Episode Notes

It’s fair to say that Christmas is the most traditional season of the year.

Mulligan Stew has its own tradition we’d like to share with you.

It all started at CBC Vancouver in the late 70s with Producer Susan Englebert.

I was hosting a weekly show called The Great Canadian Goldrush and Susan brought together several of our artist friends to sing Christmas songs and tell Christmas tales.

Shari Ulrich, Roy Forbes, Terry Frewer were all part of those shows.

The show became a tradition – year after year.

Then life happened.  Our friend Susan lost a battle with cancer, Goldrush was canceled and we all moved on.

It wasn’t until I signed on with Roundhouse Radio in Vancouver that the idea of Christmas in the Round started to take shape.

Finally, I had a great mix.

Artists who believed in the power of music and the good it could create.

A real working studio..plus a lobby that doubled as a stage. Perfect!!

This is now Year Three of Christmas in the Round.

Shari Ulrich is still part of the group.

( Roy Forbes joined us last year)

This year the lineup is strong. Everyone on the stage had an amazing year. Recording, touring, co-writing and making new friends.

Barney Bentall – had just come off the road with Cariboo Express. Released a fine new album Cosmic Dreamer and  had just toured with  his Cariboo Express.  Also had toured with  Blue Rodeo. FYI –  Barney and The Express have now raised over $1M for food banks.

Shari Ulrich – on the road with Barney, playing with other artists, forming a trio with her daughter Julia and fellow Cariboo Expresser  Kirby Barber, who’s also with us this year.

(Julia recorded and mixed this hour)

Jim Byrnes-  with a well-earned reputation as a singular performer, who proudly shows his St Louis roots in every song.

Bill Henderson – Leader, writer, vocalist, and guitarist of Chilliwack. Mentor to many of today’s new artists. Producer, songwriter and picker.

Craig Northey – Original member of  Odds. Invaluable session man, co-writer, and part of perhaps the best backing band in the Country. Also solid member of the Steven Page Trio.

You may notice in the group photo that Craig is  leaning on a crutch. That’s because he BROKE his ankle playing hockey 2 weeks before this session and he still came to play.

He’s a gamer. A lifer.

Geoff Hicks – Plays drums with EVERYONE – Colin James, Barney, never mind..it’s way too many to mention

Rob Becker – Ditto. Need a great bass player? Start in the B’s with Becker.  Plays with Barney a lot.

It was important to0 include an oroiginal member of Christmas Jam Roy FGorbes., From year One – here’s Roy and on Lap Steel guitar Shaun Verreault from Wide Mouth Mason..with two closing songs.

They all have Christmas songs and stories and a tradition to carry on.

Many thanks to Corey Wood, John DeVries, Cory Price, Julia Graff, Monique McQueen, Alex Rodgerson, Don Shafer, Margaret Garrison, Dave Dhillon, Gabe Reinarz, Julian Anton, Scott Elliott and Duke, Natalie Pitt.

Many thanks to our singers and pickers

And as always Corey Wood and MEG – The Home Team

This show is dedicated to the memory of Susan Englebert

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