Ennis Sisters bringing family Christmas cheer to Esplanade

By Chris Brown on December 2, 2019.

If The Ennis Sisters had to be summed up in just two words it would be pretty easy: Family and music. Come December a third word is thrown into the mix: Christmas.

The Newfoundland trio, known for their harmonies and humour, will be at the Esplanade on Sunday at 2 p.m. with their acclaimed Christmas family show.

Before heading west for a slate of shows in Alberta and Regina, Karen Ennis answered some email questions about the show’s humble beginnings, the highlights, family and more.

Medicine Hat News: This is the 10th anniversary of the Christmas Tour. When you started did you think you’d still be doing it this long?

Karen Ennis: We released our first Christmas CD in 1999, called “Christmas on Ennis Road,” which was 20 years ago! When we started touring a Christmas show 10 years ago, we did a short run of venues across Newfoundland and grew it within our province for the following few years. The show was so well received at home that we decided to take it off the Island and tour it across the country. We look forward to it every year because it’s so much fun.

MHN: What are some of the highlights from the 10 years?

KE: The first time we sold out our Christmas show in our hometown of St. John’s was a pretty emotional moment. The first Christmas show we performed here had hardly 100 people show up. Then three years later we had 1,100 people in the venue. It was such a high! But our biggest highlight would have to be the fact we’ve helped raise over $400,000 for communities all across Newfoundland to date because we’ve donated a portion of our ticket sales back to the communities. That’s an incredible feeling!

MHN: Family is always important but even more this time of year. Do your families join you on the road?

KE: Our Christmas tour is pretty intense. This year we’re performing 26 shows in 30 days! While we’d love to have our families join us, there’s not much down time. Maybe one day when we get to tour in a private jet and a tour bus, we’ll take them along for the ride. It would be much more comfortable than the van we drive around in now.

MHN: It’s a Christmas show but it’ll be much more than just Christmas carols, right?

KE: While we do sing some Christmas classics, the unique thing about our show is that we perform a lot of originals. We make sure to put a good mix of the originals with the classics because we want people to sing along as much as possible. People can also expect Irish step dancing, recitations (a fun traditional NL form of storytelling), humour and harmonies. It’s fun for the whole family.

MHN: What is the best part of the Christmas season for the Ennis Sisters?

KE: The best part is getting people in the Christmas spirit with our songs and stories. Getting to perform shows all across Canada is something we look forward to every year. It’s our favourite thing that we do! When the touring is over, our Christmas is all about being with family and enjoying each other’s company. We spend a lot of time visiting family and friends, eating lots of food and of course playing music!

MHN: What’s next for you after the Christmas tour/season?

KE: After Christmas, we have to take a little time off to recharge. After that, we will spend the winter writing and working on a new album. In the spring, we start touring again and will tour on and off until next Christmas. We also have a couple of exciting projects we’re working on and hope to reveal them in 2020!

Tickets are available at tixx.ca, by calling 403-502-8777 or in person at the Esplanade box office or the Medicine Hat Mall customer service desk.