The Hunter Brothers(J.J., Dusty, Luke, Brock, and Ty) are from a small Western Canadian prairie town called Shaunavon in the province of Saskatchewan. They are all brothers who grew up together on a family grain farm where life was full of farm work, school, hockey, and music. Over the years they pursued the game of hockey, with 4 of them progressing to play in the junior and pro ranks throughout North America. Although the guys were busy playing hockey in the winter months, they assembled together every summer to perform at festivals and other events. However, hockey injuries and other circumstances led the guys one by one away from the game to pursue the open doors God provided to share the Gospel through music.
In a world where Jesus Christ and His Word are under constant attack, the guys feel so blessed and are excited to proclaim the finished work of a perfect, crucified and risen Saviour!
Read more on their website >
Canada's Double Portion
from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, has become
one of the busiest Canadian Gospel groups since its formation in 1982.
They’ve crisscrossed the country from Newfoundland to British
Columbia, Nashville to Alaska, performing to thousands of people and
traveling tens of thousands of miles.
The group originated when the Hemmerling family, three sisters and their brother began singing while their father ministered. Duncan Hemmerling, now an ordained reverend, continues on the calling with his wife Debbie and their nine children. Their oldest son Andrew is the group's drummer and joining him on stage are his brother Jardeth, the groups guitarist, who also adds his smooth vocals and his sister Christina who plays fiddle and provides strong vocals.
Since beginning full-time ministry in August
1990, there have been many opportunities to share the gospel message.
They have appeared on the Grand Ole’ Opry stage, were guest
artists of the legendary Cash family and the largest county fair in the
U.S.A. They have performed numerous times at both the Featured Artist
Showcase during the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky
and the Canadian Gospel Music Celebration in Red Deer, Alberta. Tours
have taken them to all of Canada as well as thirty-six States including
T.V. appearances on local, national and international shows.
Abundant
songwriting talent has resulted in sixteen albums, three recorded in
Nashville, Tennessee produced by Dove award nominees Vic and Toni Clay.
They have received numerous award nominations in both the Saskatchewan
Country Music Association and the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMA
Canada). They have been honored with the Country Gospel Song of the
Year, Album of theYear, Live Band of the Year and Southern Gospel Song
of the Year Awards.
CANADAS DOUBLE PORTIONS strong family ties and deep faith in the Lord has sustained and motivated them to bring their music to people everywhere. They count it a privilege to minister in any setting.
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“The best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Simply said, by Theodore Roosevelt, it is one of my favorite quotes. Young or old, fulfillment comes when you know you are giving your best to something you know you were born to do.
My first audience was in an old school auditorium in Mansfield Ohio. Just in kindergarten, I entered the talent show to sing, “You Are My Sunshine.” I don’t remember what I sang after the first verse, but I do remember the look on my mother’s face as I composed my own version, on the spot! It must have been good though because that night I took home first place. Still singing and composing, my musical career, like my life, would evolve over time.
Though many are blessed with various gifts and talents, it is an added blessing to be able to make a living doing what you love to do. After graduating high school, the adventurous spirit in me moved south, to the big state of Texas. There I would have many versions of musical ensembles. Starting as a solo act with just my guitar, then a duo, a trio, to eventually forming a country dance band called “Terri Lynn and Texas Tea.” Local clubs and dance halls kept me booked. It was a season that would not last long as destiny was preparing me for another adventurous journey. Somewhere in this chain of events, I met my husband, we married in 1979 and our son Justin was born in 1980. Texas would also bring me to a major crossroad in my life when the message of my song would change and point the listener to Jesus Christ. Somehow this career became a full time ministry, a call, that would take our young family all over America.
Twenty-three years later, nine CD’s of numerous number one songs like “Old Gideon Bible,” “Mama Prays,” “He’s the One on the White Horse,” “Fearless,” “No Stranger to Treason,”
“Alone With Jesus” and at present, working on an all acoustic worship project of songs written in this chapter of my life.
Leaving a music career years ago, to embrace a ministry call, enables my life to be that song that sings to expand the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. What I do is a ministry. It is who I am, a gospel singer, still pointing my listeners to my Savior and my Friend. He is the only reason I still have a song to sing. Jesus is the best prize that life has to offer and singing for Him is a work worth doing!
