Talent show spotlights Aboriginal performers

Page 6

At the Voice of the North Aboriginal talent showcase in Prince Albert, Ray Villebrun touched the hearts of his audience with his original song. It was a message from the heart to his wife Crystal Tootoosis.

"I wrote When You're Not Here for my wife," he said. "I was just letting her know it's not all roses on the road when you're not with your family. We have five children, ranging in age from eight to 22."

Villebrun was new on the lineup for this year's show, one of the first events of the Prince Albert Winter Festival. Two other performers, Bernice Thall of Prince Albert and Donald "D.C." Corrigal, have been with the show from the start. The sixth annual Voices of the North wanted this year to honor deserving and influential musicians.

"We thought we'd recognize a lot of people who we think influenced other people to get involved with their music," said Bernice Sayese, producer of the show. "D.C. has got original recordings,and he's had a band for several years. We know that a lot of young people and bands started out because of him. Bernice is actively involved with the Prince Alberta Country Music Association."

Three young performers were also featured at the show. Shaylene McNabb, Brent Peekeekoot and Deressa Singoose are the "Stars of Tomorrow" who were chosen for their own unique styles.

"We want to encourage youth, and this is one way of doing that, [by] offering them a spot in this kind of production," said Sayese.

The 12 performers were chosen out of 76 hopefuls during October auditions. Also featured was the Winnipeg back-up band Double Vision, with guest musicians Dean Bernier, Che McGhee and Jason Ross. The performers included Lisa Lambert-Bear, Warren Beatty, Carl Crane, Charity Greyeyes, Darwin Roy, Donna Bill, Pamela Sasakamoose, mother-daughter duo Peggy Vermette and Denise Lancely, Greg Merasty, Patty Ford and Jason Burnouf.

"It's really hard to decide on the performers every year," said Sayese. "There are so many talented Aboriginal people in the community, and they're not well known. All our decisions are based on talent, what we think will be pleasing to the public. We want a nice variety."