2023 Virtual Performance Line Up

This year's telethon will kick off with a virtual performance featuring some of the stars of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at North Nova Education Centre!  

The Dlamini Family

The Dlamini Family from Pictou features Buhle Dlamini - Trumpet & Vocals, Stacey Dlamini - Piano & Vocals, and Trinity Dlamini – Drum.  They often perform with the Salvation Army band, or during church services.  

Ainsley DeCoste 

Growing up in and around Pictou County, Ainsley showed a captivated approach towards all things music. Hailing from a few long lines of musicians on both sides of her family, one could say that music runs in her blood. From a very young age Ainsley showed interest in singing and playing the piano. She studied classical and varied techniques concentrating on the piano and her voice. She has been known to drift into the music with the harmonies of her family and many other artists. Through these moments, Ainsley was inspired to create a unique and captivating sound of her own. Now, at age 23, she enjoys sharing her love of music and with it, the emotions that she can convey, to anyone who bends an ear to listen. Ainsley is looking forward to taking part in the Christmas telethon once again.

Pat Spaulding

Pat Spaulding from Westville discovered his passion for music at an early age. Growing up, he honed his musical talents, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and with his enchanting renditions of popular tunes, he thrills his listeners with his original songs that, like melodies from the heart, tell stories intertwined with emotions we can all relate to.

Walter Duggan Consolidated Choir

This choir is made up of students from Grade 3-6 of all abilities. Catch them live on Wednesday, December 6th at the Westville Tree Lighting Ceremony!

Rylan Hislop

Rylan is in Grade 10 at North Nova Education Centre and is an avid member of the music program. He is also a passionate musical theatre singer and has performed in numerous shows including Shrek the Musical, A Christmas Carol, The Wizard of Oz and more!

Laycie Sutherland

Laycie is the music teacher at Walter Duggan Consolidated school and grew up in the Pictou County music community. She loves to share her passion for music with her students and help further their passions.

Dave Gunning

Dave Gunning from Lyons Brook, Pictou County is one of Canada’s folk music treasures. He is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who has earned multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, a Juno nomination and eight East Coast Music Awards.  Dave was recently nominated for two  Canadian Folk Music Awards, including English Songwriter of the Year for and Solo Artist of the Year for his latest album The Same Storm. His latest release "Middle Ground" was a number one song on the East Coast Top 30 this Fall! 

Kelsey-Karr Johnston & Jared Poirier 

Pictou musicians Kelsey and Jared are always a crowd favourite, performing together at various venues and also taking the stage during this summer's Lobster Carnival. 

Pipers for the Pictou County Christmas Fund

Featuring Robbie MacInnis, pipe major from Na Gasigich Pipes and Drums, and Luke Reddick and Aaron MacInnis, from the Heatherbell Pipes and Drums, an all youth pipe band based in Pictou.

The Sons of Aberdeen

The Sons of Aberdeen are made up of two Pictou County musicians, Jamie MacFarlane and Andrew Gillis, both from Westville. These two started their playing together at the legendary Thursday Night Jam in Pictou.  Through some musical adventures, it was discovered that they both share an immigrant bond. Both families, Gillis and MacFarlane, arrived in Pictou on the same boat - The Dove of Aberdeen in 1801. They both have a love of music that is evident in their set lists, which span many genres and generations. 

Inner Voice

Inner Voice features Ray Stewart, Dawn Gorman, Jean Cameron and Murton Arbuckle. Performing together for over 3 decades, this local quartet have performed at countless fundraisers and events throughout the County and are always a crowd favourite!

Morrell Dance Company

Morrell Dance Company is a dance studio located in downtown New Glasgow. They offer a variety of dance classes, including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, and Musical Theatre. Catch dance performances on this year's telethon by Addison Alward, Annika Wilson, Avery Macdonald, Quinn McCarron, Sadie Miller, Ava Vienneau, Madison Hamper, Madeleine Hendsbee, Maeve Ryan - Kirincich, Camdyn Logan, and Macy Macdonald.

Scott deCoste

Pictou County, Nova Scotian musician, Scott deCoste, began his music career early in life. Influenced by his father's family band, the Surfsiders and later the Irish-Traditional Back Water Band, Scott, the musician, was born. Although not very intrigued by the style of his father's music at the time, the traditional and folk sounds that surrounded his childhood would emanate years later.

His palette for original work is something special, something more than just a release of mood or thought of the moment. For him, a therapeutic medium.

DeCoste performs solo shows for the majority, however is also in several groups. Pistol Packin' Papas with Gavin Scott, Arnold Charron and Al Bezanson, ScotiAL Scene with Al B & Marcus Cosh, Kung Fu Trees with Brian Fanning, Murray MacIvor and Al B once again, as well as the Decoste family with sisters San & Lihn, and children Ainsley & Keinon.

