Folk music and Christmas are both steeped in traditions, so it’s no surprise that local contemporary folk and roots artists have created their own traditions to go with the season.

The Christmas Carol Project was originally conceived and first performed in 1996 at Catalyst, and despite the uninviting -40 degree temperatures, the single show sold out and was a limited critical success. Over the years, the venue has changed, the number of shows presented each year has increased, and new, original music has been added, but the tradition of celebrating the timeless Dickens’ classic with original music composed and performed by some of Edmonton’s elite folk artists has remained unchanged. While all of these artists pursue successful performing and recording careers throughout the year, they take a couple of weeks each Christmas to get in touch with a tradition that they themselves created.

Bill Bourne continues as Ebenezer Scrooge, while Tom Roschkov takes on the role of Bob Cratchit. Kevin Cook is the ghost of Marley, Terry Morrison the ghost of Christmas past, Al Brant the Ghost of Christmas Present, Dale Ladouceur the Ghost of Christmas Future, Maria Dunn is Tiny Tim, and Kenneth Brown narrates. Bill Hobson provides the drums and percussion for all.

Edmonton’s folk fans have embraced this show from the outset, and since the Project made Theatre Network—Live at the Roxy its venue of choice in 2000, it’s been a perennial sell out. This year, evening performances run through to the 21st, with a matinee on Saturday (December 20th) at 2 pm. Tickets (if available) can be had through the Roxy box-office at 453-2440 for $20 in advance.

Another new annual tradition that has captivated Edmonton folk fans is the McDade’s "Candlelight Christmas" at the John Walter Museum in the river valley near the Kinsmen Centre. This intimate, historic venue will ring with traditional Christmas music and feature the harp of Terry McDade and the fiddle of Shannon Johnson. Guitarist Alison Notkin will join the group for performances that run each night, save Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can call 496-2925 for tickets to these shows, and don’t wait too long, since these City of Edmonton-sponsored evenings sell out quickly.