The fact the 2026 Prince Albert Winter Festival will draw to a close on Sunday after the Gospel show was not news, although a lot of people would have wanted it to continue.
What was news was the fact that the night of gospel singing was anchored by none other than the President of The Prince Albert Winter Festival, Trina Joseph.
Although she claimed that was her first time acting as an emcee, you could hardly see any anxiety or stage fright thats comes with first timers as she invited on stage the various gospel performers who did not disappoint the gathering,
The first performance of the evening was by “the most talented family” as the Emcee put it referring to The Trudel Family consisting of parents Janice and Colin and their two daughters ( Janaya and Jolissa).
“It’s very special, (and) very unique, performing as a family,” Janice said. “It started off gradually and here we are. It feels great to be here tonight seeing new performers I have never seen before. The organizers did such an amazing job.
“I feel like its a little more natural,” she added. “The other shows are amped up and showcased but this is very comfortable, more like a church and everyone is sharing in the music. It’s really cool.”
Sammii (Samantha Beatty) grew up singing in church, but this was her first time performing at the Gospel Show. Last week she performed some country music tunes.
“It’s something that feels natural to me,” she said. “I feel like country and gospel music are like cousins, it’s more like a natural thing.”
Her passion for music is outstanding. Even injury couldn’t stop her.
Beatty needed permission from her physician to come perform at a musical event after suffering a head injury a couple of days before then.
The abundance of talents at the gospel show was manifested by the performances of Lili who sang Never Alone and Ballad. Justas did Glory of the Lord while Yvonne sang the Glory of the Lord and Down At the Cross, Bryan did Keep your head up and Bridge over troubled water, and AJ, another performer, did Oceans and Tribes.
Yvonne performing at the Gospel Show, Prince Albert Winter Festival on Sunday, Feb 22.
Also Tazana sang Let There be Peace on Earth and Hallelujah, while Momon did Lean On Me and Carl did King Jesus and God has Taken an Angel Home.
The producers were not left out of this wonderful night as Shania Cabilao sang Dance with my Father while LJ Tyson did a solo acoustic in remembrance of his grandfather who also was a musician.
“It’s such a fun thing to produce this gospel show,” Tyson said. “I respect so much the artists and musicians that have come to be a part of it, because it’s all about celebration, it’s all about spirituality. It’s just great.
“I’m happy it ended well, lots of work has been put into delivering this and I will miss everybody. I hope the people of Prince Albert keep coming to the Winter festival because the only way we can keep it going is when people keep attending it. Thank you Prince Albert.”
Although the Winter Festival President refused to sing she appreciated all who made the event possible.
“I am a mother, aunty, a daughter…I’m all kinds of things but tonight I am such a proud and happy member of this beautiful city we call home,” Joseph said. “Prince Albert has been amazing and It is my great pleasure to serve you in the past month as the president of the Prince Albert Winter Festival.
“Look at the amazing talents we have shared here this part month, all the amazing people that have come up to support, all the amazing board of volunteers who have given their all to put this together for thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Even the Major of the City of Prince Albert was present to grace the occasion and the Band for the Night was made up of Zach Kerr, Graham Tilsley, Travis Beatty and Diana Roos while the backup singers were Shania, LJ and Taya.
