Performing along with Sherryl Fitzpatrick who played the piano and fiddle, Danny Blackwell, who played the guitar and did vocals and Don Marcotte, who played the guitar, she combined Christmas and Pontiac songs for the packed winery on Saturday night.

“That evening was really special in the sense that everybody in there was so happy to be out, hearing live music and connecting with other people. And their energy was just wonderful,” said Gavan about her Saturday night performance at the Little Red Wagon Winery in Shawville in an interview after her performances.

Gavan described her shows as like a house party, as she handed out tambourines and bells to the audience to get them to participate.

“It was tough the last two, three years. And so to have a group of people in a room like that, where we could just sing along and laugh along and be together, it was a really special feeling,” said Gavan.

After her performance at the Little Red Wagon Winey, Gavan performed in Fort-Coulonge on Sunday afternoon at the Cinéma Lyn.

“We formed a conga line in the theatre,” said Gavan about the Fort-Coulonge performance. “We were singing Christmas songs together and people were happy. They’re so happy to hear live music together and to just connect with other people. It can be a very bad time of year, very melancholy. You know, we’re all missing somebody. And I think music is a healer and being with people and sharing that is really energizing and important.”

This message positivity was something Gavan emphasized.

“Well, people are lonely. People need to be with other people. And have a laugh. You know, life’s way too serious in the internet world. Just have a laugh,” said Gavan after explaining some spontaneous performances she played for two elderly diners in restaurants recently.

Gavan, a Quyon native with family roots in Nicabau, said that she loves returning to the region.

“Just driving from Shawville to Fort-Coulonge. I know it’s so easy to take that for granted but looking out the window and seeing those rolling hills, farmland, barns, old barns, new barns, new houses, old houses, it just feels like home. Like that’s where my roots are,” she said.

Gavan explained that she hopes to come up to perform in the Pontiac more in the coming months, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.

You can also find a performance from Gavan on the recently released album A Heritage Christmas for Hospice Renfrew, where Gavan performs a rendition of I’ll be home with bells on by Dolly Parton. The album also features other Ottawa Valley artisits.

You can find the album by contacting the organizer of the album, Denny Welburn at 613-715-2034 or dennywelburn@yahoo.com.

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