By keith valfreya | december 18, 2024
The delicate orange glow of winter sun is slipping below the horizon as I begin making my way to the show. In a few short minutes the hazy, artificial city light of storefronts and streetlamps will be the only thing left holding back the northern darkness. Even with the sound of the rushing cars and buses, there’s an unmistakable quiet solitude that lingers in the cold and sleepy air. I could imagine if I closed my eyes and listened closely enough, I might also hear the faint sounds of Brenda Lee singing about ‘the Christmas Tree at the Christmas party hop’ echoing from every shop and mall across the city. It’s December, and Christmas is near.
The venue I arrive at, Hugh’s Room Live, appears to be a converted church, complete with a balcony full of pews. Signed and framed photos cover the walls and the space that remains has been filled with Christmas decorations, lights, and trees.
It’s nearly an hour before the show begins but already patrons are grabbing their drinks and enjoying each other’s company in a welcome reprieve from the cold outside. The space has the cozy intimacy of a much smaller venue, and I get the sense there’s connection to a community here that goes beyond a typical venue.
Everybody is here tonight to see Kellylee Evans. Among other accolades and multiple JUNO nominations, her album Nina, based on the life and work of the always incredible Nina Simone, was awarded the JUNO Vocal Jazz album of the year in 2011. She has just returned from a show in Montreal the previous night. Part of a four-stop tour that has her performing a mix of holiday classics and original music, many of which can be heard on her album Winter Song, released earlier this year.
The pre-show music disappears, the stage lights come up, and the audience takes their cue to settle in for the evening. The band takes the stage and begins preparing themselves as the MC gives a brief introduction to the show. Tonight, Kellylee Evans is supported by Steve Boudreau on keys, Ross MacIntyre on bass, and Ian Wright on percussion. Though, notably, the singer herself hasn’t appeared yet, and the show begins instead with her voice over the speakers. She’s in a phone call with the Canadian actress and singer, Jackie Richardson, who recites the classic poem A Visit from St. Nicholas. Looking over the crowd, I see mesmerized faces. Completely enraptured by Richardson’s powerful and enchanting voice. There’s a softness and sparkle in the eyes of many of them that tells me, for a moment, they’re children again.
When Kellylee Evans finally takes the stage, she is energetic, charismatic, and every bit as much an entertainer as she is a musician. Holiday classics like All I want for Christmas and Run, Run Rudolph are punctuated by a quick wit and magnetic sincerity as she narrates the evening with life stories and personal anecdotes that had the entire crowd laughing. In truth, the concert felt more like a group of family and old friends, reuniting over the holidays. It ends with a fantastic cover of Alors On Danse that had the room out of their seats and, quite literally, hopping. I’m not too ashamed to say I missed focus on those photos because I couldn’t resist the urge dance as well.
Packing up my gear after the performance, I see her spending time with the audience, chatting and taking photos. And walking out into the street, I feel as though I’ve been left with a glimpse into a very personal experience of the winter season guided by the natural charm and warmth of a dear friend. A wonderful respite, on a cold December night.
Keith Valfreya is a freelance photojournalist for Majestic Music Magazine. See more of his work here
