McDades set to infuse Empress with Celtic roots

By Lethbridge Herald on February 9, 2022.

Juno Award winners The McDades kick off the Centre Stage Concert Series at the Empress Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
The Edmonton-based folk trio consists of siblings Shannon Johnson on violin and vocals, Solon McDade on bass and vocals and multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah McDade who also does vocals.
The McDades started performing at an early age, playing folk music with their parents Terry and Danielle McDade in the McDade Family Band for 20 years. They formed The McDades in 2000.
In November, the band released their third album, “The Empress.” In the tarot, The Empress is the third card, and represents the productivity of the subconscious, bringing strong bursts of creative and artistic energy.
When deciding on a title for the album, the trio says they were “drawn to the concept of the Empress and also to the symbolism of the number three, both having ties to creativity, growth, new ideas and expression.”
The McDades are known for stretching the boundaries of traditional music, but with much wider inspiration that is full of side trips and improvisations. As a group they love the experimentation and exploration of new ideas and arrangements; the freedom to express themselves within an art form, but without constraints. The Empress, though Celtic at heart, includes splashes of classical, jazz, bluegrass, Indian classical music and rock.
The original tunes, traditional songs and three covers on the album showcase The McDades’ love of exploration.
The McDades won a Juno in 2007 for their album “Bloom” in the Best Roots/Traditional Album (group category), along with a 2007 Independent Music Award for Best World Album Traditional, and two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Best World Group & Best Instrumental Group.
Tickets are available at MacleodEmpress.com or by calling 403-553-4404 (toll-free at 1-800-540-9229).