Name: Rebecca and Peg Fraser

City: Stellarton

Province/State: ns

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you very much for the incredible concert today at the reopening of the deCoste Centre in Pictou County. As always when we listen to you, we laugh, we cry and we sing along. Long may you continue to bring joy to others through the beloved music and stories you share. Only is Nova Scotia can a theatre feel like a kitchen party!

Name: Steve Maloney

City: Invercargill

Country: New Zealand

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you Men of the Deeps for a wonderful and very memorable concert tonight. My only regret is that my mum or my dad were not here with me to enjoy the show as I know they would love it too. But thanks to Billy McPherson and the cds he gifted me after the show, my parents will still be able to enjoy your beautiful sounds. So from the three of us and on behalf of all those other Kiwis who will now get a taste…Thank you.

Steve
New Zealand

Name: Gary Walsh

City: Baddeck

Province/State: NS

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Yesterday I attended your wonderful concert at MacGillvary Guest Home. My wife has Alzheimer’s and I want to thank you for bringing her such joy and happiness. She was enthralled from the beginning to the end. It is an amazing gift to awaken her heart and bring back that beautiful smile. Thank you so much!

Name: Cathy Rogers-Tibbitts

City: Prescott

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Great chorus! I was introduced to this music by my father. He spent his summers in Nova Scotia (Antigonish/Guysborough area), as my grandmother was born there. Love this music and my husband and I were able to see the performance when you were in Brockville, ON a couple of years ago.

Name: Judith Eileen Connors

City: new glasgow

Province/State: Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I’ve had the great pleasure of attending one of your shows. I live in Pictou County, Nova Scotia where coal mining was also a way of life. Your voices brought me to tears and laughter. You truly are the Brave Men of the Deeps. Thank you

Name: Bill Mac Pherson

City: Dominion

Province/State: Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

The Men Of The Deep,s were very proud and honoured to perform this pass week along side Breton Education Center and Glace Bay High School bands sharing our Christmas storie,s in song to sold out audience,s in both places.The young band members were great and what an experience it indeed was for us also.These two fund raising events were a total success.To all the good folks who came out for these shows thank you as we strive to keep music and arts alive in our schools.Once again thank you to the music teachers and students,you all were so great.

Name: Felicity Capstick

City: Glace Bay

Province/State: Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Last night we played together at Glace Bay High School and it was incredible! I was a part of the small ensemble of students who played along on stage. It was such an amazing oppurtunity and I think I can speak for the entire band when I say we loved it! Everyone had a blast. Thank you for the amazing show! 🙂

Name: Kim Thrush

City: Georgetown

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Just saw your show in Guelph tonight. It was amazing! The connection all the men seem to have on stage is amazing It’s obvious how much they enjoy presenting the show. The violin player was so talented. Truly a great evening!

Name: Theresa&Paul Dinnage

City: Belleville (soon to be Miramichi, NB)

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We saw your show on Nov 29, 2023 in Belleville. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The songs, the fiddle music and the story was awesome.
Thank You

Name: Shaun Dafoe

City: Burlington

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I recently saw these fine gentlemen in concert . I was greatly impressed and moved by their music and their stories of their experiences .

Name: Jim & Lynn

City: Wiarton

Province/State: Ont

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We attended the Owen Sound show last evening. Amazing performance . So uplifting and such talent. We look forward to booking again next year if they return to our area. Merry Christmas to all.

Name: Patti Oakes

City: Burlington

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Saw the show this evening at the Burlington Performing Arts Center. Absolutely blown away! The voices are great and the stories were so moving. One of the best shows I have seen at BPAC since it opened. I hope you will return before long. Thank you for an incredible evening.

Name: Patti Oakes

City: Burlington

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Saw the show this evening at the Burlington Performing Arts Center. Absolutely blown away! The voices are great and the stories were so moving. One of the best shows I have seen at BPAC since it opened. I hope you will return before long. Thank you for an incredible evening.

Name: Virginia Cyr

City: Ingleside

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

What an amazing choir! Beautiful voices singing songs that tell of their experiences in the mines and in their personal lives. You laugh, you cry, and every song will move you. Last night (Nov.24/23) I attended my second concert of theirs in Cornwall, On. I hope they keep coming back, and I’ll not miss one, if I can help it.

Name: Linda Hickey

City: St. John’s

Province/State: Newfoundland and Labrador

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

The Men of the Deeps are a group of incredibly talented musicians who, in my opinion, are beyond captivating. Every time I watch their performances, my heart is genuinely moved by their artistry.

These remarkable performers have an unparalleled ability to touch the depths of one’s soul. Their powerful voices and mastery of traditional instruments create an emotional experience that resonates with me on a profound level.

