MEN OF THE DEEPS KICK-OFF MARITIME TOUR IN STYLE

Miner's Museum Hosts a Men of the Deeps Anniversary Reception and Concert

North America's only coal miners chorus, The Men of the Deeps celebrated their 50 year history last night (Nov.1) with some of their biggest fans, sponsors, former members, special guests and friends at their second home, the Miner's Museum in Glace Bay. Attendees were treated to an hour-long reception with the guests of honour in the museum's artifact room before enjoying a concert performance by the choir inside the museum theatre.

Men of the Deeps bass player Shane MacLeod fronts the group for a tune to a packed Miner's Museum theatre.

Mayor Cecil Clarke was in attendance to show his support for the choir and for the museum itself, re-confirming the CBRM's commitment to restoring the building, citing it - and the Men of the Deeps show experience - as the number one attraction of cruise ship passengers visiting Cape Breton Island. Alfie MacLeod, MLA for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg was also on hand to say a few kind words and present the men with an anniversary plaque. As a long-time supporter and friend, Mr. MacLeod spoke of the importance of the future for the choir and the lasting impact they have had in any community lucky enough to have them visit. 

After the reception, the crowd was hustled to their seats while the men prepared for their usual concert entrance and the musical portion of the evening began. Longtime conductor and forever friend of the choir Jack O'Donnell was able to join the celebration, despite having to deal with some health issues over the past year, and was honoured for his passion, expertise and commitment to the group with a video tribute and gift presentation. Jack sat as an audience member until the finale, having requested to enjoy the performance as a show-goer. 

The emotional evening of song and celebration was further enhanced with words from the always-enjoyable and hilarious Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison, who gave the room a sense of what it was like to share the stage with the world-famous Men of the Deeps. "I'd take Nipper MacLeod over Mick Jagger any day!" rejoiced Bette, which was met with thunderous applause and laughter. "And Keith Richards is no match for Yogi Muise," followed Maynard. 

Much to the delight of the choir, long-time friend and supporter Joe Shannon of Atlantic Corporation Ltd. was also on hand as the major sponsor for the evening. Mr. Shannon spoke about his history with the men having worked directly with some of the members. Mr. Shannon referred to the choir as "good men who do great things for the communities they live in and visit." He also spoke of their consistent enthusiasm for any performance, "Whether they are playing to concert crowds, or visiting nursing homes, they bring the same energy," said Shannon. 

Sponsor plaque on display inside the Miner's Museum artifact room

The Breton Education Centre band program provided a quintet for the evening to play along for the popular, Their Lights Will Shine, written by Ron MacDonald. As part of their upcoming tour, the Men of the Deeps will be partnering with area high schools throughout the Maritimes to allow the schools to use their concerts as band program fundraisers and also to give the students an opportunity to showcase their talents alongside the choir.  

Breton Education Centre band students Haley Oliver, Keith Harvey, Molly Campbell, Carly Brown and Jordan Crocker, who performed as a quintet with the MOTD.

As the evening came to a close, audience members heard letters of congratulations from levels of government, the Mining Society of Nova Scotia and MLA Dave Wilton, who could not be in attendance but who graciously offered to sponsor a portion of the evening through his companies Forest Haven and Wil-tones Family Fitness. The President of the Men of the Deeps, Gordon Sherriff, then brought audience members to tears with a humble and heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of the choir, adding that it is the audiences and the Men of the Deeps' wives and families that have allowed them to keep going for 50 years. Gordon also thanked their conductor Jack and his wife Judy for their outstanding commitment and friendship, and noted that the choir was in good hands under the watchful eye of Assistant Conductor/Business Manager Stephen Muise. 

Men of the Deeps former (founding) member Gerard MacNeil, who wrote the lyrics to the popular Coal By the Sea tune, performed regularly by the Men of the Deeps, stands with current founding member Bob Roper.

Of course, a night with the Men of the Deeps would not be complete without their signature finale song, written by the late Rita MacNeil, Working Man. Assistant conductor Stephen Muise invited the three former Men of the Deeps members in attendance to the stage to perform with the choir intensifying an already emotional evening. The audience was on their feet by the time the headlamps came on and an encore was immediately requested. We Rise Again was belted out by not only the choir but the entire theatre, and for this song, Jack O'Donnell conducted his choir. 

The Men of the Deeps wish to extend sincere thanks to each and every person who directly or indirectly supported the evening and the past 50 years. Thanks to Mary Pat Mombourquette and her staff at the Miner's Museum, Pam Leader and her staff at the Savoy Theatre, Jillian MacLellan and staff of Flavors Catering, Jenn Sheppard and Stephen Muise.  The group is also extremely grateful for the participation and support of their evening sponsors, Joe Shannon and Dave Wilton and guest speakers Mayor Cecil Clarke, MLA Alfie MacLeod, comedians Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison. Big thanks to all those who sent congratulatory messages, all former choir members and to the Men of the Deeps wives and families, who support the group each and every day. 

As the tour continues, the Men of the Deeps will perform tonight (November 2) at Sydney's Highland Arts Theatre before visiting the town of New Waterford for a Thursday evening performance. On Friday, the choir loads up their tour bus to visit schools and churches throughout the Maritimes. Happy 50th Anniversary, to Cape Breton's Men of the Deeps!

For information on the full tour, please visit menofthedeeps.com 

For tickets to tonight's performance at Highland Arts Theatre, please call 902-565-3637

For Men of the Deeps interviews or information please contact: Olive Street Entertainment at [email protected]