Freedom Singers
The Freedom Singers began their music ministry when two young men, Simon and Wesley, arrived in Canada as stow-a-ways. In Romania, their native land, at that time, all young men, upon completing High School, were forced to join the army. Being conscientious Christians, they could not join the army because freedom of worship was totally restricted. Refusing to join would result in several years of imprisonment and persecution. Determined to escape to freedom, Simon and Wesley faced danger and hardship fleeing from Romania to Italy.
But their nightmare began in earnest when they crawled into a container full of ceramic tiles that was headed across the ocean.
Baking in the heat for days in a shipyard, surviving a tremendous storm at sea, suffering from lack of oxygen, and the agony of thirst, Simon and Wesley both came close to death. It is only by God's grace that Simon and Wesley are here today - alive.
After arriving in Kelowna, B.C., in July of 1999, it was soon learned that Simon and Wesley loved to sing. They blended their voices in duets in many Churches . They travel now as a trio, since Stefan, Simon's brother joined them in 2006. The name "Freedom Singers" was most apropriate considering the backgrounds of Simon and Wesley and what they endured to be able to worship their God in Freedom and peace...
"Freedom Singers" share their music and testimony in the hope that those who listen will be spiritually enriched. They give praise to God for His guidance and abundant Grace.
The Link Family
The Link Family is a true family band, featuring Dad, Mom, five children and two in-laws from Lebanon, Missouri. They are having the "time of their lives" traveling on their Silver Eagle bus and sharing their music in churches, bluegrass festivals, theaters, Silver Dollar City, US Military bases, R.V. parks and misc. events. The family consists of Rachel (21), Kyle (20), Benjamin (13), Aaron (10), John (9), Becky (Mom), Lance (Dad), son-in-law, Landen Keeler and daughter-in-law, Ashley Link. Each member of the family participates in performing. Rachel brings to the group a strong lead and harmony voice while playing mandolin, guitar and bass. Kyle plays all the instruments on stage, mostly fiddle and guitar while singing lead and harmony. Benjamin also plays all the instruments on stage, mostly banjo, sings lead and harmony. Aaron sings lead and plays the fiddle while John sings lead and is learning mandolin. Becky plays rhythm guitar and bass while singing lead and harmony and Lance brings in the foundation sound on the bass fiddle, sings bass as well as being our bus driver and manager. Landen joins us this year as sound man and Ashley adds twin fiddling with Kyle.
Traveling and singing together has its joys and challenges while giving allowance for The Link Family to learn much about life as a family, to meet the many wonderful people that make up the strong fabric of our nation, and to see the beauty of the American landscape. This family group brings a refreshing performance that will leave you smiling, encouraged and tapping your foot.
Liberty Quartet
Liberty is a Gospel group based on the West Coast with a full-time concert schedule. The members of Liberty are Royce Mitchell, bass; Dan Gilbert, lead; Keith Waggoner, tenor; and Jordan Cragun, baritone. Liberty averages 50-70,000 miles a year ministering in approximately 200 performances for church services, large conventions including the Great Western Quartet Convention and the Gospel Music Fan Festival in Canada, nursing homes, prisons, and other ministries. Liberty goes wherever the Lord directs
Finding Favour
The group's self-titled debut, produced by label founder Barry Blair, is currently available as a digital release through iTunes and the Tonecrash Records website and can also be purchased at the band's live performances. A street date to bookstores will come later this year.
The foundation of Finding Favour was laid when vocalist Blake Neesmith and guitarist Allen Dukes began working together in their home church's worship team. A short time later, bassist Dustin Daniels joined them, and eventually drummer Nathan Tomberlin rounded out the group. Arising from a range of diverse influences such as blues, gospel, rock, and funk, the band masterfully commands their sound, speaking with authority both musically and lyrically, while inspiring the listener to reach for the unreachable. The band has played alongside several well-known Christian artists including Jeremy Camp, Jonah 33, and By The Tree.
The Rawling Brothers
Doug and Bruce Rawling have been playing music since their childhood, when they travelled and sang with their family. Since then they have been involved in several musical ventures - sometimes together, sometimes apart - and during that time have sold over 50,000 albums. They have enjoyed radio air play in Canada, United States and Europe., and their album "Hand Me Downs, Volume 1" was the 2004 Vibe Award winner for the best Country Bluegrass Album in Canada.
"Back in the 80's, when we had more hair, we actually had one of our songs go to number two on a New York radio station", recalls Doug." We were getting quite a bit of U.S. air play, and my sister who was living in Florida at the time could hear her brothers singing on the radio, so that was pretty cool." Being singer-songwriters, the Rawling Brothers are often asked to describe their sound, a question they don't find real easy to answer. "Our music is a blend of a lot of different styles", says Bruce, the younger of the two brothers. "We've been influenced by old time country, gospel music, bluegrass, folk and even rock music. We've come up the phrase 'Rocky Mountain Country' and we think that works pretty good for describing our sound".
Whatever you call it, their grassroots, close to the earth sound, featuring close harmonies and acoustic instruments, seems to strike a chord with a lot of people. They've built up a loyal fan base through the prairie provinces and the Midwestern states. The Rawlings share a deep love of music and feel blessed by God to be able to do what they love to do.
