Raven She Hollers, a band based out of the RM of Medstead, played a set at the Medstead Hotel and Bar on March 24.
A crowd of more than 50 patrons filtered in to enjoy pizza and refreshments and watch the resident talent perform. The energy was contagious, as a spirited crowd stomped and clapped along with the eclectic mix of folk and bluegrass music that rang through the venue. A mix of accordion, ukulele and guitar folded together into a flowing acoustic set with harmonized vocals of all band members.
The trio is comprised of Joys Dancer, Shondra Pederson and Nissa Shiell. In between songs, the band members took time to round out their ensemble’s story.
“It’s our favourite place to play,” band members said of the local venue.
“We had support here from the get-go.”
Raven She Hollers has been together for approximately five years.
“Nissa and Joys always played music, Shondra started when she moved to the area,” they said.
The musical set flowed together artfully. Guitar player Nissa Shiell spoke between songs as to her favourite song to play,.
“Usually it’s the most recent song we’re working on, whatever is new and exciting.”
During the Friday set, Raven She Hollers boasted a guest member, Eachan Shiell, son of guitar player Nissa, who acted as an extra set of hands for the evening. The fruitful addition made a beautiful example of the family values that tie a village such as Medstead together.
In further allusion to family values, when asked what inspired her to music, Dancer said, “My mother was a piano player. I grew up around music.”
The event was a beautiful example of shared values of community spirit and high-energy celebration.
Raven She Hollers band members, Shondra Pederson, Nissa Shiell and Joys Dancer. Photo by Corrina Murdoch
