Huron Carole concert goes virtual

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This article was published 14/12/2020 (2116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The show must go on!

Now is as important time as ever for The Huron Carole to take place, said event founder and central performer Tom Jackson.

This 33rd annual seasonal music event is all about “creating health,” he said.

While scientists and health-care workers chip away at vaccinating the public against COVID-19, he said the other side of the equation — assisting with people’s mental health — should not be forgotten.

“We need to create health,” he said. “We need to find ways to bring all the elements we knew before into communities that are in crisis.”

The Sun caught up with Jackson over the phone during the weekend to discuss this year’s very unique event.

The show usually takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, but organizers had to shift the effort online due to COVID-19 health concerns and the hodgepodge of restrictions put in place across the nation, including level red in Manitoba.

It has been a significant undertaking for which organizers experienced a steep learning curve, but Jackson said that after several tour dates under their belt, it has already proven worthwhile.

To best explain why they’re doing what they’re doing, he asked for a few seconds to illustrate his rationale using a mental exercise.

“Do me a favour and close your eyes,” he said, waiting a few seconds for compliance.

“Now, think of three to five things that tickle your soul.

“OK, open your eyes.

“Now, I defy you to tell me that you don’t feel better now than you did five seconds ago.”

This he said, is the general feeling he hopes The Huron Carole helps create.

Much of the seasonal music show was recorded on July 17, during which all manner of health precautions were employed to get Jackson in a room with fellow musicians Tom McKillip, Darryl Havers, John MacArthur Ellis, Kirby Barber and Chris (The Wrist) Nordquist.

Although the pre-recorded part of the show remains unchanged from community to community, Jackson introduces each show via video livestream, during which he tailors each show to its respective region. He also interacts with participants throughout in a Zoom chat feature.

“Each one of the shows is live, so to speak,” he said.

The concert’s website, huroncarole.ca, includes each song’s lyrics, chord progressions and even instructions for paper cutout hats for people to wear while participating in the show from home.

Tonight’s show is specially tailored to both Brandon and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, and donations will be collected for the First Nation and The Counselling Centre for Hope and Healing in Brandon.

The Counselling Centre is a registered charity that provides a sliding fee scale to ensure those who can’t afford their resources have access to professional counselling services.

“We do rely heavily on this fundraiser to help us continue to meet the needs of those who can’t pay a standard fee,” executive director Heather Karrouze said.

However, it’s not only finances that make Karrouze relieved to see the concert take place this year despite the global pandemic.

“It’s the night when Christmas comes to Brandon,” she said. “There’s a spirit about this show and the music and the performance, and just the spirit of giving behind the show is really inspiring.”

This isn’t the first time in recent years the show almost didn’t take place in Brandon, she said, pointing to a storm in 2016 that snowed in Jackson and the rest of The Huron Carole band in Virden.

At the time, Jackson joined the band in performing a free concert for the people who were stormed in at Virden in order to help lift their spirits.

Afterward, just before Christmas, Jackson returned to Brandon for a special performance to both help keep The Counselling Centre in the financial black and the community in Christmas cheer.

Jackson said he has created many unique bonds with people in the Brandon area, and that his “heart is in Manitoba.”

It’ll be a special night, he said, encouraging people to make the most of the event by dancing, singing and playing musical instruments in their own homes.

Anything to create health, he said, “Even though it’s not something you’d think you could do in your house.”

Those interested in attending the virtual show, which begins at 6:30 p.m., can sign up online at huroncarole.ca to receive emails that include a link to the concert on Zoom and instructions on how to view and participate.

» tclarke@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB