Photo by Sarah Kirby Fall 2023

Returning to the Stage

Welcome to my journey of resilience and moving forward.

2023 was a changing year.

I had not performed in 5 years after losing my sweet Kait in 2018.  In March of this year, I came to realization that I could never move on but I could move forward.

Honouring My Aunt Angèle

I performed my first concert in 5 years in Prince Edward Island in August. All ‘en français’ in a tribute concert to my late aunt, Angèle Arsenault.

You can read about it here in a previous blog:

Theme Song for W.I.

In the Fall, I wrote a theme song for the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute which I debuted at their volunteer appreciation dinner accompanied by the multi-talented Tom Leighton.

Shadow To Light

In November, Reverend Ed Bentley of Wellington United Church and I co-produced & presented “Shadow To Light Through The Psalms” – a healing journey in a hurting world through stories and songs. I was accompanied once again by the superb artistry of Tom Leighton.

A Musical Rebirth:  11 Psalms for September 11

It was based on “11 Psalms for September 11” which I had co-written with the late Suzanne Pasternak, a musical tour de force.  With the permission of her daughter, Natasha, I re-wrote it with a more universal message of loss, longing, healing and hope.

Hip For the Holidays

In early December, I was 1 of 6 singers with the Dan Shaer Big Band for Bellevegas VI – Hip for the Holidays Christmas concert & fundraiser for our local foodbank & men’s shelter.

Balancing Act

In between shows, I was memorizing songs – in English & French – rehearsing with the big band & with Tom and was busy with my business venture, JAMS Canada doing promotions, marketing, public relations, social media posts, fundraising, securing sponsors and doing consultations with artists on their careeer aspirations.

Zoom Zoom

From zero to hundred in the past 6 months.  No wonder they say “hit the ground running” and not “hit the ground crawling”.

Surprise Surprise

Oh. And I musn’t forget to mention that “My Daughter, My Friend”, a song I wrote based on a poem my friend Carolyn Grondin wrote for her daughter, Cara, has surpassed 1.2 million YouTube views on a lavish lifestyle channel.  A total surprise to me!

You can find it as a soundtrack for a video about Victoria Beckham & daughter, Harper

Embracing the Future

So, yes 2023 was a changing year. Now let’s see what 2024 has in store.