They transport me to a world filled with the hardships, resilience, and camaraderie that defined the mining communities of the past. With each song they sing, I feel as if they’re paying a heartfelt tribute to their heritage and the enduring spirit of the coal mining people, and it’s an experience that leaves me in awe.

Name: Irene

City: Greater City of Sudbury

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

This group is amazing. I wish I had the opportunity to see their Christmas concert in Ontario. Any chance you’re coming up to the mining communities in Northern Ontario? ( Our Christmas Concert is posted at www.menofthedeeps.com/gigs )

Name: David Lyons

City: Moose Jaw

Province/State: SK

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

My wife and I were at the show in Louisbourg on 1 October. It was an amazing experience and a fantastic show. The men sang beautifully. What a talented group. If you haven’t gone to one of their shows yet you should definitely check them out. You’ll be treated to an astounding event.

Name: Michael Hoskins

City: Sydney

Province/State: New South Wales

Country: Australia

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you for promoting the working class man, the most important group of people on the planet.
As a retired working man who forty years ago, for many years, led a team of tough single dedicated immigrant men, Serbian,Croat, Sicilian, Russian who day and night cleaned chemical tanks and bunkers on Sydney’s chemical plants which held some of the most dangerous chemicals known to man, horrors like benzene, Xyzylene, mercury, chlorine, caustic soda, coal dust with no breathing protection whatsoever but to run like hell together with a rag over your face if there was a spillage. All of these brothers have since gone on, once a month I drive the streets of inner Sydney looking for just one of them but I feel they are no more and it hurts that I am still here.
These hardest of men taught me what tough and loyalty is all about.The saddest thing of all was the boss’s disrespect for them.
He could never understand and respect the the men who made him rich.
Regards, from Australia.

Name: Mike Pannell

City: Beckley

Province/State: WV

Country: Usa

Guestbook Entry:

Just discovered your group today. I love the songs. I was also a coal miner for 7 years in the UMWA and my father worked in the coal mines all his life. Was wandering if your group tours at all.

Name: Brenda & Jack Harkness

City: Alliston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

July of 2022 we had tickets for show while vacationing in Cape Breton, N.S.. However, heavy fog prevented us from attending.
I can’t wait for the first opportunity to attend a show.
Wonderful talent(s) and ‘still on my bucket list!’
Wish you had shows in Ontario…

Name: Rock St-Laurent

City: Cambridge

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We will be attending the Lamplight Gala on May 13,2023. We have been in Cape Breton for less then a week now and we are looking forward to this Gala.

Name: Randall Godfrey

City: Melbourne

Province/State: FL

Country: United States

Guestbook Entry:

I was in Louisburg, NS in 2009 and caught your performance at the theatre there. I hope to be in Nova Scotia this summer (2023) and am looking for your performance schedule. I hope I can catch another performance as it is inspirational.

Name: Linda Deline

City: Chatham

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I have loved the Men of the Deeps since the first time they came to Chatham. It’s where I bought an album that I absolutely loved. Unfortunately It burned up when our van did. Looking forward for to this albumn.

Name: Star Lakavage

City: CLINTON

Province/State: TN

Country: United States

Guestbook Entry:

We visited Nova Scotia in September 2022, a trip we planned for sometime. We just didn’t know that Ms Fionna would be ‘visiting’ at the same time! I read about your group prior to our trip. I’ve been listening to the 2 cds that I purchased in Baddeck, Their Lights Will Shine and 40 Years Young. My grandfather was a deep coal miner in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania, fresh off the boat from Lithuania. We passed by that area on our way to Nova Scotia. He made it thru the Spanish flu but eventually died of pneumonia, brought on by black lung. My grandmother’s second husband was also a deep coal miner, also from Lithuania. Oddly, when I worked in fisheries for environmental impact statements, I worked on old strip mine benches here in East Tennessee.

But, listening to your songs and remembering my grandfather, made me realize several things-your job may be pretty bad at times but it’s what you had to bring in the support for your family and the goal is to keep pride in your work. Sorry, but no way could I make myself crawl into those deep pits. The song “Immigrant Eyes” really strikes home-how bad did it have to be in another country to leave and to take up work in the mines.

Thanks again for your work-whether it was in the pits or on the stage!
Star Lakavage

Name: Donald Powell

City: Nanaimo

Province/State: BC

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Saw the performance of the Men of The Deeps on Celtic Colors and loved it. Hopping to buy there newest cd and a few more.
God Bless
Don.

Name: Ian & Diane McLeod

City: Richmond Hill

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you for a fantastic evening of entertainment. You are the best, and represent Cape Breton in true Maritime fashion. Please come again.

