The phrase triple-threat takes on a whole new meaning when applied to the band Searson, three Ottawa Valley step dancing and singing sisters who also play a variety of instruments.
With Erin on piano, Heather on fiddle and Colleen on bass, Searson takes to the mainstage during the Kickoff Celtic Kitchen Party Friday at 8 p.m. at the Ramada, the first event of the much-anticipated Coldsnap Music Festival that goes until Jan. 28.
"The show is going to be high energy, there's going to lots of fiddle tunes, vocals and a lot of numbers people can get out of their chairs and dance to if they want to," said Colleen Searson, during a call from sunny Florida where the trio is on tour. "We'll also perform the Ottawa Valley step dancing, which everyone seems to love."
While on tour, Colleen said, Searson finds more and more people who recognize the Ottawa Valley style of step dancing.
To fill out the sound, Colleen said, the sisters are lucky enough to have Danno O'Shea drummer, percussionist from Niagara-on-the-Lake accompany the trio.
During the show, Searson showcases new work from their sixth album Fade and Shine, which is two albums in one with 16 tracks on it.
"We're really lucky that we have such wonderful fans that are always craving more of our music and always demanding more of us so we said let's do it all," said Colleen. "So there's 11 vocal tracks and five instrumental tracks and I think two of the instrumental tracks are about eight minutes long so there's lots of music on this album."
In 2011, Searson toured throughout Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Germany, Denmark and headlined one of the largest music festivals in Europe at Festival Ortiguiera, Spain.
Colleen said the trio have been hoping with anticipation that The Coldsnap Festival would eventually fit with their touring schedule.
"We're really excited about it and we love playing in Canada," said Colleen. "Canada always has the best audiences in our opinion. They're just uninhibited and not afraid to show their love for the music."
Tickets are $30 each and available at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue or Studio 2880, 2880-15th Ave. or by calling 250-563-2880.
