'Canadian Idol' vocal coach participating in Rosebridge Christmas recital
Thursday, December 1, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Rosebridge Manor residents and staff recently received a surprise early Christmas gift when volunteer Wayne McKeever offered to hold a concert on Christmas Eve.

Along with being the first ever Christmas Eve concert, the event holds another surprise – Wayne will be accompanied by his daughter, Canadian Idol vocal coach Sarah Morrison.

“We’re not doing this for any sort of recognition,” says Wayne, who will also be accompanied by friend and multi-instrumentalist Jim McIntyre. Joining Jim, Sarah and Wayne are two family friends – Kathy and Jay Brasher – fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

“I just enjoy seeing the smiles on [resident’s] faces when we perform,” explains Wayne.

The concert will bring smiles to the faces of the staff, too, explains Kathy Barr, the home’s life enrichment co-ordinator.

“The staff are very excited about it too. Although some of the residents are familiar with Canadian Idol, the staff know the show well. Much of our entertainment is top notch, but I think this will be a step above.”

Kathy was delighted by the gesture - the home has never been able to garner entertainment on Christmas Eve.

“This has a lot of meaning for him,” says Kathy.

The group of performers will be singing traditional Christmas songs, says Wayne. Sarah, who splits time in L.A. and Toronto, recently recorded an album for Hallmark Cards and also plays live in the Toronto-region accompanied by her band - Dog's Life.

Jay and Kathy Brasher, fellow Mormons and long-time family friends, are senior missionaries and reside in Salt Lake City.

“I was thinking about us doing some local performance and Rosebridge came to mind immediately,” says Wayne. “It’s just around the corner from us – there is a lot of history and stories in that residence.”