 Hayley MacLeod, Heather Cameron, & Kenny Stewart

 Seasoned musicians Hayley, Heather, and Kenny join forces for some festive fun on this year's telethon... They will be sure to get your toes tapping!

The Dock Gang

The Dock Gang have been performing for more than 20 years at the Irish pub The Dock in New Glasgow.  It's an open session for anyone who likes  to play. They get together the last Saturday of each month from 2 until 5pm.

Nataly & Nico Garcia

Don't miss talented siblings Nataly & Nico Garcia sharing 2 festive songs on this year's telethon!

Jakki Rogue

Singer/Songwriter Jakki Rogue is no stranger to the local and national music scene.  An accomplished guitarist and pianist, she is also well-known for her songwriting.  Most recently, she travelled to Ontario to take part in the Etwell Concert Series in Ontario, which features internationally acclaimed musicians. She is the current music director at Sharon St. John Church.

Stellarton Male Chorus

The Stellarton Male Chorus, led by Choir Director Brian Bowden, will be sharing a virtual performance on this year's telethon recorded at First United Baptist Church in New Glasgow.

Rev. Dr. Joon Ki Kim 

Rev. Dr. Joon Ki Kim is the minister of St. Andrew’s New Glasgow.  He is also an accomplished vocalist and often performs at community events.  Most recently he was on stage at the Fusion Festival in New Glasgow.  He will be accompanied by Janet Goguen-Proudfoot on this year's telethon.

Kitchen Criminals

The Kitchen Criminals music ranges from original songs, to fiddle sets and Celtic classics. This group’s musical appeal is one that extends into many stylistic tastes.  They are a 4 piece band from Pictou County featuring Hayley MacLeod, Sandra DeCoste, Ashley George, and Jason Delorey.  They were recently nominated for the Community Votes Northern NS 2023. 

Ella Gunning Parker & Jacey Carmichael

Ella Gunning Parker is a 14 year old singer/songwriter from Halifax.  She has family in Pictou County, and has performed a number of times locally.  She is in an acoustic pop duo with her friend Jacey Carmichael; they're known as Take 2 Band. They have had their original music featured on the East Coast Top 30

Shoebox Studios

Shoebox Studios is a professional Recording Studio and Music Venue in New Glasgow.  This year's telethon will feature a number of local artists and bands who recorded at Shoebox, including Lynn DeCoste, The Bombed Solid, WHYGO, The Dandy Lions, and the East River Rats!

New Glasgow Academy Band and Choir

Catch performances on this year's telethon by New Glasgow Academy's band and choir.  Under the direction of Music Teachers Holly Tree and Lloyd White.

Amelia Parker

Amelia Parker is a traditional musician, specializing in fiddle and violin. Over the past twelve years, she’s travelled across North America to perform and compete alongside some of the best fiddlers in the country. She’s released two albums, most recently Forwards in 2023. Over the past decade, she earned several champion and grand champion titles, including at the Maritime Fiddle Festival, New England Region Championship, and Ontario Open, and earned the Don Messer Memorial (NS) and James Scott Skinner trophies (Scotland). On a national scale, she’s been invited to and competed at the Canadian Grand Masters and the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship.

Angela Cromwell, Shaun McLean, Ross Macvicar,

Phisch Fancy & Barry Smith

Their virtual performance was recorded at the event space/beverage room "Shaun" at 135 Provost St., downtown New Glasgow.  They’re currently getting ready for their SOLD OUT 2023 Christmas show series which kicks off on November 30th.

Klorissa Farnsworth & students

Klorissa Farnsworth is a local musician who has been performing around the Pictou county area since she was child. This past summer Klorissa graduated from Acadia Universities Bachelor of Music Therapy program and is currently finishing her Music Therapy Internship.

Klorissa's fiddle students are members of the ARYO (Acadia regional youth orchestra). The Fiddle Group will also be performing, including Emily Whelan, Jennifer Gravel, Juliana Whelan, Lisa McMinn & Shiphrah Chan.

Steeltown

Steeltown has been together for about a year now. They play everything from 70's, 80's, 90's music to Modern Rock and Country. Members of Steeltown are Jeff Bowser on Vocals and Guitar, Pat McIsaac on Bass and Harmonica, Devon MacKay on the Kajon Drum and Jessie Falcitelli on Vocals. Steeltown have been entertaining people all around town at different venues as well as other counties in Nova Scotia. You can check out the Steeltown Band Facebook page to see when and where they are playing next!

The Alcorn Quintet

Fresh off their performance at the Antigonish Jazz Festival, it's The Alcorn Quintet! Featuring Janice Alcorn on vocals, Andrew Alcorn on trumpet, Dave Pos on the keys, Tanner MacDonald slapping the bass, and Andrew Miller keeping the rhythm on drums.  They will be performing a couple of songs from their catalogue of jazzy numbers, with a festive twist! 

Josephine Leadbetter

Don't miss Josephine making her Pictou County Christmas Fund Telethon debut on the 2023 show!