The Christmas season is the time for joy and music. Quartette will be in Yorkton to present their spin on the season with a Quartette Christmas on December 3 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Stars for Saskatchewan series.
The group consists of Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick, and Sylvia Tyson, four singer-songwriters. The group has been performing together for over 20 years.
The Christmas tours began in 1996, when the group decided to make a Christmas album. Hanford says it marked a major change for the group.
“It was tough because we had Colleen Peterson with us, who was one of the original founding members of the group, and she got cancer and got sick very quickly. But she was able to record with us on that first Christmas Album, and she just did a beautiful job in spite of her health deteriorating.”
The tour following that album was also when Swick joined the group, on the recommendation of Peterson. Hanford says that the mix of original and classic material resonated with audiences, so they decided to continue with the tours and record new material for further Christmas albums.
“We’ve had this ongoing tradition of Christmas shows since that time, really since 1997... People are still really moved by it, and we’re moved by the fact that they are too.”
What’s fun for audiences is fun for the group itself, Hanford says, as they enjoy making Christmas music and arranging classics to fit the group and their range of styles.
“It’s really fun to write Christmas songs because you know the parameters. You’re either going to write about the story of Jesus being born, or you’re going to write about snow and romance or Santa, so it’s really fun. We also incorporate a bunch of different styles, we have bluegrass, we have swing, we have traditional country... And we really have fun with arrangements too.”
The four women of the group are also known for their careers outside of Quartette, something with Hanford believes has helped the group stay vibrant.
“I think because we’ve had our solo careers as a priority, it means we can really enjoy getting together with Quartette. It’s a fun thing, it’s a side project, and I think that’s really allowed for its longevity.”
The group is also celebrating their years together with their most recent album, Rocks and Roses, which is divided between a disc of ten new songs and a bonus disc favorite songs from the past 20 years.
“It’s really fun to go through that, and hard to choose.”
The group has not been in Saskatchewan for many years, and Hanford says that they’re excited to return and meet new people and play in new venues.
“That’s really a big part of our experience, getting to meet new people, and how much we enjoy that.”
The show takes place at the Anne Portnuff Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on December 3. Tickets are available at the Yorkton Arts Council or Welcome Home Gifts. Hanford promises great music and great harmonies.
“I know we’re going to have great shows, and I know we’re going to have a great time. I’m just crossing my fingers that we have great driving weather.”
