 Her parents were involved with choirs, community theatres, artists, musicians and anything else that inspired creativity. As a result, Jennie developed a love of all forms of artistic expression, but her first love has always been her fiddle.  Jennie brings music to life with her fiddle, weaving stories and emotions with every note.
Fiddler, singer, actor, composer, educator, and recording artist Jennie Bice thrives in a wide range of musical styles, from Celtic and roots to blues, jazz, and rock. Her dynamic presence lights up every stage she graces. Jennie’s musical journey began at age four, playing fiddle around the family piano in her art-filled London, Ontario, home. Surrounded by choirs, theatre groups, and creative energy, she developed a lifelong love of artistic expression, with the fiddle as her first passion. She honed her skills in orchestras, ensembles, and fiddle contests but found her groove playing in bands during her University of Windsor days. There, Jennie joined diverse groups spanning Celtic (Celtic Cross), folk (Dharma Bums), country rock (Lynn and the Rebels) and blues genres, including a formative stint with blues singer Thomas Buck Nasty, who ignited her love for improvisation. While earning her B.A. in dramatic studies, Jennie performed in stock theatre, comedy groups, and touring musicals, developing a deep appreciation for stagecraft. A serendipitous trip to BC introduced her to the vibrant West Coast music scene. After a chance meeting with a guitarist at the Irish Heather pub in Vancouver, Jennie formed Celtic rock band Prydwen. When their tour brought them to Mission Folk Festival, Jennie enjoyed the community so much she decided to make Mission her home. In Mission, Jennie has become a pillar of the arts community, serving on boards for the Mission Arts Council and Folk Festival, co-chairing the Children’s Festival, and promoting cultural initiatives. She shares her passion for music through teaching, leading workshops like her Saturday group “Jennie and the Many,” which inspired her music book, The Kitchen Fiddler – Ingredients for a Jam. This unique book blends fiddle tunes, jam session advice, and recipes from her kitchen jams. Jennie also launched “Bow by the River,” a fiddle camp in partnership with the Mission Folk Festival, where participants perform on a festival stage. She brings music to local schools, running a lunchtime fiddle club at E.S. Richards Elementary and dreaming of more such groups. Onstage, Jennie performs with bands such as Roads Unknown, Tractorgrease Folk, and The Doolins. Her most active duo, Strong Bow & Wry with Tony Ivan O’Hara, blends roots, rock, funk, and blues with her signature fiery fiddle. The duo represented BC at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2024 and is set to record its debut album in Toronto in 2025. Jennie continues to embrace theatre as the musical director and performer in Opening Nite Theatre’s annual pantomimes. She also runs ONTS “Theatre Camp for Kids” during the summer. Don’t miss her in Jurassic Park: The Panto, written and directed by Camille Atebe, this January! Tickets are available at openingnitetheatre.com. Stay tuned for Jennie’s latest projects on her Facebook page or visit her website at www.jenniebice.com.  The Mission Community Foundation is excited to announce that scholarships are now available for Grade 12 students and adults residing in Mission. Applications for both categories will open on January 27, 2025, and close on February 28, 2025. Please note that no extensions will be provided, so all applications must be submitted by the deadline.
In an effort to streamline the application process, the Mission Community Foundation has introduced an easy-to-use online application portal. Students and adult applicants can access the portal directly at Mission Community Foundation Scholarship Portal, making it easier to apply. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to both the students and adults of Mission,” said Shelley Carter, Board Chair at the Mission Community Foundation. “These scholarships are designed to support individuals in pursuing their educational goals, whether they’re finishing high school or continuing their studies as adults. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.” The Mission Community Foundation has long been dedicated to supporting the community's educational pursuits, and these scholarships reflect that commitment. Whether for Grade 12 students or adults looking to further their educational and career goals. For more information and to apply, please visit the Mission Community Foundation scholarship portal at https://www.missioncommunityfoundation.org/scholarship/annual-bursary-and-scholarship/.
On Saturday, February 8, the Harrison Festival Society will be welcoming Nova Scotia roots artist Charlie A’Court to the stage for the first time in Harrison.
Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie A’Court possesses a mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting that is loved by fans across Canada and beyond. His new album, “San Palarino” is an Americana-driven deep dive into the topics of growing older, gaining emotional well-being, and reflecting on the collective weight bearing down on humanity. Much of the album features co-writes with some of Canada’s top singer/songwriters including Matt Andersen, Terra Spencer, and Colin MacDonald (The Trews). The music is drawing directly from his influences like Martin Sexton, Melissa Etheridge, Hot House Flowers, and Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. Charlie has always been recognized for exploring his musical horizons. As a six-time ECMA winner and eight-time Nova Scotia Music Award winner, Charlie has earned awards for Blues, Pop, and R&B/Soul Recordings of the Year, and on multiple occasions been recognized as Entertainer of the Year. A’Court has also received multiple Maple Blues Award nominations including Male Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, Charlie spent his youth learning to sing and play guitar, discovering singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. It wasn’t long before he discovered the blistering blues guitar playing of B.B. King, and Buddy Guy. “These guys would wail in a way where every note mattered. They sang without apology and played guitar like it was their last day” recalls A’Court. Then there was Eric Clapton. “He really opened my mind as a musician. Through the 90s, Clapton’s music showed me that my music could balance between blues and adult contemporary songwriting.” All these influences go in to the quality songwriting and playing that will make for a special performance on January 8. Tickets are $28 and are on sale now. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information on tickets and the artist, please visit www.harrisonfestival.com  Experience the vibrant energy of Cape Breton’s finest as Beòlach takes the stage for an unforgettable evening of traditional folk music and step dance. Featuring the original members Mac Morin, Mairi Rankin, and Wendy MacIsaac, Beòlach brings their signature blend of innovative arrangements, infectious energy, and deep-rooted passion for the music of Cape Breton, Scotland, and Ireland.