Name: Heather Hintze

City: Parry Sound

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Just got home from your concert at the Stockey Centre. You, all, are amazing and talented! Your obvious connection to each other was gratifying to see. Would love to hang out with you sometime!

Name: TRAYVIN LEROY

City: North Bay

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

The crew really puts the lives of the workers who built our great country into a wonderful and awesome perspective. Thank you so much for keeping the spirit, stories and songs of generations past alive for youngsters like myself to cherish.

Name: Lynda Reed

City: Nepean

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We thoroughly enjoyed your concert here in Ottawa tonight! This was our first concert out since the pandemic began. Thank you for ‘moving’ us with your stories and wonderful music. Safe travels and enjoy your tour of Ontario.

Name: Nancy Burton

City: North Bay

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I saw Men of the Deeps in North Bay on Oct. 19, 2022. They were everything I expected, and more! I enjoyed the songs, stories and’
step-dancing. It would be great to see the stories in print, to read over and over! A book with the names and history of the members would be fascinating! As well when introducing the percussionist, could you have him stand to be seen? The song ‘On the Mira’ kept reminding me of ‘Squid-Jigging Grounds’ for some reason! I love all the songs from Down East, having been born in Kentville, N.S. and returned frequently as a child, I am now wishing I could live there, but have kids here. A summer home could be in my future! The people and the environment make me ‘home sick.’ I hope to see ‘Men of the Deeps’ many more times! Keep singing and may God be with you all, always!

Name: Barb and Dan Langer

City: Lindsay

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Loved, loved, loved your concert last night in Lindsay! My husband hails from Dominion, NS and it was awesome that so many of your choir know his Langer family members. I needed Kleenex…. Your mix of humour, talking and songs were perfect! Kudos to the music director, Colin and everyone! You guys are all awesome and everyone should hear your stories!, not to mention your music.

Name: Kathleen Brown

City: Halifax

Province/State: NS

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Men of the Deeps songs always remind me of my school days in New Waterford and Area. Too bad Stephen Muise is still tone deaf. lol Cheers! Slainte to the townies 🙂

Name: Chiaira Takahashi

City: Cambridge

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I finally got to see you guys on Oct 26th 2022 in Brantford. I have been waiting nice I was 6 years old, I’m now 15. I will forever cherish the beautiful photo I have with Bill McPherson helmet on my head with Bill and another member. Bill will forever be my favorite but I love all of you❤️ can’t wait to see all of you wonderful men on your next Ontario tour.

Name: Rebecca Haskell

City: Nipigon

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Hi Men of the Deeps…..I recently moved from Glace Bay, where I got to see you preform quite often. We are now back living in Northwestern Ontario and I need to see you again. Can you please add Thunder Bay to your tour. Love every show we’ve seen.

Thanks
Wayne and Becky

Name: Lyn Miller and Judy Amsbury

City: Peterborough

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Hello Men of the Deeps, we were at your concert on Wednesday evening at the UCW Conference at Membertou. It was our second time seeing you in concert, the other time was few years ago – at the museum. Thank you so much. Your stories, poetry and song were wonderful. You really touched our hearts.

Name: Sandy Sinden (nee Springall)

City: Sydney River

Province/State: N.S.

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I was blessed to be at tonight’s performance in Membertou listening to the story of coal mining on Cape Breton Island through the songs of The Men of the Deeps.

I’ve seen them perform before but this time was special. My husband and I recently retired to Cape Breton. Now that I’m a proud Caper, their music was much more powerful.

One of their new songs refers to a monument in New Waterford in tribute to miners who lost their lives in the mine. My grandfather’s name is engraved there. My dad never spoke much about his time in the mine. And after listening intently to the words of the songs tonight, I understand. ❤️ Thank you so very much.

Name: Teresa White

City: Abbotsford

Province/State: BC

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Pacific Edge Chorus (and friends) from Victoria BC is coming to your June 28th show, as part of our Maritime’s Tour 2022. We have been planning this for two years and are looking forward to hearing you!

Name: Sherri (Aker) Bowser

City: Sussex

Province/State: New Brunswick

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I have such fond memories of seeing the Men of the Deeps perform at my High School many years ago. We billeted Ike and Gord and even as a high school kid, I loved listening to their stories and I was captivated by their songs. I had the pleasure of being reunited with Gord in Louisburg while on holiday a few years ago and he remembered me – a very special moment for me. My Dad was from Cape Breton and I grew up listening to jigs, reels and songs that told a story, and I love how every song you boys sing has a story all its own, your music just hits different. Blessings and continued success always!

Name: SHERYL A HOOD

City: New Brunswick

Province/State: NJ

Country: United States

Guestbook Entry:

My mother, b 1926, grew up in New Waterford, Her father had the dairy farm and others of her family were down the mine. i have the album you did with Rita MacNeil. I visited her Tea House in 2005.

