For someone who has only been in Yellowknife for two days and on the last day of their tour to say how excited and overwhelmed they are about our city means a lot to a person who shares there passion. That is exactly what happened Saturday, December 19, 2009 at NACC. You see it was the second showing of Singing for Supper, and the last on the cross country tour. It was a benefit concert for not only our local food bank but also the national food bank.

Tom Jackson along with the band Pear, Shannon Gaye and Kristian Alexandrov sang the night away and what joy it was. It had been some years since I had been to NACC and it was a pleasure going back. I was looking forward to Mr. Jackson himself, but when I realized the rest of the musicians would be playing along side him I was thrilled. Tom with his powerful voice, Denis and Lynae of Pear on vocals, fiddles and mandolin, Shannon Gaye on vocals and percussions, Mr. Alexandrov on keyboard, and Tom McKillip and Craig Bignall on guitars all made up a wonderful sounding band.

First up in the evening was Shannon Gaye accompanied by Kristian Alexandrov. Shannon, a recording artist based out of Vancouver, has preformed at festivals across Canada and has toured more times than you can count on both hands. She is a layered and dynamic writer and combines energy and her prospective on life to create the music she loves. Kristian, who is Shannon’s musical director, was named Smooth Jazz Pianist of the Year 2008. Together with Shannon’s powerful voice and well written lyrics and Kristian’s very skillful musical talent they both did a wonderful job preforming for Yellowknife.

Pear, who came to the stage next, was a great couple. Lynae and Denis Dufresne, who are married, make up the duet that is Pear. They are just starting out and this is their first ever cross country tour. They both have a definite passion for music and for each other for that matter. They are a sweet yet gritty “pear” that can really let loose with a fiddle. They were very impressed with Yellowknife and loved it so much they even might return for Folk on the Rocks. Follow them on twitter @PearBand.

Mr. Tom Jackson came on last but was accompanied by the rest of the performers. Most of us may know him from his six seasons on North of 60 but he is also a magnificent musician with 14 albums under his belt. He is a dedicated actor and musician always helping those less fortunate. He was appointed an Order of Canada in 2000, was bestowed with the Humanitarian Award at the 2007 Junos and has done many other things through out his life that can be notable.

The group did several originals by Mr. Jackson and covered some wonderful Christmas songs. It was truly a delight being able to attend the concert. If nothing else it has put me into the festive spirit.

Did you get a chance to attend either Friday or Saturday nights show? What did you think of it? Would you like more concerts in Yellowknife?