Terry David Mulligan’s programs always bring music and people together as the holidays approach.
On Saturday, December 21, Terry will welcome guests Moe Berg, Chris Murphy, Steven Page, and Craig Northey for The Trans-Canada Christmas Vol. 1.
Moe Berg is best known as the frontman of The Pursuit of Happiness. Chris Murphy is the multi-instrumentalist who plays and sings in Sloan. Steven Page is enjoying a solo career after two decades with Barenaked Ladies. Craig Northey is a producer as well as a musician, and a founding member of Odds.
These four Canadian musicians have known each other for decades. In 2023, they formed a supergroup called The Trans-Canada Highwaymen.
Mulligan is thrilled with how this holiday special came to be. “They were together in Craig’s studio in North Vancouver,” he says. “They realized they could get it done, so everybody brought one song. It didn’t have to be a Christmas song, but a tune of the season that reflects how you feel. I asked each of them about the holidays, and how they feel about it.”
Mulligan wasn’t sure what the reaction would be when the musicians were asked about the holidays. As he says, “Some people embrace it, and some people wish it would go away.” But The Trans-Canada Highwaymen were reflective and grateful, he says. “They were all in love with the holidays and their families.” And, he adds, “Steven Page is Jewish, so he says he gets two holidays. He says sometimes the gifts are better at Christmas.”
Mulligan tells us there will be a Dan Mangan Christmas song in the mix too, and Roy Forbes will stop by with a musical recipe for mincemeat tarts. He hopes everyone tunes in for the holiday special. “The guests had fun talking about it, and the music is great.”
He adds, “Without the talents and support of Duke Paetz, Jasmine Vickaryous, Bren Cross, Arianne Smith-Piquette, Craig Northey and my pal Corey Wood, this first Trans-Canada Christmas could never have been created. A joyous thank you to you and your families. Grateful thank you to Steven, Craig, Chris, and Moe and their families. Happy Christmas and a great holiday season to you all.”
Don’t miss Terry David Mulligan and The Trans-Canada Highwaymen in conversation and music on Mulligan Stew, Saturday, December 21, 5pm – 7pm MT. You can also listen OnDemand or see the video at TerryDavidMulligan – YouTube