Somewhere between Paul Simon and an unnamed Bethlehemian innkeeper stands award-winning Prince Edward Island songwriter Lennie Gallant. For the sake of Christmas, he welcomed Zimbabwean acapella and dance group Black Umfolosi into his home, gave them shelter, and lo, unto them a song was born. Never mind that all of this happened in mid-July, or at the request of mutual friend and booking agent Bob Jensen. That’s practically Christmas Eve for musicians.
Three months following the release of his latest album, Time Travel, Gallant has released “Christmas Day on Planet Earth” in a timely fashion to get us all in the holiday spirit.
Written in the dead of summer, the track tells the classic Christian nativity tale of two desperate parents seeking shelter for their newborn son. But it was also written to compare that scene with the reality of so many present-day people who struggle to find warmth during the cold months.
The message behind the track is simply a reminder of what the holiday season is truly about: giving to those who need it. A recipient of the Red Cross Humanitarian Award for PEI, Gallant is no stranger to advocating for the less fortunate.
“Christmas is a time for giving and opening hearts, and that should be what the day is all about,” says Gallant.
With Black Umfolosi’s gentle choral backing over Gallant’s acoustic guitar and piano, the track mixes things up a bit, reminding us that Christmas really does happen all over “Planet Earth,” not just in quaint storybook villages throughout England or wherever Coca-Cola products can be purchased.
Gallant will be performing throughout November as part of his Time Travel album release tour, but as soon as the clock strikes December Gallant’s tour magically transforms into a series of festive holiday performances.
Tour Dates:
11.24.18 – Tatamagouche, NS @ The Grace Jollymore Joyce Arts Centre
11.25.18 – Halifax, NS @ The Marquee
12.04.18 – Summerside, PEI @ College of Piping
12.07.18 – Moncton, NB @ Aberdeen Cultural Centre
12.09.18 – Wolfville, NS @ University Hall, Acadia
12.14,18- Charlottetown, PEI @ Trinity United Church