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Good Time with Rule of Nines
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
A lively crowd of 85 people cheered, screamed, and gave a thunderous applause after each performance from the award-winning Canadian band Rule of Nines show hosted by Royal Canadian Legion No. 39 on March 1.
This event kicked in with cocktails and a delicious meal of chicken and salmon with mango salad catered by Crave Appetite. Kathy Dmytriw expressed that the meal was amazing. “The chicken was extremely tender and tasty, and the salmon was cooked perfectly.”
Other attendees commented that the dinner was awesome!
Then, it was evident that everyone was in for a treat when the group entered the stage and performed music with an original sound, energy, and passion that grabbed everyone’s attention. They also have a knack for smooth and eclectic pieces. There were sets of melodic music with harmonies and lyrics that moved the audience.
What made the evening extra special was the local connection, as one of the band members, Jared Goertzen from Sherwood Park, is the Fixed Operations Manager of Maddigan Chrysler, and some of his colleagues were present to support him.
Bernd Gretzinger is the drummer/songwriter/producer for this band based in Edmonton. They have been together for 31 years now and have six CD’s that have all been up for national awards. Bernd admitted that it has been an amazing ride and music has always been a big part of his life, and his parents have always encouraged him.
“I started playing piano and organ at the age of four, where I was in music competitions, and when I was 12, I began to play drums, and at 15, I took up guitar. We started playing top 40 music, and now, I write all the music we play. Then, Child Find Canada picked up one of our songs called ‘Angel’ as their theme song. From there, it just took off.
Writing music, creating, and hitting people in the heart is what I am all about. Hope is the undercurrent to all the music. I wrote a song, Led by Love, which expresses that no matter how deep and dark a person’s life is, there is always that hand that can pull you out.
The style of our music is universal and appealing for all ages. It is like The Eagles without the country music,” Bernd added.
Concert of the Stars
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
It was an unforgettable evening when performers of all ages delivered the finest performances of catchy tunes, powerful and smooth vocals, polished speech arts and musical theatre pieces to an audience of over 100 at the 46th Annual Wendy Brook Music Festival at A.L. Horton School on March 19.
Festival Committee member Regina Chrapko wrote a tribute to the late Norma Cowan who passed away on January 27 this year, a dedicated member for decades and the heartbeat of the festival. “Norma had a caring spirit and an infectious zest for life, and brought joy and laughter to everyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. Her passion for music, community, and kindness has inspired us all to give a little bit more. Norma, your legacy is not just in the years you volunteered but in the countless lives you enriched in numerous ways,” Chrapko said.
Collette Miller emceed and stated it was nice to see everyone being enthusiastic.
In the end, a few young stars spoke about what this experience meant to them. Robyn Crossman said she was thrilled to be chosen to sing, Girl on Fire as singing has been so much fun and has brought great enjoyment to her life. This was her first time performing at the concert. “It makes me happy to know that people get to listen to me sing,” Robyn added.
Connor Nyeste played a solo piece of a Guns N’ Roses Medley with the guitar for the first time for a large crowd. He has been playing for about five years and has been taking lessons for two and a half years. “I was excited when they asked me to perform at the concert. It was fun to entertain the crowd,” Connor expressed.