Name: Paul Edmond

City: Dartmouth

Province/State: Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

My father Bernard and his brother Wilfred were two of the original members of this great singing group. Also, Gerard MacNeil, a friend of my father since childbirth also joined at the same time. Amazing the group has performed so long!

Name: Shirl & Adrian

City: Collingwood

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We wanted to wish all the men a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. Hoping to see you in person soon.
Many Hugs till we can do the real ones.
We were listening to Christmas in the Mines this morning and kept looking up to see you. We’ve been enjoying a few live streams. Stay safe.
Love Adrian and shir

Name: Julie Smith

City: Victoria

Province/State: BC

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I am bringing my 35 voice a cappella chorus to your area June 2022. We will be in Baddeck for two nights 27th and 28th June and Sydney on 29th June 2022. We are a high energy performing chorus from Sweet Adelines International, winning gold medals in 2014 in the mid size chorus category. We always, when touring, love to meet up with local singing groups. Came across you when looking at the Cape Breton Chordsmen’s website. Covid has definitely slowed the singing communities down…but we are excited at the prospect of exploring your beautiful part of the country. Here is our website: www.pacificedgechorus.ca.
Thanks.

Name: Barry Croft

City: Markdale

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Saw this group twice in Owen Sound. Absolutley fantastic. My wife and i are coming to Nova Scotia in September and would love to see them perform in their home province.

Name: John & Maggie Mann

City: Whitby

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We were at the Dec 5, 2019, concert in Markham, Ont. and had then decided to make it an annual event for us. Then along came COVID. We hope you are all doing well in these difficult times, and look forwardg to your next visit to our neck of the woods. In the meantime we are enjoying listening to some of your CDs

Take good care of yourselves

John & Maggie

Name: Ulli Lange

City: Paonia

Province/State: Colorado

Country: USA

Guestbook Entry:

Hello folks, Ulli Lange here, many years ago I did a lot of business with the coal mines in Cape Breton. At that time the choir started performing. About three years ago I returned to Cape Breton when my son Jens worked for a local coal company. He took me to one of your concerts. What a delight. If you ever come to the West you might be able to perform in our town. Paonia was once the center of underground coal mining in Colorado. One mine is
still operating. I am also interested in buying some of CDs.

Name: John J Campbell

City: Sydney

Province/State: NS

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Awesome group. Keep at it!

Name: Bill MacPherson

City: Dominion

Province/State: Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Hi folks,Bill Mac Pherson from the choir.I,m in charge of our cd sales and i,m happen to inform every one that we have a new stock pile available.As you all may know our concerts have all been put on hold for the time being.We may not be on stage this year.But i,m happy to inform all our fans that we have changed our prices for our cd,s.Purchase any of our six cd,s at $20.00 and receive another of our cd,s free and we,ll pay the postage.Contact me Bill Mac Pherson -902-849-7556.Stay safe every one.

Name: Shirl Boughned & Adrian Goderre

City: Collingwood

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Hi guys, thinking of you during this covid 19 crisis and listening to your cd’s. We hope you are all staying well and staying.Blessings to each of you

Name: Carolyn McLeod

City: Chico

Province/State: CA

Country: US

Guestbook Entry:

My grandfather was born in Cape Mabou and worked in the coal mine. I know very little about him but have just learned that I have at least a couple of relatives that are members of your choir.

Name: Cynthia & Andrew DeShaw

City: Dartmouth

Province/State: Nova Scotia

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I am originally from Cape Breton and have enjoyed several Men of the Deeps concerts across Canada. We love the music and the harmonies are amazing. Looking forward to our next concert in Halifax. Keep doing what you are doing and making our miners proud.

Name: John & Maggie Mann

City: Whitby

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We were at the Dec 5 concert at Markham. What a wonderful experience that was, great singing, sore hands from clapping along with the music (made it hard to applaud at the end of a song), humorous stories, in a lovely theatre. I was delighted to hear “A Miner’s Christmas Story” told live, having listened to it on the CD “Christmas in the Mine” which I had received a couple of weeks before. I had played that track as we were sitting down to dinner the night before when the Prostate Cancer support group to which I belong had a Christmas Social.

We will be making it one of our family traditions to attend a Men of the Deeps concert every Christmas from now on, as long as you gentlemen continue to do your tours.

Thank you for a wonderful, delightful, and happy evening.

John Mann (writing for my wife also).

