Terry Halifax
Northern News Services
Hay River (Nov 27/00) - A new CD featuring 20 Christmas songs from Hay River artists will be available just in time to give a Northern sound to the upcoming season.
TNT Records engineer Randy Randle said the outpouring of talent for A Northern Christmas has surpassed their expectations.
"We didn't realize there was so much talent hidden away in Hay River," Randle said.
"The CD ended up being twice the length we thought it would be, just to squeeze everybody in."
"We thought we were doing a good CD, but it turned out to be a great CD," he added.
The collection features two original songs, Randle said, but most of the songs are traditional Christmas favourites. Songs from South Slave artists like Stanley Beaulieu, Jim Constable, Miriam and Dana Cross, Sharon Gauthier and Shannon Ireland.
The album also features newcomers Shannon Calder and Dean McGowan. There are also several tracks featuring the Hay River Youth Choir providing backup vocals.
"A generous portion of the sales will go to the Secret Santa program," he said.
"Secret Santa put a turkey on my table my first Christmas here, so it's nice to give something back."
The CD release party will be held at the Back Eddy in Hay River on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