Read more on her website >
Potters Clay
Potter’s Clay is a Southern Gospel quartet
that has been performing traditional gospel favorites since forming in
1986. The quartet includes a tenor, lead, baritone and base
singer as well as a piano accompanist. Their recording My Anchor
Holds is the latest of their eight recordings. Potter’s Clay performs throughout western Canada singing in diverse
venues including churches, theatres, community centers and many summer
music jamborees. One of the yearly highlights is the Red Deer Alberta
Quartet Festival. Potter’s Clay has sung main stage every year
since it began. Over the years, Potter’s Clay has opened for many
gospel artists, including the Hoppers, Dixie Melody Boys, Tim Lovelace,
Roger Bennett, Lulu Roman and others. Potter’s Clay look forward
to sharing their unique blend of music with you; an evening the whole
family can enjoy.
Cities Under Fire
Cities Under Fire are three guys from North Battleford,
Saskatchewan. They have a passion for God and a passion for music
that impacts youth in a positive way.
Andrew & Jardeth
Hemmerling, the groups drummer and lead guitarist, have grown up on a
tour bus traveling down the road with their family band. While
touring in Iowa Andrew became friends with David Millar, a young man
sharing the same musical focus. David, a talented guitarist,
headed north to his roots in Saskatchewan in 2006 and Cities Under Fire
was created in 2008.
Cities Under Fire realize that music is a gift
that can carry many different messages. They are here to present a
positive message full of hope and faith in a life changing God.
Their own personal relationship with the Lord motivates their desire to
make a difference in this world. They have had the opportunity to
perform in five Provinces and the U.S.. Their new CD
“Lukewarm Love” contains all original material with straight ahead rock
tunes and heart stirring ballads. They have had tremendous
response to their radio single “Wake Up” and have just released their
current single “Stay”.
They are comfortable presenting a dynamic
Christian rock concert or a youth worship time. They take
seriously their call for ministry and the responsibility that comes
with it.
Read more on myspace.com >
The Link FamilyThe 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, Kyle, Benjamin (15), Aaron (12), John (11), 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 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.
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Shawn Pody And The Fall Creek Boys
Since arriving in Nashville in 1991, Shawn has worked on stage with numerous artists including: Grammy award winning guitarist/actor Jerry Reed, country stars Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Ken Mellons, Becky Hobbs, Darryl Worley and Sonya Isaacs. He even shared the stage with R&B legends, The Coasters and The Shirelles. Televison appearances have included the legendary "Grand Ole Opry Live" and PBS's critically acclaimed series "Soundstage". After touring in more than 15 countries all over the world, Shawn spends most of his time in Nashville running his recording studio, The Podyum. In the studio, Shawn has produced projects for many artists, including award winning Christian acts High Valley, and The Hunters.
After spending many years producing other artists' music, Shawn felt the call to once again record and perform some new music of his own. That's when he enlisted the help of longtime friends John Riffe and Kevin Mason, both accomplished musicians on their own, to form The Fall Creek Boys. The new project of original material is one of two being released by Shawn and The Fall Creek Boys. The second is an album of classic gospel songs called Front Porch Hymns.
Since the Fall Creek Boys perform as a band for diverse audiences, they like to include a variety of songs that have both personal meaning and wide appeal. When you hear the Fall Creek Boys you'll discover what people all over have already found out; they are entertaining, worshipful, classic, and fresh all at the same time.
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Freedom Singers Throughout history, there have been men and women who were willing to sacrifice their lives rather than compromise their faith. The Freedom Singers' story is one that will inspire you with a fresh, modern day picture of faith in a God that is still in control of a world gone mad.
Simon Ivascu, Steven Ivascu and Wesley Pop, fled Romania when they were only teenagers. 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, they all faced danger and hardships fleeing from Romania to Italy, but Simon and Wesley's nightmare began in earnest when they crawled into a container, were then locked and sealed, and placed aboard a container vessel. There they spent two weeks in total darkness as they baked in the heat for days before being loaded onto the ship, headed to unknown destination. They ran out of food, water, oxygen and hope. As despair filled that container. It appeared that the container became their likely tomb; Once again, God provided another of many miracles in this incredible real life story of faith and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds. This trio has been singing since their days in Italy shortly after fleeing Romania. Simon recalls, "We were singing mostly hymns together, back when we were in Italy, but we started to sing Southern Gospel Music in 2000, after we heard the Gaither's and the Cathedrals on television. It was a sound that we instantly fell in love with. After singing at local churches and telling our story, it was suggested to actually give our group a name: "The Freedom Singers." This would be the most appropriate name considering the backgrounds of the guys. So in 2001, the "Freedom Singers" was officially born.
