A Little Holiday Sunshine

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The holiday season is always a time for laughter, giving, family and CD compilations. Like clockwork, every year, box sets and samplers appear on music stores shelves across the world.

This year, Manitoba is lucky to have a new CD that not only shares good music but promotes the spirit of giving. Sunshine Records is proud to be spreading some cheer this season with the November 19 release of A Harvest Christmas on CD and cassette. Net profits from the sale of the album will go to Winnipeg Harvest.

Harvest provides service to approximately 37,800 people across the province. About 45 per cent of them are children. During the holiday season, the need for aid is particularly great. Even small donations can help Harvest serve the needs of many.

This compilation of 18 Christmas songs includes both traditional and original compositions performed by Manitoba artists. The album features contributions by Mia Kulba, Randy Hiebert, Tash n Alex, Larry Watmough, Billy Simard, Lionel Dejarlais and Westminster United Church as well newcomers Cheryl Paille, Marcie Thiessen, Jess Tesoro and Rick Roschuk. The album features rock, pop, jazz, choral, country and traditional music for a multi-genre holiday appeal. As well, A Harvest Christmas dips into Aboriginal, Metis, Filipino, Mennonite and Ukrainian traditions for a multicultural celebration of music.

Christmas is a time of brotherhood, says Roschuk, who does double duty as both a contributor and as executive producer with Sunshine Records. We felt it was important to get that across through our blending of various cultures.

Roschuks vision came from a sense of community, which Sunshine Records owner Ness Michaels shared. Michaels gave substantial financial support to the project, which Roschuk says the community is already embracing even before its release.

Weve got a serious chance of doing something wonderful [with the album], he enthuses. We have commitments from Q-94 FM, 99.9 BOB FM, NCI Radio and Canad Inns Winter Wonderland will be playing numerous selections off the CD.

5,000 CDs and 500 cassettes have been produced for sale. Manitobans have a wonderful chance to support Harvest while listening to local talent. Revenue estimates are in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 to Harvest this Christmas from the album alone.

The CDs and cassettes can be found at A&B Sound, Chapters Indigo, HMV, Office Depot Centres and mail order through Sunshine Records.

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