Donny Parenteau’s Colours of the Sash event at the EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts was one of the best shows I have attended at the venue. It was uplifting, entertaining, and offered something for everyone.
The performers brought a wide range of music to the stage, from traditional shuffles and classic hits to newer songs, including Billie Eilish’s Wildflower. The variety kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.
The lineup featured Sabelle Martel, Maverick Martel, Bailee-Jo Martel, Darryl Anderson, Faylnn Baptiste, Julianna Parenteau, Freddie Pelletier, Rod Janzen, Brian Sklar, and Donny Parenteau, backed by his talented band.
From the moment the show began, it was impossible not to tap your toes. The opening performances, featuring young artists and dancers, were both heartwarming and inspiring. Young jigger Bailee-Jo Martel was particularly impressive, showcasing five different dance changes with confidence and skill. It was encouraging to see youth taking their place on stage and carrying these traditions forward.
What was also heartwarming was the gentle guidance Donny gave to young performer Maverick Martel, who was making his first-ever public performance. Donny’s encouragement and support showed the importance of mentoring the next generation of artists and helping them build confidence on stage.
Donny Parenteau and Maverick Martel take the stage at the Colours of the Sash performance at the EA Rawlinson Centre of the Arts / Photo by Amber Bear
The first act was vibrant and energetic, combining music, dance, and emerging talent. It included a couple of songs with Darryl Anderson, one with Fallen Baptiste performing Watching the Sunrise, a song they wrote together about finding the strength to continue living after losing someone you love. It was a moving and meaningful moment.
The second set was a nostalgic trip back to The Number One West Show, where Donny Parenteau, Freddie Pelletier, Rod Janzen, and Brian Sklar last shared the stage in 1991. Their reunion was one of the highlights of the evening. Along with sharing stories and memories, they demonstrated why they remain such respected musicians.
Freddie Pelletier, Rod Janzen, Brian Sklar and Donny Parenteau at the Colours of the Sash / Photo by Amber Bear
What stood out throughout the show was the genuine appreciation and respect the performers had for one another. They spoke openly about how they had inspired each other over the years and how grateful they were for those connections. Judging by the young performers sharing the stage with them, that inspiration is continuing with a new generation.
I left hoping Colours of the Sash becomes a recurring event. I was not expecting to fall in love with the show as much as I did, but by the end of the evening I was already looking forward to seeing it again.
My mind sometimes wanders to unexpected places, but one quote came to mind as I reflected on my evening. Chief Seattle, of the Suquamish and Duwamish peoples, said, “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”
As I thought about the performances, the stories, the music, and the generations sharing the stage, it occurred to me that the same could be said about the sash. Each thread has its own colour and purpose, but together they create something stronger, more meaningful, and more beautiful.
Colours of the Sash celebrated those connections. It brought together generations of performers, different styles of music, and stories of resilience, friendship, and mentorship. Like the sash itself, each person contributed something unique, but together they created something special.