Name: Val and Bob Easby

City: St. Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

The first time we saw your group was on T.V. with Rita McNeil. We said if they ever do a tour in our area we will come to the show live. We have enjoyed your shows. I believe we have seen you either three or four times. We have seen you at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford. We have enjoyed every show that we have seen with your group. Please keep your group going. We like it when you mention Rita MacNeil. Especially at your show in Brantford on the 27th of November. Hope to see your group again. Take care. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Name: Donna

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you for a wonderful evening. Loved every minute of it.
Safe journey home and have a great Christmas

Name: Hank Kelly

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

December 8, 2019

Warm greetings,

I hope your return trip to Cape Breton went well. Regardless of how much you enjoy performing, I’m sure it is always a good feeling when you know that the tour is over and you’re heading back to family and loved ones.

I am a longtime volunteer usher at the Grand Theatre in Kingston and want to thank you for keeping Kingston in mind when you travel to Ontario. The audience thoroughly enjoyed your performance last night as they were smiling ear-to-ear while leaving the auditorium.

After your performance, I spoke briefly with a gentleman at the CD and souvenir table. I mentioned that I had written a poem that hopefully would provide members of your group with some comfort over the loss of your fellow colleagues.

Bruce, I would ask that you kindly share it with the men. It is a conversation between a living member and a deceased love one. I do pray that it speaks to your hearts and that you know that the Spirit of Rita, Papa, Jack and Jack live on

Thank you again.

Continue to touch the lives of those around you and may the God of your understanding continue to guide and bless you in the days ahead. Inner peace and happiness always.

Have a joyful, relaxing, and blessed Christmas and holiday season

From within

Hank Kelly
WHISPERS OF THE SPIRIT

A voice whispers in my mind.

“We are not separated in spirit; we can still communicate.”

My mind wanders but the whisper returns.

“Listen carefully to my spoken silence,

Gentle words, echoing from the warmth of my heart,

I have no regrets; I am at peace.”

The whisper grows.

“I know this is hard for you.

I see your anguish and feel your pain,

Yet, nothing has changed between us.

I am with you each passing day.

I feel your love:

With each sparkling smile and every tranquil tear,

With each devoted deed and every tender touch.

I will always be with you! I will always love you!”

Tears of sorrow and gratitude stream from my eyes:

Stream from my inner being,

Rainbow thoughts flood my mind.

“I am a better person because of you.

You taught me to open the eyes and ears of my soul.

Your legacy of love, friendship and thoughtfulness,

Was the essence of your life.

Your spirit will live forever! I will never forget you!”

I pause to ponder the power of the moment . . .

Even in death, you continue to teach me.

A warm sensation embraces my body,

And deep within my heart, I know . . .

I have been consoled by the Whispers of the Spirit.

Hank Kelly © 2003

Name: Gillian Grant

City: Toronto (via Sydney)

Province/State: ON

Guestbook Entry:

Hi fellas! I just wanted to say how much my friends and I enjoyed the show in Oakville on Friday evening. Beautiful songs, stories, and humour, all despite having that fiddler that you poor guys are stuck with.
…. just kidding.
Not many things make me want to travel to Oakville on a Friday evening, but I knew you would be more than worth the trip !
Enjoy a relaxing holiday and safe trip home.

Xo Gill Grant (sister of the fiddler!)

Name: Ed and Andrea Wierstra

City: Cherry Valley

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

We thoroughly enjoyed your performance Saturday at the Grand Theatre in Kingston. So much talent! We laughed at the punch lines of Jim’s jokes and had tears in our eyes for how your songs and stories touched our hearts. Blessings to you all. Thank you. And Merry Christmas! 🙂

Name: Mary Dunn Mombourquette

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you all for making Kingston Ontario a stop on your Christmas Tour. I grew up with your music in Sydney Nova Scotia. When I am not home, I need to feel home in my heart, and that is what you all did last evening at the Grand Theatre. Sent you the contact information on FB on the Cape Breton Tartan Santa Hats. Safe trip back home. Merry Christmas.

Name: Judie Durdle Hache

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Last night in Kingston ON we had the privilege of going to your Christmas concert.
Thank you for and the incredible evening, but most of all thank,you for all the beautiful memories of what Christmas in Cape Breton is all about.
The memories fill my heart and I will always be oh so proud of being a coal miners daughter , our Durdle family certainly has a lot of coal miners history in our little town of New Waterford. My Dad always told us growing up what doesn’t makes your tough…hahaha we get this..
Merry Christmas to all of you enjoy the season with friends and family and for sharing with the rest of Canada who got to enjoy what we grew up .

