The lineup for the 2021 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train “At Home” online concert is…

So even though I can’t photograph the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train this year, thanks to COVID-19 still active (thanks a pantload, all you navel-gazing anti-vaxxers), there is still a concert scheduled that will raise money for food banks and community pantries throughout North America. So instead of happily freezing my fingers off, taking photos of the big train and listening to fantastic Christmas music, I will instead watch it at home, and hear fantastic Christmas music. Such is life.

The concert, which will stream on December 18th at 8pm Eastern on Canadian Pacific’s Facebook and YouTube channels, features eight different Canadian artists and bands, as they rock us through the holidays with fantastic music.

So who’s performing this year? Here’s the lineup, straight from the CP website.

Steven Page

Steven Page is an acclaimed singer and songwriter who is adored by fans in Canada and around the world. He broke out into the music scene in the early 1990s with his former rock band Barenaked Ladies, where he was the lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter. Steven Page continues to release original music as a solo artist, with new music on the way in early 2022. 

The Strumbellas

This six-member, Juno Award-winning band rose to mainstream popularity five years ago when their pop-folk single Spirits became a radio hit across North America and in several European countries. For The Strumbellas, though, accolades are secondary to the connection that their music has with their fans.

The Trews

With multiple radio hits drawn from several studio albums plus EPs, a pair of live records, and a retrospective, The Trews are among the most prolific, electrifying and innovative rock bands on the planet, a fact corroborated by onetime stage-mates the Rolling Stones, Weezer and Bruce Springsteen.

Sierra Noble

From a young age, Sierra’s soulful and distinct voice has earned multiple opportunities to share the stage with acts like Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi and Johnny Reid, to name a few. The Winnipeg singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer released their first album of traditional Métis fiddle music as a teenager, followed by two more well-received albums. 

Odds

Born out of the 1987 Vancouver music scene, Odds are an alternative rock and power-pop band with six Juno award nominations and several top 10 hits under their belt. Their albums broke through and achieved platinum status in Canada, and their new album is scheduled for release in 2022. 

Tanika Charles

Formerly known as the best kept secret in soul music, Toronto-based singer Tanika Charles has become a staple on the scene both at home and abroad. The 2x Juno Award nominated and 2x Polaris Prize long-listed singer continues to win audiences over one stream and one encore at a time. 

Aysanabee

Aysanabee is an Oji-Cree singer-songwriter who uses folk, soul and alt-pop to tell stories about his life and reconnect to his roots. His expressive vocals and poetic lyrics earned him features in the Indigenous Music Awards Emerging Artists Series (IMAs) and the International Indigenous Music Summit. He recently released two singles and is currently working on a debut album.

Keb’ Mo’

With five Grammys, 14 Blues Foundation Awards and a thrilling career spanning nearly 50 years, Keb’ Mo’ is no stranger to the music scene. His eclectic post-modern blues style is influenced by many eras and genres, including folk, rock, jazz, pop and country. 

So that’s your lineup for the 2021 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train “At Home” concert. Please enjoy the show, please donate to your local food pantries and food banks, and for crying out loud, GET VACCINATED so that I don’t have to miss the train coming through New York in 2022.

Can you at least do me that much of a favor?