The Christmas Carol Project - cast bios

Bill Bourne loves to collaborate.  His most recent collaboration is with
Eivør Pálsdóttir from the Faroe won double at the Danish Music Awards
Folk in 2006. Other collaborations: with Alan MacLeod, Shannon Johnson,
Hans Staymer and Andreas Schuld, and Lester Quitzau & Madagascar Slim,
as well as his solo projects, have all attained award status in Canada.
A multiple Canadian Juno Award winner, Bill has received international
acclaim for his recordings and live performances. A mainstay on the
international roots scene, life on the road is reflected in Bill's music
- powerful rhythms and soulful songs, steeped in World Beat, Blues,
Cajun, Celtic, Folk, Flamenco, Funk, Poetry and more...
www.billbourne.com

Al Brant writes music that is soulful, reflective and life affirming.
Hot on the heels of his 2007 solo release "Songs for the Early Morning
Sun." Al is currently writing for a new recording and will have a new
release in 2009.  Along with his solo career Al continues to write and
record with Tacoy Ryde who recently celebrated 40 years on the Canadian
music scene.  Al has also been employed for the past 5 years with
Friends of the University of Alberta Hospital "Artist on the Wards"
program.  He writes and performs his songs at the patient’s bedside.
www.albrant.ca

Kenneth Brown has been working in the professional theatre since 1971 as
an actor, playwright, director, and producer.  He burst onto the
Canadian playwrighting scene in 1985 with Life After Hockey, the first
of his many theatrical monologues (notably My Father’s House, The
Cambodia Pavilion, Balance, The Garneau Kid and Lewis Lapham Live).  Ken
has gone on to pen thirty-two produced plays, one produced screenplay,
and radio plays for the CBC national network and West German Radio.  His
plays have been produced in seven countries in three languages.  A
recipient of the Edmonton Arts Excellence Award, he has also won several
Sterling Awards.

Kevin Cook
This long, lean guitar picker from Alberta conjures up his own brand of
raw folk voodoo.  Critics unanimously agree, Cook's obvious ace is his
lyrics. From haunting ballads to edgy country blues his songs often
reflect his western roots. Cook tours as a solo artist as well as
working with a rockin' four piece band. Recently he's been exploring the
world of film, scoring the music for the documentary "One More Mile".
His new recording "Calahoo" has just been released.  kevincookmusic.com

Juno-nominated Maria Dunn is a storyteller through song. Melding North
American folk music with her Scottish-Irish heritage, she writes about
the resilience and grace of "ordinary" people, as on her 2004 CD: We
Were Good People.  The Peddler (2008), features songs largely inspired
by her love of Celtic music. (Produced by Shannon Johnson, with song
arrangements by Maria and 2007 Juno Award winners, The McDades).  Maria
performs at folk clubs, theatres and festivals in Canada, USA (2006
Smithsonian Folk Life Festival) and Europe (2008 Celtic Connections).
www.mariadunn.com

Bill Hobson is one of the most musical drummers around.  With great feel
and timing, ask anyone who has heard him play. Either in Tacoy Ryde or
the Christmas Carol Project you will find Bill laying it down "right in
the pocket". He has great sensitivity and an innate ability to interpret
and spontaneously interact with many different grooves.  Bill's married
to Dale Ladouceur and considers this to be one of his more important
achievements.
www.tacoyryde.com

Dale Ladouceur is one of too few Chapman Stick players in Canada. The
last 20 years as a soloist and hired gun has given Ladouceur the
opportunity to take part in many collaborations with artists like Bruce
Cockburn and Angelique Kidjo.  Her critically acclaimed original project
"Dale Ladouceur and the Broke Ensemble", (originally "The Mavens"), have
two releases and are currently working on a new disc "Chorus of the
Pool".  When she's not playing, Ladouceur is a political writer and
activist.  www.crowtown.com

Terry Morrison has been described as "…one of the most intellectually
compelling songwriters in town." She has performed at many Canadian folk
fests and toured throughout North America. Terry has 4 CD’s of original
music to her credit and is featured on a number of compilations
including a Smithsonian Folkways Collection of Alberta Songwriters. Her
music is played on CKUA, CBC, numerous college stations across Canada as
well as radio stations in Europe and the USA. Her voice is rich and
deep, her melodies, rhythm and lyrics, strong and uniquely her own.
www.terrymorrison.net

Based out of Edmonton, for the past twenty-five years Tom Roschkov has
been a constant face on the western Canadian music scene. He began by
fronting a number of rockabilly ensembles, such as, the Screamin’
Roosters and Charlie Don’t surf. Then, over the years, has moved on to
explore a variety of styles such as rhythm and blues, soul, folk-rock,
country and experimental jazz. He is mostly recognized for his work with
the Swingin’ Ya Band and the Stone Merchants. He has a long list of
recordings to his credit.