📅 Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 ⏰ Time: Doors @ 7:00 PM | Show @ 7:30 PM 📍 Venue: Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission, BC V2V 7B1 🎟 Tickets: Adults $25.00 | Youth $10.00 | Children 12 and under Free 🔗 Ticket Link: Buy Tickets About Beòlach: Nearly 25 years ago, a late-night session at the Celtic Colours International Festival sparked the formation of Beòlach, a group of six dynamic solo performers whose collective artistry breathed new life into traditional music. Over the years, the band has earned a reputation for their thrilling arrangements of Cape Breton, Scottish, and Irish tunes featuring fiddle, bagpipes, piano, and guitar. Today, Mac, Mairi, and Wendy, the three original members, carry the torch, showcasing their solo and collective talents in performances that reflect their lifelong friendship and shared passion for traditional music. Their onstage camaraderie, natural wit, and boundless energy have delighted audiences worldwide. Highlights of Beòlach’s Legacy:
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of Cape Breton’s rich musical heritage. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the genre, Beòlach promises a night of music and dance you’ll never forget! All of our shows are all-ages and accessible. Tickets for Beloach's February 8th show are on sale now. We can't wait to see you in the audience! For more information, visit missionfolkmusicfestival.ca or contact [email protected]  Sharon Syrette received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Premier of BC for her outstanding leadership and dedication as a Spirit of BC volunteer, leaving a lasting legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and inspiring community celebration. Sharon Syrette is a passionate advocate for community history, a seasoned writer and editor, and a tireless educator who has dedicated her life to preserving stories and empowering others to share theirs. Recognized in 2008 as a Freeman of the City by the Mayor and Council of Mission, Sharon’s commitment to service and storytelling is both extraordinary and inspiring. Since retiring, Sharon has embraced an active role as a writing coach and Indigenous family tree network facilitator, guiding others in tracing their heritage and penning their memoirs. Her specialties - heritage research, oral history, genealogy, and community storytelling - reflect her lifelong dedication to uncovering the untold stories of everyday people, especially women whose contributions have often been overlooked in historical records. Born and raised in Coombs on Vancouver Island, Sharon graduated from Qualicum Beach Secondary School and the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Education degree. Her early career took her to Tanzania, East Africa, where - just 22 years old - she served as head of the English department at Iyunga Boys’ School. Returning to Canada, Sharon taught in public schools in Ontario and BC and spearheaded “Stay in School” initiatives for youth. Sharon’s commitment to community extends far beyond the classroom. Since settling in Mission in 1975, she has played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives, including co-founding the Valley Women’s Network in the 1980s and preserving the Church of the Holy Cross, a national historic site at Skatin FN (formerly Skookumchuck). Her work with the Mission District Historical Society’s Heritage Places branch led to the creation of a website showcasing profiles of historical people and places in the Mission/North Fraser area. An engaging speaker and facilitator, Sharon has volunteered extensively with groups such as the Fronya Women’s Resource Centre, Mission Transition House, and SD#75 Siwal Si’wes Aboriginal Advisory Council. She was also an inaugural member of Mission’s Cultural Resources Commission. Sharon continues to share her knowledge through monthly Coffee Chat: Tracking Indigenous Roots sessions for the BC Genealogy Society and as the volunteer leader of Family Ties: Connecting Our Generations, an Aboriginal genealogy project. Sharon has also guided the publication of numerous community anthologies, including Reflections: Our Canadian Experiences (2017) and Kaleidoscope: Small Bright Pieces (2019). As co-editor, she contributed to Spirit in the Land: Our Place of Prayers (2008) and Courage to Speak: Honouring Elders’ Voices (2019). Most recently, she co-edited Deedee's Indigenous Dream, published in February 2023. Today, Sharon dedicates much of her time to genealogy, memoir writing, and preserving the stories of the Fronya Women’s Resource Centre and Mission Transition House Society, with a goal to release a comprehensive community history for their 50th anniversary in May. A self-described “elder mother,” Sharon treasures her large extended family and hosts monthly Sunday dinners with her partner, Harold Peters. She has also ventured into social media, launching a bi-weekly blog, Words, Wisdom and Writing Tips, and an author website at www.sharon-syrette.ca, where her publications are available. For Sharon Syrette, storytelling isn’t just a passion; it’s a way to connect generations, honour heritage, and inspire others to embrace their histories and voices.
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