Talented Metis family from Alberta ;C.J. Shurter School brought some world class talent to town, and then worked them hard all day long.
The school is big on the extracurricular activity of jigging and all things Métis and on March 31, the kids were treated to some real professionals.The musical Poitras family of St. Paul, Alberta performed several times throughout the day for different classes of C.J. Shurter, proving that they have energy to spare. When The Leader stopped by to visit, they were jigging their way into the second performance.
Keeping it in the family is nothing new for the Poitras’. Mom Shelley is the most vocal of the four members, which is worth mentioning because she is the one member of the family that wasn’t performing when we visited. But mom Shelley was the quickest to speak on behalf of the family, which includes daughter Kelsey, 13, son Cory, 18, and husband and father Eddie Poitras.
For the Poitras’, she explained, having Métis blood means having Métis music in their veins, evidenced by the multiple talents of each of them.
The family members trade off duties on guitar, fiddle, keyboards and singing, all the while jigging to the music.
The Poitras’ family has the benefit of four extremely talented members that all work well together. They have released group and solo CDs as well as won many accolades for their work in traditional Métis music. Centred on the fiddle and guitar, the family has self-produced five CD’s, performed at many events in B.C., Alberta, the North West Territories and more. They have won countless awards for their craft.
Dad Eddie Poitras was raised near the Kehewin reserve in Alberta and has played guitar his whole life. At an early age, he traded a guitar for his first violin, and like the title of his award-winning CD, he has been “keeping the tradition alive” ever since.
At 18, Cory Poitras has been performing for 10 years. He’s an accomplished fiddle and guitar player and producer of the families albums. He might be considered the star of this Métis Partridge Family. Judging by his quiet demeanor, he would prefer to let the music speak for itself. Either that, or he is content to let his 13-year-old sister bring her talents into the spotlight next.
At age three, Kelsey Poitras won first prize in a vocal stylings competition, and has not looked back since. Now 13, Kelsey has a solo CD that showcases her vocal and fiddling talents, and she has been winning contests all over western Canada.
The three musical members, including mom’s management, make up the band “24 Seven”.
“Eddie and I used to go to shows and leave the kids with a baby sitter. After a while we thought, let’s get them involved too! It’s great to be able travel and perform with your family,” said mom Shelly.
Turns out, it’s great for the audiences also.
Musical families are great. The harmonies and just the plain ability to mesh musically seems to come easier in a family band. Here in Manitoba we have the excellent harmonies and talents of the Dutiaume and Lavallee families. The Gaudry Boys are also beginning to make their mark.
Here's a quick video featuring Kelsey and Cory Poitras. Good stuff !! ;