Name: Yvonne Baldwin

City: Wellington

Province/State: Ontario

Guestbook Entry:

My Mom and brother saw your concert last night in Kingston and I must say that I have not seen a better show ! I tried to tell my husband what it was like and cried again , it was such a moving evening . Than k you for all you do , the work you do and the way you make people feel with your voices ! I will be watching for any shows that you do in our area so I can take my hUsband this time ! Thank y’all and have a great Christmas you defiantly deserve a rest .
Yvonne Baldwin

Name: Dawn Forbes

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Fantastic show tonight in Kingston. Best front row seats ever! We wish you and all your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope to see you in Cape Breton!

Name: France Parker

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I want to thank you all for such a wonderful show. This was such a pleasure to hear you share your stories as miners through your beautiful songs. Both my grandfather and father were miners up north of Quebec in Rouyn-Noranda but never spoke of their experiences as miners. Through your songs I have learned so much tonight. Thank you again and would love to have you come back in Kingston before December next year.

Name: Kate Cousino

City: Gananoque

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thanks for a great show tonight!!

Name: Donna

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you for a wonderful evening. Loved every minute of it.
Safe journey home and have a great Christmas

Name: Diane Acton

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Just attended your performance at The Grand Theatre in Kingston and was overwhelmed once again! You gentlemen are absolutely amazing! I am so looking forward to the next opportunity to see you all again!! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Name: Cindy Dunning

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

Thank you for sharing a bit of your history and music tonight in Kingston. The show was wonderful, humourous and meaningful. Your voices are great and work so well in harmony. Your jokester was great with well-timed delivery…and loved how you all just sat down! You can tell that you get along by the way you support each other and get along.
Recommend everyone in Canada go and experience apart of our history…plus just great entertainment

Name: Sandra

City: Woodhouse

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

I very much enjoyed your show of December 7, in Kingston Ontario. The singing and music, stories and laughter created an intimate show and had me feeling like I was sitting around the kitchen table with friends and neighbours. The emotion you brought with your songs was moving. Well done . . . Merry Christmas to you all.

Name: Diane Payne

City: Kingston

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Guestbook Entry:

So much enjoyed your Christmas show tonight here in good old Kingston, Ontario. My husband and I were fortunate to see your show three years ago in Louisbourg and your shows just get better and better. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Your stories and songs are so memorable.

Name: Angie Mannella

City: St. Catharines

Province/State: ONTARIO

Country: Canada

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was totally blown away! I am not sure which was more incredible – the music, the lyrics or the stories! Why did I wait so long to hear them? A very good rate of return – 10x the value of your initial investment!

Name: Darcie Chaisson

City: St.Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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wesome show as always. I look forward to listening to your stories also for listening to your music…. You are all awesome… Merry Christmas to all Wishing you all the best for 2020!!!!!!! Hope to see you again when you are in Ontario.

Name: Susan Bright

City: Newmarket

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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We loved the concert in Markham on Thursday night. So many wonderful songs and stories! Although I was born in SW Ontario and have lived all my life here, there is no landscape outside of the Scottish Highlands that speaks to my soul the way Cape Breton does. Twice we have spent two weeks in September in Cape Breton and would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks for allowing us to return in music if not in person.
We wish you all a lovely Christmas and good health in 2020.

Name: Sandra Mundy

City: Oakville

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

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We had the loveliest time yesterday. A lovely evening in Oakville with the “Men”. It is amazing to hear the harmonies that have been developed over so many years and with so many stories that stitch your sounds together like a wonderfully, worn, homemade quilt. It was fun to have Colin Grant along and what a treasure he is!! I was part of the family as I was sitting next to his sister!
Loved it. Keep going strong. Sandra

Name: Richard Evans

City: Stouffville

Province/State: Ont

Country: Canada

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On Thursday December 5, 2019, I attended the Men of the Deeps show in Markham Ontario. This was the second show I have seen, the first in Glace Bay at the Miners Museum. The show was wonderful. After the show I met Jude Kelly. When talking to Jude, I found out he lived across the street from my Grandfather’s house on Connaught Avenue and knew him along with my father Buddy Evans, my uncle James Evans and my aunt June Peck. You see my Grandfather worked in collery 26 for several years and knew Jude and many other miners in Glace Bay. Taking to Jude was indeed a pleasure and brought back many memories of my childhood living in Glace Bay, which will always be my home. He shared stores of my Grandfather that I hadn’t heard before and I wish I had more time with him to learn more. On my next visit to Glace Bay (home) I hope to visit with him and he can share more stories. What an amazing group of men. I look forward to next years performance.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all!!!!

Name: Barb

City: Oakville

Province/State: Ontario

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Fabulous show last night in Oakville! Thank you for your beautiful music!!

Name: Jane Mary Dietrich

City: Toronto

Province/State: ON

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I was at your show in Markham on the 5th. I was not born a Cape Bretoner, but am one at heart. You brought back many wonderful memories and took me “home”. Thank you.

