By Carson Ellis
For the Stettler Independent
Solon McDade says that growing up he and his siblings traveled all across Alberta as the McDade Family Band playing a variety of events and festivals with their parents. They played old country tunes, as well as Scottish and Irish music with Celtic roots.
It was when they started playing folk festivals and seeing people from other countries infusing the music of their culture with the music of other countries, that they began doing the same sort of thing. He notes that although the family band played fiddle music, he, and his sibling, who are members of The McDades, were also trained in classic violin and jazz music.
Solon who has lived in Montreal for the last several years, says that the band still considers themselves Edmonton-based since his brother and sister still are here. There is also one member from Vancouver and one from Montreal.
The McDades released their first album in 2003. Their album Bloom won a Juno award that year, and their third album EMPRESS has been nominated for one. They have also won best vocal group at Folk Fest.
Solon says that when the band is not touring, they are still involved in Music. He teaches private music lessons and his brother is a Jazz player. Their sister is a well-known record producer who has been a part of many successful Canadian albums. Their drummer travels all over the world for his music, while their guitar player is in high demand in the music world.
When asked about the many different shows the group has played worldwide, one that stands out for Solon was when they played on Canada Day in London, England. He says that they closed Trafalgar Square and the Canadian ex-pats came out in huge crowds. Other concerts the McDades have performed include Celtic Connections in Glasgow, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and Shetland Island Festival in Scotland.
Solon explains that when they played music at home while growing up, there were always people around the table. This close connection to those who are listening to them continues to be one of their favourite parts of performing. He says that when they play a show, it’s “more about the connections you make with your audience.” They enjoy a crowd that is almost ‘rowdy’ and get into their shows, especially ones who get up and dance when they play.
The McDades play Celtic-rooted music but also share their love of different styles, and influences. They continue to enjoy the music they have grown up with over the years, but mixed with musical inspirations from musicians from around the world. Their love of music of all kinds is due, in part, to the fact Solon believes that when you play music together, you can “forget all things happening in the world.”
He says he is looking forward to coming to Stettler and meeting the people he plays for.
The McDades play both an evening and a matinee show at the Performing Arts Centre.