Eli Barsi grew up near Kennedy and through the years has enjoyed working in the music industry. Having lived all over North America she and her husband, John Cunningham have returned to Saskatchewan. They now call Moosomin home, but living so close to where she grew up Barsi was happy to start an annual Home Town Christmas in Kennedy. Barsi's fourth annual show was held on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.
To sold out shows both nights Barsi and her husband entertained the masses at Kennedy, with the help of Ronnie and Glory Anne Prophet. The Prophet's both have a name in the music industry. Ronnie Prophet is a television host, singer, songwriter, and musician. Glory Anne Prophet (Carriere) is well known for hosting 'Entertainment Saskatchewan' as well as a performer.
The first hour Barsi and her husband played a number of Christmas tunes from her Christmas special CD, "A Merry Prairie Christmas."
"Welcome to Kennedy, my hometown, we're just delighted you're here with us," Barsi welcomed at the show.
Cunningham was in charge of the stage sound, lights, bass, harmonica, and vocals, while Barsi sang and played both the guitar and banjo. They played a number of great well known songs, but also performed some of their original compositions as well.
Not only were they there to play music, they were there to provide laughs as the crowd listened to the two banter, a letter from Cunningham's Aunt Myrtle was read aloud, and a couple of banjo jokes told. People thoroughly enjoyed the show and once intermission came everyone enjoyed speaking with Barsi and Cunningam.
The intermission saw many CDs sold and the crowd filtered through the kitchen where the Kennedy Langbank Playschool mothers were selling cookies, coffee, tea, or juice.
Following the intermission the Prophet's took to the stage.
"It's like we went home and all the family came out," Ronnie Prophet exclaimed as he looked out over the crowd.
The two instantly had the crowd laughing. They are both very talented singers, but were entertainers in the best sense as those attending were in stitches once Ronnie began his impersonations including Kitty Wells.
"This is a great crowd," Glory Anne said, while Ronnie responded, "Let's take them home with us."
Following the Prophet's set Barsi and Cunningham joined them on-stage for their rendition of "Joy to the World," to which they received a standing ovation from those in the audience.
The show was dedicated to Shirley Smyth and Cathy Anne Daku.
It wouldn't have been possible without the help of Richard and Dorothy Barsi, Georgina Barsi (Eli's mother), Juanita Armstrong, and the Kennedy Langbank Playschool Club.
People from as far as Qu'appelle were in attendance and it was a great way to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
