Highschool Concert Band class trip to Toronto in 1989 and a visit to the Much Music studios where I met VJ Dan Gallagher. We matched outfits, so we grabbed a picture.
Proud to represent the Village of Kingston, Nova Scotia, as Princess Kingston and 1st Lady In Waiting to Queen Annapolisa the 60th at the 1992 Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival.
Had some of the best times of my teen years in the summers of 1991 and 1992, performing as a member of the park band at Upper Clements Theme Park, outside Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. We performed hundreds of Maritime written songs.
In 1993, my sister, Mary, and I performed for the Queen Annapolisa Coronation ceremony at the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival.
In 1993, Mary and I recorded several songs at CBC Radio’s Studio H in Halifax. A wonderful experience that led to being featured on the program, “Up On The Roof”, on CBC Television, hosted by Irish-Canadian folk musician, Denis Ryan(Ryan’s Fancy).
Mary and I hosted our very first Christmas concert in Greenwood in 1996 and welcomed special guests John Allan Cameron and Brad Hewey
CD Release concert celebrating “Captured Time” at Festival Theatre in Wolfville in 1996
1996 was a special year as The MacLean Sisters released their debut album Captured Time. Was very proud to share it with friend, John Allan Cameron, who we performed with on various memorable occasions over the years.
1996 Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
1997 ECMA Community Stage Showcase in Moncton
The MacLean Sisters in the mid 90’s joining the band, Phoenix, on stage at the Port George Country Jamboree. We had a hoot performing some country classics that day.
A real thrill in 2006 to meet up with Cape Breton’s Rita MacNeil the night she performed at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition in Lawrencetown.
The very first Christmas With Friends concert in 2010 featured Nova Scotia singer songwriter, Bruce Guthro (accompanied by son, Dylan Guthro), and well-known Nova Scotia Harpists, “Ardyth & Jennifer”. Enjoyed some social time after the show with everyone at Paddy’s Pub in Wolfville.
In 2010, I had the pleasure of meeting NHL Hall of Fame hockey player Denis Potvin and his lovely wife Valerie. Happy to help introduce them to our beautiful Valley and thrilled they enjoyed my inspirational music.
One of my annual appearances at the Fisherman’s Memorial ceremony in Digby, Nova Scotia. A beautiful backdrop for this bittersweet occasion in 2010 along with lifelong family friend, Reverend Don Robertson.
In 2010, the Spinney Brothers and I teamed up for several Christmas concerts across Nova Scotia. Not only one of the most talented Bluegrass groups, but the most fun, and kindest people you’ll ever meet.
One of my favorite Atlantic Canadian entertainers, Terry Kelly. He was a guest at my 2011 Christmas With Friends show and we toured several Maritime communities, together, that year.
The excitement was high when Dan Hill made his appearance at Christmas With Friends in 2012. This Grammy (yes, Grammy!) Award recipient was not only talented, but intelligent and kind. So happy to spend some extra time laughing and talking with Dan. We just “clicked” over the couple days he spent in Wolfville, and I certainly didn’t mind performing two of his biggest duet hits that night with him!
Christmas With Friends has introduced so many wonderful performers to our audience. In 2013, Pictou’s Dave Gunning wowed the crowd. Dave and I recorded a “Kenny and Dolly duet on (The MacLeans) “Reflections of Christmas” album in 2002. With so many hidden talents and his own very full performance/touring schedule, he has still found the time to work on several of my albums, lending his voice and technical knowledge to the recording process.
Even more energy than usual on the stage for my 2014 Christmas With Friends, thanks to special guests Jimmy Rankin and Ian Sherwood. The crowd was loving it all and certainly let everyone on stage know it!
Kim Dunn is one of the biggest talents on piano in Atlantic Canada, working for many years with other performers (Rita MacNeil, Bruce Guthro, George Canyon, Jimmy Rankin to name a few). My sister and I were so lucky to have him share that talent on a number of our albums. In 2015, we were thrilled to share the stage with him, as he wowed the crowd with his voice, songwriting, and piano skills.
Michelle Wright is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. She guested at Christmas With Friends in 2015. Such a powerful voice and natural rapport with her audience, we were all thrilled to have her with us that night. She was funny, personable and made our show that much more fun!
In 2016, Evans & Doherty brought their talents to Christmas With Friends and, as always, provided more than a few laughs. So engaging with audience, I’ve loved these guys since I first heard them in the late 80’s.
The largest crowd, ever, at Christmas With Friends was in 2016. Heather Rankin warmed the audience with funny and touching stories of growing up in Cape Breton and her beautiful songs. I was so impressed with her powerful vocals and songwriting! She probably thought I was joking when I teased her about knowing almost every song she and her siblings ever recorded. I wasn’t.
A true entertainer, Jim Witter was another favourite guest at Christmas With Friends in 2017. We had a great time with him and loved hearing his hit songs from “back in the day”. A very gifted performer.
No question Makayla Lynn was destined for big things when she appeared at Christmas With Friends in 2017. This “up and coming” Country music singer-songwriter dazzled us with a maturity and depth of talent that was well beyond her young age.
I love my time in the studio. Here’s a picture in 2018 while recording my Falling Snow album at Jamie Robinson’s place. Jamie has produced so many of my albums, I feel very much at home in his cool little studio. Herbal tea flows freely and lots of wonderful chats between songs. He works hard to give me the freedom and comfort to really enjoy the recording process.
In 2018, Lennie Gallant and RyLee Madison joined me for Christmas With Friends. I met Lennie over 20 years ago and RyLee, not too long after that. Lennie’s storytelling and songs were magical that night. RyLee and her husband, Clay, kept us laughing and her heartwarming songs left me singing them for days after the show.
One of my favorite comedians, Shaun Majumder. A crazy funny evening in Wolfville in 2018. My life is filled with laughter and this guy certainly helped top it up!
Growing up as a teenager in the 80’s, Glass Tiger was one of my all-time favourites. A huge thrill to share the stage with lead singer Alan Frew in 2019. I’m, clearly, not trying to hide it!
In 2019, we were thrilled to bring hugely talented Ian Sherwood back for Christmas With Friends. He recorded, “Blue Christmas”, with me for my “Falling Snow” album.
Of all my guests at Christmas With Friends over 10 years, my music-loving daughters top my “favourites” list. I feel nothing but pure joy and pride sharing the stage with Breagha and Myah.
In August 2020, we organized a fundraising concert for Karissa Bezanson who was battling leukemia. The Annapolis Valley Exhibition folks provided the beautiful riverside stage and I enjoyed sharing it with Mark Riley and friends.
I have been blessed to have incredible musicians join me at Christmas With Friends. Jeff Hennessy (piano), Nancy Handrigan (violin), Angie Campbell (vocals) and James Logan (guitar).
For over 20 years, guitarist James Logan has been by my side on many stages.
Always fun to step away from my regular performances. Joined voices with Angie Campbell and Donna Holmes as part of the a cappella trio, Trillium.
Had the pleasure of working with Neville MacKay (My Mother’s Bloomers flower shop) at fundraising events in Digby and Halifax.
Enjoyed a fun night in Halifax as one of the entertainers offered up for “Blind Date with a Star”. Hanging with John Gracie and Lana Grant. Good times with wonderful people!
A special musical night on the King’s Theatre stage in Annapolis Royal several years ago. A very talented group of beautiful, amazing women including Elizabeth Deveau, Hope Gillis and Janice Sheridan.
I love performing in many different churches and different denominations. The variety of acoustics make every concert unique and special. One of the most spectacular is St Marie Catholic Church in Church Point, Nova Scotia.