Simon goes on to say that, "We've been blessed beyond our imagination in so many ways. From the opportunity of sharing our music and testimony in churches big and small, to performing at the largest annual Canadian Gospel Convention in Red Deer and doing radio and TV interviews to being a guest artist on a Christian Music cruise." 2010 brings even more exciting opportunities to the Freedom Singers as they are scheduled to travel across United States and Canada. They are scheduled to sing at Legacy Five's Memorial Day and Labor Day Celebrations in Nashville, Tennessee, Greater Vision's Texas Praise-Fest, The Great Western Fan-Fest in Visalia - California, The Gaither Homecoming in Gatlinburg TN and the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY.
FREDOM SINGERS share their music and testimony in the hope that those who listen will be spiritually enriched and blessed. They give praise to God for His guidance and abundant Grace.
Mission Statement
"Our purpose is to help people to know God personally, and to share Jesus Christ's love with others."
Read more on their website >
Phil & Catherine LewansPhil and Catherine Lewans are looking forward to returning to this years’ Frenchman Jamboree stage.
Phil, who farms and ranches north of Shaunavon, has been singing for many years and was the lead singer of a band in the 1980’s. He has also served the Shaunavon Catholic Church for a number of years by leading music ministry, among other involvement in numerous church and community organizations.
Catherine is the seventh daughter and eighth child of Phil and his wife Linda’s ten children. She is a talented musician who has been writing music, singing, playing piano and various other instruments, since she was very young. Catherine was recently named the 2011 Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year. She released her debut album “Kickin’ Up Dust” in late 2009. She has been playing many shows to promote her album, writing and making plans to record her second album in the near future.
Phil & Catherine are both eager to share God’s gift of music and His saving message at this year’s event. The father/daughter duo has had the chance to perform together at numerous events including Country Cowboy Church at the Diamond Willow Retreat Centre, Shaunavon Fall Fair, Heavy Horse Banquet, Shaunavon & District Pro-Life Gospel Music Night and many various private functions.
Read more on myspace.com >
Jordashay
Changing their styles from country/bluegrass to contemporary/pop, Jordashay, previously known as The Hanson Hillbillies, are finding music closer to their passion. They’ve been performing at many different venues for over 6 years.
“We desire to spread the gospel by the proclamation of salvation in Jesus through our music,” says Jordan Hanson. “We want to make a difference for Christ by following His leading.”
Jordan writes most of the music they perform. The band uses a unique blend of harmony and a diverse arrangement of instruments as they entertain. Their Dad usually accompanies the group with his bass guitar. Loving their ministry, the band desires to bless others with their music.
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The father-daughter team of Art Quist and Pam Hartman consider it an honour to be returning to Frenchman River Gospel Music Jamboree once again as our MC team. Their wit, ‘wisdom’ and friendly banter keep the crowd entertained and the program running smoothly.
Art and his wife, Betty, live just west of Edmonton, near Stony Plain Alberta. They are the Alberta, Saskatchewan and Canada’s North area representatives for Awana International Canada, where they have served for 15 years. As Canadian Missionaries, they spend a busy life working with Canadian churches helping them reach their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their focus is helping these churches with a kids club program and family ministries. This season they have been working with 90 churches across their region.
When they find themselves at their home, and they have a few hours to spare, Art enjoys spending some time in his wood shop or doing some painting.
Betty is a great homemaker and there’s usually always something good cooking in her kitchen.
Art served as Pastor of the Shaunavon Alliance Church for several years (89-92) and also served with the Shaunavon Music Festival Association. He served as well as Pastor at a few other locations over the years. He had the joy of serving as MC at several Jamboree locations over the years.
Pam Hartman, Art and Betty’s youngest daughter, together with her husband, Darryl and their four children live in Drumheller, AB. Pam is a very busy wife and mom. It’s not uncommon to see her at GreenTree Elementary School helping out with numerous projects. She is known as ‘fundraiser extraordinaire’ Her four children, Elizabeth (12), Casey (10), Brooklynn (8) and Austin (5) are a huge part of her life and she works hard to encourage an interesting life for them.
Darryl is Parts Manager at Deer Valley Implements. So much is being said these days about the environment and ‘green’ things, to which Darryl would smile and say, “We’re doing our part to keep farm life ‘green’”. They have a keen interest in hockey and with five people on the ice and a mom in the stands, life is busy.
Pam attended Shaunavon High School for several years while the family lived there.
She also maintains a part-time job at The General Store at Deer Valley Implements where they featuring an extensive collection of John Deere toys, clothing and memorabilia, and a selection of country home decor and giftware.
The love of good Gospel music has always been an important part of the Quist family so working with the team to develop the Frenchman River Gospel Music jamboree was a natural fit. It was always a dream that Art had that jamborees would share talent and he sought to make this team-work happen for several years.