KIPLING - Eli Barsi’s 13th annual Hometown Christmas was held in Kipling on Sunday, with this year’s theme being Sharing the Light of Christmas. With the blowing snow, the weather outside was a bit frightful, but the music inside was delightful.
The lights were dimmed and the curtains opened up to a winter wonderland stage decorated with snowflakes shining on the backdrop curtains, garland wrapped in mini lights across the front of the stage, and then the show began.
Joined by Barsi’s husband John Cunningham on the upright bass and harmony vocals, as well as the talented singer/songwriter Anthony Kelly on the guitar, mandolin, and harmony vocals, the performance was thoroughly enjoyed. Special guest and fellow Kennedy native, Roy Bortolotto, an accomplished pianist and composer, delighted the audience with various Christmas selections on the piano before the show started and again during the show.
Barsi’s performances over the years have included special guests such as Brad Johner, Gary Fjellgaard, and Ronnie and Glory-Anne Prophet.
Paying homage to a good friend, the late Ronnie Prophet, she wore one of his blue jean outfits with cockatiels down the side of the pantlegs and across the back of the jacket. Of course, that matched well with her shiny red cowboy boots.
It wouldn’t be a Barsi Christmas show without her trademark yodeling.
Barsi played a Cowboy Christmas selection Santa’s Yodeling Song, and as she says, “you can only yodel happy.”
A variety on instruments would be played throughout the show. Barsi plucked at the banjo strings accompanying Kelly as he sang a favourite by Steve Earle, Nothing But a Child.
Barsi performed a number of classic Christmas carols, focused on remembering the true meaning of Christmas, but also performed her own Christmas music as well as a bit of bluegrass music thrown into the mix. This also included a song she wrote specifically for Cunningham to sing based on his childhood. It’s a song indicative of his growing up in Ontario. It was all about one of the funniest stories of his upbringing, about tree picking time at Christmas.
Halfway through the show, the performers made a slight costume change. With a quick addition of colorful Hawaiian leis and a grass skirt, they took the audience on a trip to the tropics, playing ukulele for a Hawaiian tune and then it was on to Mexico. Cunningham drew a few whistles from the crowd as he swayed in his grass skirt.
Another guest star performing a few Christmas selections was Brianna Browman of Moosomin.
An afternoon of camaraderie and fun was had as the audience enjoyed listening to Barsi and guests perform.
The afternoon ended with Barsi and guests all singing Silent Night as well as inviting the audience to join in.
Eli Barsi comments:
“As we now have been able to perform a few more live shows we were super excited to present our 13th annual Hometown Christmas. With all current COVID rules and compliance’s in place, we were very pleased with the awesome attendance and the enthusiasm of the crowd. This show, personally, is my favourite every year and most important to present. Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas and sharing the light is a big part of our agenda. We enjoyed our time on stage with our very talented friends and guest performers.
“The past 21 months have been extra challenging with most of our work as musicians being cancelled or postponed. However both John and I have found ways to stay in the arts and press on with other opportunities. I opened an art gallery in June of 2020 that has now expanded to a gift boutique and art centre, Prairie Girl Gallery in Moosomin. I have continued to write music and film some live concerts as well slowly add some live shows back onto the calendar.
“John has started a new business too. Infinity Music lessons have opened the door for him to share his 46+ years of professional music chops with a large number of students ranging in ages from seven to 77.
“Teaching guitar, bass and ukulele he has had the pleasure of working with over 95 students throughout the last year. Both the gallery and music lesson opportunities would not have presented themselves if it were not for these uncertain times and ever-changing world. We are grateful that we were able to add these extra avenues and keep moving forward.
“In the next few weeks SaskTel Max TV will be presenting our Merry Prairie Christmas 2021 several times a week throughout the holiday season. This will be a completely different Christmas program than what was presented live … something else for families to enjoy at home. As well, a mini art documentary was recently filmed at my gallery which is also being aired on SaskTel Max. These will soon be shared on YouTube as well.”