The Amundruds
The Amundruds continue to share the love of Jesus wherever they go. Siblings Gary, Daryl, Lorilyn, and Sheri, joined by their parents, Glen and Linda share a common desire to reach the lost. Their unique ability to communicate through song has made them a favourite in Christian Country today with their appearances at Trinity Music City USA, Nashville's Gibson Cafe and Canada's Gospel Music Celebration.
Glen & Linda accepted the Lord in their early 20's shortly after they were married. Their faith has been challenged from time to time. They were unable to have children, but they fasted and prayed. God answered prayer after eight years of longing, trusting and waiting for a miracle. They were blessed with two sons, Gary and Daryl, and two daughters, Lorilyn & Sheri. They all love the Lord and serve Him.
The Amundruds goal is to be a light and a blessing to those they meet. This GMA nominated family group from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan ministers to audiences through their thought-provoking lyrics, talented musical arrangements and life-changing testimonies giving all the glory to God.
Aaron Wilburn
Aaron Wilburn brings the house down with laughter...and he does it without four-letter words or making his audience feel uncomfortable.
A feature on the Gaither Homecoming tour and videos, he has endeared himself to thousands of laughter-loving fans with his down-home brand of humor...as he talks about his southern roots, his family, his children, and his faith. It's common to see a grandfather laughing along with teenagers and children...as Aaron says, "There is no generation gap with laughter."
Little would one expect that the same guy who brings people to tears with laughter also has written songs that have touched the lives of so many. His gift of songwriting has brought with it Dove Awards, as well as, two Grammy nominations. In the year 2005, Aaron was honored by his home state, as the Alabama Hall of Fame put an exhibit of his life and music on display in its honored halls--in the company of such notables as gospel singer Jack Hess and the Queen of Gospel Music, Vestal Goodman. They are surrounded by the likes of Tammy Wynette, Lionel Richie, and Percy Sledge, just to name a few.
In 2005, David Johnson, of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, named Aaron Wilburn the official host/MC of the future Alabama Music Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
Whether he's on stage in an arena, surrounded by 15,000, or in a banquet setting for a corporation or church--Aaron Wilburn is at home.
If you tell him, "I loved your act", He'll probably tell you-- "that's no act--that's who I am..." And to borrow his famous three words from him...he's funny!!!
The Daae Family
The Daae Family pronounced "DOE" family is a gospel group who have been together since 1989. The original group consisted of Wayne and Cathy, along with their 4 children Daniel, Michael, Amanda and Crystal. In 2006 Daniel married Lauren Klarholm, and Michael married Shannon Olson and both joined the group on stage.
As a full live band they bring a unique sound to their concerts. They have produced 5 albums since 2003, their latest being a Live Concert Recording which they offer on DVD and CD.
The Daae Family travels extensively throughout the year and sings in churches, at festivals and jamborees, community functions and takes time to share whenever possible at local care homes and hospitals.
Some would call them Country, some Bluegrass, some Southern Gospel and still others will say I don't know what to call them. But whatever you call them, the message is always the same, and it's presented plain and clear. "God loves you and has a purpose for your life. Life isn't always easy, we go through valleys as well as over mountain tops and if we put our trust and faith in Him He will lead and guide us."
The Willie Sons
The Willie Sons are Reed Willison, Brendan Varcoe, Alf Epp, and Tyler Bergen.
All Members hail from the Saskatoon area, each bringing a wide variety of professional experience.
Willison (guitar/lead vocals), a singer/songwriter who contributes the bulk of material to the group, together with Varcoe (upright bass/5 string banjo), a veteran musician of the 80's rock era, balance their styles with the more contemporary leanings of Bergen (guitar/vocals) and the well established folk and bluegrass playing of Epp (mandolin/vocals). The result is a category-stretching blend of country, bluegrass, and gospel intended to entertain, embrace, and uplift.
The Willie Sons' live performances are dynamic, energetic, and highly entertaining, as brotherly relationships on stage create a warm, inviting atmosphere for audience members. In addition to the songs by Willison and other members, The Willie Sons perform several covers, plus new arrangements of familiar gospel and bluegrass songs.
Three & Company
Smooth harmonies, warm personal stories, humor and heart-felt love make up an event with Three and Company. This Canadian GMA Award winning group has been described as a contemporary Southern Gospel Trio, and has been nominated three years in a row for Southern Gospel Album of The Year. The trio is comprised of Brent Anderson, Dianne and Dale Johnson.
“We believe there truly is joy in serving God and doing what He has equipped each of us to do,” says Dianne. The joy of their belief is evident in their songs, encouragement they share and testimonies of the heartaches they have each experienced.
Individually, music has played a large role in their lives since childhood. Since 2000, Three and Company has been featured as special music for conferences, concerts, banquets and fundraisers for camps, charities and other worthy causes in Western Canada. “We love banquets,” Dale quips, “as we are part-time singers, but full-time eaters.”
Three and Company have recorded four projects, “Living In Grace” 2010, “Until The Day” in 2009, “I Believe” in 2008 and “Even In The Valley” from 2006.
Phil Callaway
Phil Callaway is an award-winning author, speaker, and daddy of three. The best-selling author of twenty-four books, Phil has been called "the funniest Canadian alive," but never by his school teachers. He is a frequent guest on national radio and TV, and his humorous stories on family life have been featured in hundreds of magazines worldwide. But he insists that his greatest achievement was convincing his wife to marry him. Phil lives in Alberta, Canada with his high school sweetheart. They are married.
