evening without the generous support of our sponsors and others in the community who go out of their way to help in any way they can. This is what living in the Annapolis Valley is all about and why I am so proud to call this beautiful place my home.

Tonight, we dedicate this show and our songs in memory of our very dear friend, Angie Campbell, who has shared the stage with us each year with her talent, kindness, and joy. She was a blessing to all of us and loved being part of the excitement, energy and music. She lived life to the fullest and regularly made us try and hold back laughter behind the curtain before hitting the stage. Truly a “class act” who has always had my (musical) back. Her unique and beautiful harmonies made our songs come alive.

Sadly, we lost Angie a week ago to an illness that she faced with courage and grace. We love you, Angie Campbell, and are so grateful for the gift of you!

Several Valley businesses are helping to make the season a bit brighter by purchasing tickets to Christmas With Friends and sharing with organizations in the area. Special thanks to the following:

Middleton Funeral Home
Family Matters, Annapolis County Family Resource Center

Joe’s Food Emporium
Kings County Family Resource Centre

ABOUT RACHEL

Annapolis Valley singer-songwriter, Rachel MacLean, has been sharing her music with audiences since she was very young. She performed for over 15 years as part of the popular sibling duo, “The MacLeans”, and recorded five successful independent albums with her sister, Mary, during that time. Rachel has been performing solo for over a decade, pleasing audiences with her beautiful voice, sweet smile, and inspirational/folk/seasonal music. She released her first solo album, “Beyond the Rain”, in 2013. Her Christmas album, “Falling Snow”, was released in 2019.

In 2009, Rachel was commissioned to write a new theme song for the internationally renowned Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival. She cowrote and recorded, “A Time to Celebrate”, with producer and musician, Jamie Robinson. Rachel also wrote and recorded “Hope Is Alive” for “Beyond the Rain”. In 2016, she was honoured to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her contribution of “Hope Is Alive” for the Rotary Foundation’s use on the occasion of it’s 100th birthday. For the better part of a decade, Rachel has been invited to be part of the MADD Nova Scotia memorial ceremony in Dartmouth. She has supported other notable events including Relay for Life. Rachel participated in a trade mission to Iceland sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia and her music has been featured on radio and television since first appearing on CBC radio in 1994.

This year, Rachel celebrates her 15th Christmas With Friends production here at University Hall in Wolfville. She has shared the stage with award winning artists such as Alan Frew (from band, “Glass Tiger”), Dan Hill, Jimmy Rankin, Bruce Guthro, Heather Rankin, Terry Kelly, Michelle Wright, and many more.

SPECIAL GUEST:
HEATHER RANKIN

Heather Rankin is a singer, songwriter, actor, and member of the 6X Juno Award winning band The Rankin Family. As a solo artist she has released two albums: A Fine Line (ECMA/Juno Nom.) and Imagine (ECMA Nom.) Her music video for “We Walk As One” (dir. Scott Simpson) was nominated for ECMA’s Fans’ Choice Video of the Year and her music video for “Titanically” (dir. Thom Fitzgerald) was nominated for ECMA and Music Nova Scotia Awards for Video of the Year.

She has taken her solo show to venues across the country, including headlining the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, hosting Songwriters’ Circles at ECMA Week and at the Nova Scotia SummerFest, performing with the Cape Breton Orchestra at Celtic Colours, with Symphony NS, and with the Calgary Philharmonic. Since 2018 she has also performed with Nova Scotian powerhouses Bette MacDonald, Lucy MacNeil, and Jenn Sheppard in their fan favourite music and sketch comedy show Island Girls.

In 2017 Heather was named a Canada 150 Ambassador, and she took part in the Canada C3 Expedition on Leg 2 between Montréal and Baie Comeau, where she co-wrote the song “River of Nations” with Alex Cuba and Andrea Menard. She has recorded and performed with many artists including The Chieftains, Johnny Reid, Brett Kissel, and Carly Simon. In addition to her live shows, Heather has worked with Bell TV On Demand on two different projects which showcase the vibrant and unique cultural and musical traditions of Cape Breton Island.

Heather is an Officer of the Order of Canada known for her deep love and passion for both her Gaelic heritage and her community.

SPECIAL GUEST:
DALE MILLER

Dale Miller is a Dora Award–winning Canadian performer with over 30 years of experience on stage, in concert, and at sea. A graduate of Acadia University with a Bachelor or Music (Voice) and a Bachelor of Music Education, he has had a distinguished and impressive theatre career.

Dale has performed across Canada and internationally, with credits including The Handmaid's Tale, Falstaff (Canadian Opera Company), Gypsy (Neptune Theatre), Evita (Theatre Calgary), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Mayfield Theatre), and Forever Plaid (Stage West). He has sung backup for Josh Groban at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and is a regular anthem performer for the Toronto Blue Jays. Dale has performed in production shows aboard a major international cruise line and is also known for his cabaret work, blending humour, character, and musical storytelling in both solo and ensemble settings.

Dale and his partner currently live in Whitby, Ontario. He is excited to be returning to his Alma Mater Acadia University alongside his dear friends and fellow artists, Rachel MacLean and Heather Rankin.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Our Christmas With Friends corporate partners make the show possible every year. We encourage you to support these generous businesses during the festive season and all throughout the year.