Name: Ron Henderson

City: OAKVILLE

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

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Thanks for the great show last night. Great job by everyone and a special shout out to the fiddle player…He set my Irish feet to dancing…Have a safe trip back home…Ron and Jo-Ann Henderson

Name: John

City: St. Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Your concert this week at the St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre was the start of the Christmas season to me. Like the Working Men that you are, your songs are honest and from the heart. A million thanks.

Name: Bruce Runciman

City: Oakville

Province/State: On

Country: Canada

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My wife and I had the pleasure to see your show in Oakville and I am glad we did because it was very enjoyable. Each and every member sang and performed from the heart which made the show so much fun.
Hope to see you again , keep up the good work, you’re a very talented group of guys!!!

Name: Effie MacGibbon

City: Brampton

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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I attended your concert on Dec. 6th in Oakville, Ont. I was never so impressed with such a performance by your group. I grew up in New Waterford but moved to Ontario in 1962. I have been fortunate to know Carmen Hughes as he is my sister-in-law’s brother. By the way Carmen makes the best boiled dinner I ever had…LOL… Keep up the excellent performance as you provide joy, love and laughter to those that are lucky enough to see you in concert.

Name: Lynne and David

City: Toronto

Province/State: Ontario

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We had the absolute joy of attending your concert in Oakville last night (December 6, 2019). We thoroughly enjoyed the music, stories and jokes. You made it such a personal experience and I do thank the choir members for speaking to us after the concert’s end. I was at the concert with my sisters at your last concert in Oakville (with Rita McNeil) when we bought our Dad, who was visiting from England. Dad too was a “working man” (although no a miner) and he thoroughly enjoyed the show and took your CDs back with him to share with other family members. Our Dad is no longer with us and your stories of lost loved ones resonated deeply. It was an additional pleasure to hear Rita’s voice before and after the show and during intermission. “Thank you” everyone, and please don’t take so long to come back again.

Name: Valerie Shishido

City: Toronto

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

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Enjoyed so very much your show last night in Oakville.What incredible talent.So many fabulous singers.Loved the fiddle music, the step dancing.Wow loved the music and the spirit.The entire show was a great joy and one of the best ever.Thank you for a fabulous evening

Name: Joan and Ron MacGibbon

City: Brampton

Province/State: Ontario

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Fabulous concert in Oakville tonight–Loved every minute of it A great start to the Christmas season Always enjoy their concerts and make it a point to see them every summer at the Miner’s Museum in Glace Bay Looking forward to playing my new CD’s Keep up the good work guys Thanks for a fabulous evening and hope you can return to Ontario in the near future

Name: Sonya

City: Oakville

Province/State: Ontario

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So enjoyed your concert this evening, I am humbled by the work you do as coal miners and I was moved to hear your songs, safe travels home to your families, who must be so proud of you all!

Name: Angela

City: Oakville

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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It is intermission at your concert in Oakville and I have to say you gentlemen are awesome! You have taken me so far down memory lane that I have tears in my eyes. I grew up listening to the east coast music my parents played on the record player and TV. Don Messer was one of their favourites as was your beloved Rita. A few years before my dad passed I brought him to this venue to hear her perform. He and my mother would have loved your performance tonight. Thank you for the memories. My heart was overflowing when you were performing ‘Little Toy Train’ – a family favourite. I’m looking forward to the second half of the show. Merry Christmas!

Name: Pam

City: Markham

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Billy McPherson and the Men of the Deeps, your concert was truly amazing last night. It was so heartwarming to hear your songs, listen to your stories and meet many of you. Thank you for sharing your Christmas spirit, songs and stories with us. It was truly an experience to be remembered and we hope to visit Cape Breton soon! Billy, I’m also reaching out to find out how I can order one of your toques. Enjoy the rest of your tour, stay warm, be well and keep doing what you all love. Merry Christmas to you all.

Name: Lori Boothby

City: Dwight

Province/State: ON

Country: Canada

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We thoroughly enjoyed your recent show at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville ON. A great bunch of guys — very personable and talented. We hope you enjoyed your “refreshments” after the show. Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon.

Name: Gail Burdett

City: Thornhill

Province/State: Ontario

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Good Morning Gentlemen,

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending your “Christmas in the Mine” performance last nigh at Markham Theatre. What an amazing concert it was. The singing and stories were very touching. I’m from NL originally it’s the east coast connection that warms my heart and brings back so many wonderful memories of Christmas. Have a safe trip back to Cape Breton and have a very Merry Christmas with all your loved ones that I’m sure are excited to be welcoming you home.
Looking forward to coming to see you all again when you’re back in Markham.
Take care & God Bless
Gail & John Burdett

Name: Bonnie

City: Crews

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Thank you for your wonderful show last night in Markham. I brought my mom, who grew up in North Sydney, and your songs took her back to her childhood, remembering her grandfather coming home from his shift at Sydney Mines, covered in coal dust. Sadly most of our family in Cape Breton has passed, but your songs, stories and sense of humor brought back memories of my childhood summer visits down east, and gave my 2 young boys a glimpse of all the great uncles they never had a chance to meet. Thank you for the beautiful songs and the memories.

Name: Rachel Dinneen

City: Purcellville

Province/State: VA

Country: United States

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Excellent concert last night in Markham! I flew in from Virginia to see my grandfather, Ray Holland. I had not seen a Christmas show before and it was wonderful! It’s always a treat to see you all in concert, especially my grandfather. I look forward to seeing you all again in Glace Bay this summer! God bless you all as you finish your tour and travel back home!

Name: Lorie Walker

City: Oshawa

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Was front row with 2 good friends at the show in Markham tonight! Wonderful show, great performances by all. Great to see and hear Colin Grant again! Bought cd’s for both and look forward to listening to them both!! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Name: Sylvia

City: Toronto

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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I attended your show this evening in Markham. Thank you for a wonderful evening of stories and song. I thoroughly enjoyed your concert.

Name: Jane Hanna

City: St. Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Hello I loved your concert last evening at the First Ontario Arts Centre I especially liked the Songs of Cape Breton Now that I know you like cookies I will need to bake some for next year’s concert at the PAC in St Catharines ( I hope you will return again) I wish you all a safe journey and thanks for coming to share your songs and stories with us Merry Christmas Jane Hanna

Name: Kathy & Bill Bolton

City: Welland

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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We attended your St. Catharines show and were extremely well entertained. We are still talking about how powerful the entire performance was. We have attended many concerts from Billy Joel and Elton John to fats Dominoe and Jerry Lee Lewis and many in between. I can truthfully say that you gentlemen put on a show that will never be forgotten. We are planning our 50th anniversary honeymoon in June 2020 and expect to tour all of the east coast. After last night Cape Breton Island is second only to the Tatto in Halifax. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.
Have a safe trip home

Kathy and Bill Bolton

Name: Karen Hamilton

City: Welland

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Fantastic show last night in St.Catharines. I had friends from church with me, seeing you for first time and they are hooked.
Safe Travels, Have a wonderful Chirstmas.

Hope you enjoyed the treat!

Karen

Name: Joan Cavanagh

City: St Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Went to your magnificent show last night in St Catharines. …Again I leave there with a piece of Heaven, your stories, music, and beautiful voices took me back home for a brief time and I thank you all. Looking forward to next year. Enjoy the rest of your tour and God Bless. Sincerely Joan from Wreck Cove. .

Name: Lynz Morahn

City: Ashford

Province/State: CT

Country: United States

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Discovered that you guys existed in one of those community-newsletter-fliers at the bar at 6 p.m. tonight, while staying in Hamilton for business travel.

What a wonderfully fortuitous discovery! 😀

I’m a singer and a fiddle player, lover of work songs and folk songs and grit. It was such a joy and privilege to hear your songs and stories tonight. Thank you for sharing them.

I hope our paths cross again!

With much respect and appreciation

Name: Ross Wallace

City: Niagara Falls

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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I was at your performance tonight in St. Catharine’s. While I could go on for an hour about all the highlites of the show…perhaps I can sum it up by saying…Perfection at its finest!!!
You makes me feel proud to be a Canadian.
Have a great rest of your trip and get home in time for Christmas to be with those who truly make your your lives so special

Name: Robyn Moore

City: St Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

Country: Canada

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Thank you, Gentlemen, for such an entertaining evening and for coming out after the show to chat, pose for photos and sign autographs for your adoring fans! Have a wonderful Cape Breton Christmas and a happy new year!

Name: melissa gamble

City: St.Catharines

Province/State: Ontario

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December 4 2019, Just saw your show in St.Catharines ,Ontario. Wow truly an amazing show!! Your songs and voices are beautiful!! Can’t wait to see you guys again!! Thanks for a great evening!!

Name: Nelson Dyck

City: Wainfleet

Province/State: Ontario

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What a brilliant heartfelt show. Mom says “You were great” Dad “Awesome”. Thank you for dropping onto St. Catharines.

Name: Mike & Deb O’Dette

City: Bridgenorth

Province/State: Ontario

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We would like to thank you for the wonderful performance last night at Show Place. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Your music telling the story of a coal miner has such meaning and tells a small part of what it is like. We would never have thought about the coal dust on the snow until last night. Thank you to all of you for such a memorable evening. Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas